Friends and family help with seeding

Grain growers to the east and south of Geraldton Port say returning family, friends and locals have been a welcome source of labour since the COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt to study and jobs elsewhere. Carnamah farmers Peter and Paulina Wittwer have taken on their son’s friend Jacqueline Lawlor, who was laid off from a government contract. “We snatched her up and she’s worth her proverbial weight in gold,” Mrs Wittwer said. “She learns fast and loves the land.” Her comments came after a Grain Industry Association of Western Australia report said low rainfall and a more congenial workforce had made seeding a more leisurely pursuit this season. “Most are in no rush and are just doing daylight hours,” the report reads. “Whilst it can make for interesting family dynamics, many have commented that the enforced COVID-19 home time together ‘is a nice change of pace’, and the pressures of long hours over seeding will be less.” Mrs Wittwer agreed. “There is not the usual rush, it is much nicer,” she said. “My husband Peter tears his hair out trying to negotiate the various attitudes and abilities of the casual staff that we often get at this time.” Yuna farmer Kirrilee Warr said many in the district would be employing the “family army” this year. “There have been a few locals seeking seeding jobs and most people have been able to fulfil their needs in our area through the local workforce,” she said. Mrs Warr said uncertainty remained as to whether the pandemic would continue to restrict travel. “Typically a lot of seasonal work is completed by working holiday-seeking people, so it could get a bit tight later in the year when harvest season starts,” she said. “They are predicting there will be fewer backpackers coming into Australia seeking seasonal work.” Mrs Warr said she and her husband were fortunate they had no need to employ extra labour as they had enough year-round work for two farm hands.