Agricultural Labor and Boxo's Down Under Expedition
Article Remix:
The Farm Scene Down Under:
Swing by, my mates! It's been near three months since the last blog. We're in late November, and things are heating up in Queensland as the farming and backpacking seasons for the "good" fruits kick off. So, let's dive into what these so-called "good" fruits are all about, starting with a quick Q&A to get the questions out of the way.
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Farmwork FAQ
Why bother with farm work in Australia?
Easy peasy! Australia is one of the world's prime agricultural players, producing a vast assortment of vegetables, fruits, and grains, ensuring plenty of jobs on offer. And hey, it's not like everyone from Germany has ever slammed their hands in farm work, so it's something for the adventure books!
The Farmwork Variety
From the classic fruit-picking gigs on plantations to maintenance tasks outside the busy seasons, like pruning trees or maintaining irrigation systems. Not to mention animal farms like horse stables or dairy farms, where you'll be saddling up, feeding cows, milking them, and more.
Searching for that Farm Gig
There are multiple ways to find your perfect farm job. Networking with other backpackers is always a good start, and you can find enticing job postings in hostels. But if you're ready to take it up a notch, peruse through the Facebook groups and hope for an ad that stands out. And of course, there are websites like Backpackerjobboard.com.au, allowing you to submit application documents once, enabling you to apply for dozens of jobs with a single click.
Farmwork Hubs
Where can you unearth these agricultural goldmines? Basically, all across the country. However, if you're after countless farms with harvesting work, head towards and around Bundaberg in Queensland. On the flip side, if you're craving something different, delve into pearl farms in Broome, Western Australia.
Timing is Key
The harvesting season in Queensland, such as the Bundaberg region, commonly starts around November and lasts until late August or early September. The macadamia season can even stretch into October, providing year-round work.
Perks of Farmwork in Australia
- Experiencing something new and exciting under the Aussie sun.
- Learning about agriculture and getting a physical workout under various weather conditions.
- Meeting new people, whether fellow backpackers or dedicated farm locals.
- Saving buckets of cash, depending on your work rate and leisure spending.
Farmwork Challenges
Working on a farm isn't for the faint-hearted. Expect scorching heat, torrential downpours, and a stamina test. And give yourself some time to acclimate. Remember to hydrate like a camel and apply generous sunscreen!
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The Farm Life: My Breakdown
Combining a Working Holiday in Australia with farm work has become a thriving combo for many backpackers. As you could've guessed, it offers decent pay, savings, and an unforgettable experience. Here's how I dove headfirst into the agricultural world.
I set foot back in Australia in late November 2023, eager to conquer the 88 days necessary for my "2nd year working holiday visa" as early as possible. Once I had my wheels, car, and work travel essentials in order, I peppered applications to as many fruit-picking jobs as I could find, mostly on backpackerjobboard.com.au. No joy, though. I also contacted a so-called "working hostel," which connects travelers with jobs, but remember, not all hostels are worth their salt.
Luckily, I can recommend two hostels in Childers that genuinely help you navigate the ins and outs of farmwork – the Childers Eco-Lodge and Farm Gate Childers (where my sister is currently hammering away at her 88 days).
My inaugural farm job with Van Rooyen's Farm secured me awesome bosses and rewards for my hard work. Picking litchis from the get-go! The Van Rooyen family, consisting of a couple and their three sons, were nothing short of awesome. They valued hard work, with promotions for those who poured it in. I quickly moved from picking to driving the buggies, which proved to be a fun and varied addition to the daily grind.
After the litchi season wound down, I spent another month on the farm helping with cleanup, making my full-time post from 7 am to 3 pm every day. This arrangement spared me from finding a part-time job until the avocado season began.
Avocados
The avocado season commenced in March. Workwise, the atmosphere changed a tad. Work weeks included Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3/4 pm, with the exception of rainy days. The farm, Peirson's Farm, sprawled across acres. Daily tasks comprised walking through the rows, picking everything within arms reach, sprinting to the cherry pickers (elevated platforms) to pluck the rest from the trees, and so on.
Closing Remarks: Farmwork
I was reluctant to bid adieu to both farms, yet grateful for the opportunities. Establish good relationships with employers, and you'll find yourself on their minds whenever a farm job opens up. And, to wrap up with the "good" fruits mentioned earlier, when searching for jobs, opt for roles involving crops that grow around the waist or shoulder height, such as litchis and avocados, rather than those requiring work from the ground, like potatoes or strawberries, which can be tough on the ol' body.
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Engaging in a different lifestyle, one can discover various travel opportunities within Australia's agricultural sector. Whether it's laboring in a fruit orchard or tending to livestock on a dairy farm, these unique experiences allow for an in-depth understanding of other lifestyles and contribute to personal growth.
After gaining valuable insights and establishing connections within the farming community, an individual may seek new adventures beyond their initial experiences, such as delving into pearl farming or exploring farmwork hubs in different regions of the country.
