INTERNATIONAL backpackers have returned to the region to assist grain growers with labour shortages during this year’s harvest.
It was a relief for many local farmers who struggled to find harvest employees in recent years when the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to international travel.
German backpacker Luca Berndmeyer was among those to sign up for a Mallee harvest.
The 22-year-old arrived in Australia in early October and was keen to experience life on an Australian farm.
“It’s a very different world compared to what we have at home,” he said.
“Just the sheer size of the paddocks and the equipment, it’s a bigger scale.”
Hailing from north-west Germany, Mr Berndmeyer had been working for a vegetable growing company for the past three years and completed a farming traineeship after leaving school.
With hopes to study mechanical engineering upon his return, Mr Berndmeyer said his trip to the Mallee broadened his horizons and cemented his desire to pursue a career within the agricultural industry.
Mr Berndmeyer said it was two co-workers in Germany who inspired his trip.
“They had both travelled to Australia and worked during harvest at different times,” he said.
Following their recommendations, Mr Berndmeyer began planning his trip, obtaining his passport and securing work at a cotton irrigation farm in Moree.
“It’s something I never thought I would have done, but since doing it, I’m loving it,” he said.
“This was the first time I’ve been on a flight for more than two hours. It took more than 30 hours to get here.”
Based in the small Mallee town of Nandaly, home to only 30 residents, Mr Berndmeyer embraced the opportunity to learn more about the wheat industry.
While the vastness of the landscape and the isolation took a little getting used to, he soon settled into the Mallee lifestyle.
“I loved it, every aspect of it,” he said, noting his highlights included driving the chaser bin, header and Versatile tractor.
“The Versatile caught my eye in the online advertisement for the job. It’s an uncommon brand in Germany.”
With a few wet days over harvest, Mr Berndmeyer was able to briefly explore the local region, visiting both Lake Tyrrell and Green Lake.
After finishing his harvest commitments last week, Mr Berndmeyer was now heading to Melbourne and Sydney for some more sightseeing throughout the Christmas and new year period.
“I’m really enjoying the backpacker life, meeting new people and travelling. It’s been a really nice experience.”
