The many grey nomads who use fruit-picking jobs as way to boost the budget, and make new friends as they travel the country could be in for a busy year.
Certain crops in certain areas have really thrived and there are likely to be many employment opportunities. In Young, New South Wales, for example cherry growers are predicting a bumper harvest. If the season stays ideal, famers will need help from grey nomads, overseas backpackers and locals for the next five months.
The Canberra Times reports that organising labour will be crucial to regional farmers bringing in bumper grain and fruit crops and their fine wool.
VERTO harvest labour consultant Sarah McAlister told the newspaper that favourable conditions could create up to 2500 picking jobs in Young.
“Growers will ring us requiring a whole workforce for the following day,” she said. “This can literally change five times a day as the weather changes.”
Although work is likely to be plentiful, technical roles on the land can be hard for famers to fill. The Canberra Times reports that negative publicity from the long drought years had turned people away from agriculture, and science-based agronomy and technical roles had suffered, even though salaries were keeping pace with sectors such as manufacturing and retail.
According to Rimfire Resources, which conducted a review of agribusiness labour, agribusiness is facing extreme competition for skills.
However, the industry is perfectly suited for travellers like grey nomad who are ready, willing and able to camp.
“Nearly all the orchards have a dedicated camping ground with a kitchen, laundry, amenities block and some even have powered sites,” said Rimfire managing director, Mick Hay.
Are you ready to pick? Do grey nomads work well alongside backpackers? What is your favourite crop to work on? Email us here to share your views on this story?
