Category Archives: Harvest Trail Information Service

National Harvest Labour Information Services Articles

Keeping Our Borders Strong: Australia’s Biosecurity Strategies

With numerous pests posing a threat to our crops, it’s crucial we all understand how our national biosecurity system works. Let’s break down our defence system and talk about the vital part you play in keeping our farms safe. How Our System Works Before the Border It all starts long before any threat touches Australian […]

Work clothes and equipment – what do I need?

So, you’ve got a camper van, a tent, and a copy of the Harvest Guide – you’re ready to do seasonal farm work picking fruit or vegetables. But do you need special equipment or clothing, and do you have to supply it yourself or will it be provided for you? Farm work varies considerably, depending […]

Goodbye from the Harvest Trail Information Service

The Federal Government has advised that as of Friday, 28 June 2024, Harvest Trail Services (HTS) and the Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) funding will cease and the services will come to an end. MADEC Australia has provided the Harvest Trail Information Service since 1 July 2003. Thank you to the many jobseekers over the […]

Paying piece-rates and the minimum floor

The two-year anniversary for new piece-rate minimum wage guarantee has come and gone, and we have seen and heard a few different scenarios and impacts the changes have had on growers and workers. Sure, the workforce and labour shortages are still mentioned in broader industry news, but the reality is that Working Holiday Makers and […]

Grower Profile – The Henningheims Pemberton, WA

Eugene and Gail Henningheim tell an epic story of starting out with no farming experience but a passion for the countryside and a desire for a tree-change. In late 2001, they bought a 104-acre farm with a run-down old farmhouse, some dilapidated farm structures, and a young 300-tree avocado orchard with weeds taller than the […]

Contact Centre Report

The Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) records and analyses data regarding itinerant workers who engage with us, ensuring we cater effectively to their needs as part of our commitment to continually improve and adapt our services. For the period spanning 1 October to 31 December, this report provides an analysis of the HTIS contact centre […]

Commodity in Focus – Avocados

Avocados have transcended from being just a fruit to a cultural icon, symbolising the essence of modern dietary trends and the famed ‘smashed avo’ brunch. Their buttery texture and nutritional profile have catapulted them to the forefront of health-conscious diets worldwide. In Australia, this green gem has not only found its way into the hearts […]

Fire ants – what are they and what to look for

Fire ants are native to the South American countries of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. They were first detected in Brisbane, Queensland on 22 February 2001 and are believed to have entered the country in shipping containers. In late November 2023, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed the discovery of a number of […]

Recognising mental health issues in your workforce

So, as an employer, you’ve managed to build your required workforce for the upcoming harvest. First box ticked. Next thing to consider is how to minimise turnover. The last thing you need is continual staff changes requiring your time and energy and costing you money to replace lost workers. Workplace health and safety laws help […]

Consider using Harvest Trail Services to assist you. No cost, no obligation, no risk. Contact the Harvest Trail Information Service or your nearest Harvest Trail Services Office. Harvest Areas 2020-24 Harvest Trail Information Service Contact List National Harvest Trail Information Service 1800 062 332 htis@madec.edu.au Harvest Trail Services – Contact List Western Australia South West […]