Don’t underestimate a farm backpacker
Hi, my name is Anna and I am one of what you probably call those ‘bloody backpackers’. We are often overlooked but our role in farm life may be bigger than you think.
Like many German school leavers, I came to Australia to do a year of work and travel, without any expectations or plans. I first enjoyed the beach life in Sydney, fulfilling the typical tourist stereotype but after a sufficient amount of time roasting in the sun, I realised that lifestyle didn’t do much for me on the personal development front. I started looking for a job.
Fast forward and I found myself on a cotton farm in what Australians call ‘woop woop’, sceptical about what was to come and wondering if it would be like those Australian movies were there was no tree in sight, snakes around every corner and people saying ‘G’day mate’. I am pleased to say that it wasn’t like the movies in the best way possible.
Just as Australia is diverse, so too was my work. I helped on the farm, in the garden and around the house; I also looked after the animals and rode horses. I never thought I would drive a tractor or be an outdoorsy type, let alone in the middle of Australia, but there I was. Every time I told my family about the things I was doing; they were speechless and proud of what I was achieving. I learnt a lot about myself; things that I knew would have a big impact on my future self.
While I was involved in many aspects of farm life, I knew I was at the bottom of the pecking order. Whenever I or one of the other backpackers got something wrong, a jovial ‘bloody backpackers’ comment would be thrown around by our fellow team members.
Backpackers tend to be seen as the lowest class of workers you can get. I understand this to some degree, however, what we can offer shouldn’t be overlooked either. Most of the time we are given the dirty work that nobody else wants to do. We work on weekends and public holidays. We are (generally speaking) young, physically fit, driven by an immediate financial goal, happy to give up work life balance while we tick off our 88 days and have a proven track record of being independent.
The idea behind the three months’ required work in a rural setting is a very effective strategy that the Australian Government has implemented. Employers get access to a cheap worker who is motivated to unlock a second year on their visa; backpackers earn extra money to use for future travels while gaining a unique Australian experience that looks great on their resume. It’s a win-win situation.
For farmers hesitant to hire backpackers, there’s a lot to be gained. From my perspective, I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to work in a family operation where I’ve formed lifelong friendships, made the fondest of memories and challenged my own perspectives. I am certain there are others like me out there and giving them a go could lead to a mutually beneficial work relationship that extends beyond the fields and adds another element to your team’s culture as well.
So, next time you curse the ‘bloody backpackers’ – remember what it is we can bring to the busy, dynamic lives of Australian farms.
Author – Anna Breuer
A backpacker who completed her 88 days working on a cotton farm in QLD
**Please note that this person is not on the board of FFN – just a perspective of a young person in agriculture.