IN anticipation of a bumper harvest, grain handler Viterra has increased its number of harvest roles this season by 150 – to 1650 – and introduced extra financial incentives.

It follows recent significant rainfall across the SA and south-west Victoria growing districts and subsequent predictions of whopper grain harvest.  

The 2022/23 harvest has the potential to reach over 11 million tonnes, making it the second largest harvest on record for the state. 

Viterra general manager operations, Gavin Cavanagh, said the prospect of a larger-than-usual harvest was good news for growers and people looking for seasonal work in the company’s southern Australian storage and handling network. 

“To ensure we can provide an efficient service to growers during their busiest time, we’ve opened up an additional 150 jobs for our network which includes 55 sites across South Australia and western Victoria,” Mr Cavanagh said. 

“We’ve also introduced a ‘refer a friend to harvest’ initiative. 

“This means a returning harvest worker to Viterra or current employee can receive financial rewards of up to $200 each if who they recommend is successful in securing work 

“The successful applicant will then go into a draw to win a $150 voucher, to spend in the region they’ll be working in. 

“The vouchers are a great way to say thanks for spreading the word about this season’s additional harvest work opportunities, while also encouraging new harvest employees to explore and support our local communities.” 

Viterra said it pays above award rates and provides all necessary training for the various harvest roles, from general grain handling to classification. Accommodation is also available in some areas. 

To accommodate the bumper harvest ahead, Viterra is introducing additional grain storage in its western and eastern regions through recommissioning closed bunkers, sheds and sites and building new bunkers. 

Applications for harvest roles are open at viterra.com.au, and no experience is required.

The refer a friend scheme means a returning Viterra harvest worker or current employee can receive $50 per person for recommending up to a maximum of four people who are successful in securing harvest work.