Broccoli Picking / Packing
A lot of farms in Australia grow broccoli and there is a good chance that backpackers like you will be assigned in harvesting this vegetable.
Usually, broccolis are harvested between the months of May to October. There are a number of Australian towns where this green food is grown. One of them is the Queensland town of Gatton, which is situated in the middle of Brisbane and Toowoomba. In your spare time, you could check out the hot balloon rides, but if you are adventurous enough, you could go sky diving instead.
Laidley is another town in need of extra hands when the harvesting of broccoli is at hand. Most of the local farmers in town know each other so it would not hurt to ask for referral to other farms once your work with them is over. From Brisbane, you could reach Laidley by car in less than an hour.
Other notable towns where broccolis are raised and in need of pickers are Bairnsdale which is in Victoria, Boonah, another town located in South East Queensland and the town of Hay, located somewhat in between of Sydney and Adelaide. The Tasmanian region also offers backpackers broccoli picking jobs.
Picking broccolis is a heavy manual work. You can be expected to work up to ten hours in the field. To harvest the broccoli, you have to select the good ones and you have to cut it and then put the broccoli in a bin. Usually, the bin is carried by a tractor which follows pickers from behind.
Normally, you get paid for every bin you fill up with broccoli; however, if you find yourself assigned to the packing section, an hourly wage is more likely. Before you start to work, see to it that you have clear agreement with the farm owner or supervisor with regards to your rate of pay.
Aside from broccoli picking and packing, you may also be asked to do some other manual chores.
Aside from the back breaking work, you also have to consider the hot weather and possible insect attacks while picking the broccolis. Do not forget your water bottle when you are in the field and fill it up every chance you get. It is important to keep yourself hydrated while working in the farm. You will not be able to work well and earn good money if you become dehydrated.
Despite the heat, it may be advisable to wear long sleeve shirts to protect yourself from the elements. Insects are also a problem you could solve with a generous amount of bug spray protection.
Another thing to consider is finding a place to stay after working in the field. A number of farms will offer accommodations to its pickers but not all. You could choose to stay in a hostel or caravan park during the harvest season.
Although broccoli picking is a long and exhausting work, take the time in getting to know the place and people. You will probably be amazed at what some of these towns can offer you.
