Agriculture
19 September, 2023
From local paddocks to the world
FARMERS across central and northern Victoria are preparing to harvest oaten hay that will be transported to Bridgewater and processed for domestic and export markets. The strong season outlook has Bridgewater’s Hay Australia looking to...
FARMERS across central and northern Victoria are preparing to harvest oaten hay that will be transported to Bridgewater and processed for domestic and export markets.
The strong season outlook has Bridgewater’s Hay Australia looking to significantly increase its workforce to handle a significant increase in tonnage following a poor season last year.
Bridgewater is one of four processing sites operated by Hay Australia and Site Manager, Scott Cannon, said the company planned to lift the local workforce from 23 to 50.
“We have launched a major recruitment campaign to have the Bridgewater plant running at capacity to meet local and overseas orders,” said AWX’s Kim Holloway.
“Training will be provided to equip workers engaged within the processing facility and we will assist new staff in gaining qualifications to operate equipment including fork-lifts and to achieve their high-risk licence needed to work at our Bridgewater facility.”
This season’s harvest will mark the start of Hay Australia’s second decade of operation at its purpose-built Bridgewater facility. “Rotational day and night shifts are part of the culture at Hay Australia and we will be commissioning a second hay press to meet ongoing customer demand,” said Scott.
“Mechanically-minded and self motivated people with a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply for a position on our team. Hay Australia’s quality products rolling off the line at Bridgewater have helped the company build long term relationships with farmers across the region since opening the facility in 2013.
“We pride ourselves on providing our growers with long term mutually beneficial relationships, access to both domestic and export markets and seamless supply chain experiences.
“All of our hay undergoes extensive quality control to ensure we deliver a premium product, essential for good animal health and our staff makes that possible,” Scott said ahead of the new hay season start that will see production at Bridgewater increase.