Tag Archives: @farmers

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 […]

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 […]

Fire Safety

Fire season across the country has well and truly started, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to prepare both on-farm and across your broader community. Following three years of La Nina weather patterns, the recently declared El Nino, backed by a hotter than average August and September, potentially increases bushfire risk. Bushfire preparedness should […]

Farmers and Mental Health

This is the first in a series of occasional articles in relation to the mental health of Australia’s farmers. A recent industry survey  revealed record-low morale among a subset of Australian horticulturalists. The survey cited increasing costs of production, tightening margins and a shortage of skilled labour as major factors in combination forcing growers to […]

Do you need help finding harvest or horticulture workers?

Harvest Areas 2020-23 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 Trail Information Service Contact List National Harvest Trail Information Service 1800 062 332 htis@madec.edu.au Contact Harvest Trail Services List Western Australia South West Rural […]

Seasons Greetings

From the MADEC team delivering the Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS), we wish you all a very merry and peaceful Xmas and a prosperous new year. We hope you are able to enjoy a short break so please stay safe and reach out if you’re going through a tough time. Don’t forget to call the […]

Quad Bikes are Risky

Quad bikes are a major cause of death and serious injury on farms each year in Australia. Most quad bike related incidents are associated with rollovers. The risk of a rollover is increased if the quad bike is crossing a slope, towing an attachment, travelling over rocky or uneven ground, or carrying a heavy or […]

Embracing AgTech: Revolutionising Horticulture through Increased Productivity, Efficiency and Connectivity

The world of horticulture is experiencing a game-changing technological shift, with cutting-edge advancements focused on boosting productivity, streamlining processes, and improving connectivity. These innovations present a unique opportunity for Australian horticulture employers to become frontrunners in eco-friendly and ethical farming practices. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the ground-breaking technologies, their real-world […]