Grain Harvest & Seeding

Harvesting and seeding are the two peak periods of activity in the expansive grain industry in Western Australia. While the seasonal conditions greatly differ for each activity, both require long hours of often repetitive work, and may require working night shifts but are financially rewarding. Both activities are reliant on weather conditions which can affect the timing and length of seasons within each region.

Seeding involves preparing the soil and sowing crops using a variety of large machinery such as tractors, air seeders and fertilizer spreaders. People employed during seeding may also be required to conduct general farm maintenance such as fencing, or work with sheep or cattle if the farm is a mixed enterprise.

Harvesting of crops occurs during the dry summer months and involves activities such as using a combine harvester to remove the crop, driving a chaser bin alongside the harvester to collect the grain and carting the grain for storage. General farm maintenance and livestock work may also be required when working during harvest. Work may also be found at Grain Receival Sites throughout the Wheatbelt during the harvest season with Co-operative Bulk Handling www.cbh.com.au.

Work requirements

Experience in operating machinery will be a great advantage when applying for seeding or harvest work. Many employers will only take people who are experienced with operating farm machinery, due to the risks involved with expensive, highly technical machinery.

People working during seeding and harvest will be required to work long hours in often repetitive and solitary work. Conditions during harvest can be very hot and dusty while seeding takes place in often cold and wet weather. A current drivers licence will most likely be required. Accommodation is often provided on the property.

It is important to ensure you are eligible to work in Australia, and have obtained an Australian Tax File Number. Contact the Department of Immigration & Citizenship www.immi.gov.au, the Australian Taxation Office www.ato.gov.au or the Australian WorkPlace site www.workplace.gov.au for further information on working in Australia.

Training

Training for seasonal positions is typically conducted on the farm, although prior experience is often necessary.

Where to find seasonal work

Job Network (To find an Australian Government Employment Service provider in your area) 13 62 68 www.jobnetwork.gov.au

The West Australian newspaper (look under R for Rural Employment) www.thewest.com.au
The Countryman, Farm Weekly or local newspapers

Visit the local Telecentre, Shire Council or Tourist Bureau for contacts in the local industry www.telecentre.wa.gov.au
The National Harvest Labour Information Service 1800 062 332 www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail
Work about Australia (02) 6884 7777 www.workaboutaustralia.com.au
PGA Personnel (08) 9479 4544 www.pgapersonnel.org.au
Rural Enterprises (08) 9325 8411 www.ruralenterprises.com.au
Careerjet www.careerjet.com.au
The Job Shop (08) 9228 1457 www.thejobshop.com.au

Calendar of work

Region

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South West / Great Southern

H

H

S

S

S

S

H

H

Esperance

H

H

S

S

S

H

H

Wheatbelt

H

S

S

S

H

H

H

Gascoyne/Midwest

H

S

S

S

H

H

H

H = Harvesting
S = Seeding