Category Archives: Trail Talk

Commodity in Focus: Citrus

Have you ever wandered through a citrus orchard and felt that zesty air of potential? That’s the Australian citrus industry for you: a vibrant collection of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, each telling a story of innovation, sustainability, and a thirst for global recognition. Reflecting on insights gained at the Australian Citrus Conference, let’s peel […]

Using the Fair Work Ombudsman Service & Resources

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is responsible for ensuring fair work practices across Australia. With a keen eye on compliance, the FWO is here to help you navigate the complexities of employment laws, making sure you’re looking after not only your crops but also your workers. For those in the horticulture sector, staying on top […]

Battling the Fall Armyworm

As many of you may have noticed, COVID-19 wasn’t the only unwelcome visitor to reach our shores in 2020. Alongside the global pandemic, the Fall Armyworm (FAW) began making its presence known across our fields. With a voracious appetite for a wide variety of crops, this pest has quickly turned into a major headache for […]

Ablution block investment – is it worth it?

No beds, no workers. If a region grows commodities that require seasonal workers for only relatively short periods of time, it may not be viable for hostels or other budget accommodation providers to exist. Without somewhere cheap to stay, itinerant workers may not be able to take up seasonal jobs on offer, even if they […]

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 employers over the […]

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 […]

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 […]