So the days of picking begin

So the days of picking begin.  Picking fruit is not rocket science but it is an art; having the right eye and attention to detail makes the difference. In Dave’s case, he should really focus on the attention to detail bit as he has already nipped his fingers 4 times and we’re quickly running out of the essential bandaids. In is defence, he is working extremely quick earning us money. The days of picking are hot and long ranging from 6-9hours in the direct sunlight with temperatures ranging above the 30 degree mark with low humidity, just raw beaming heat. I made a make shift shade thing to so it wouldn’t be so ‘direct’ which includes an umbrella that is cable tied to an extender pole then strapped to the steel work station; a real engineering break through. It does actually work by giving me shade but not so well in the wind. The pay is based on how many buckets/crates you do and roughly on average people do anywhere from 20-100 depending on how long you’ve been doing it for. On our first day we did 35 crates (not so good) next day was 49 (better). It goes up by there. There is one Tongan here that has been doing it for the last 10 years and is able to do 100 buckets by himself per day. On a good rate there worth $2 per bucket, not bad pay. I’m getting close with a personal record of 45.

 

Market Update:

spare of the moment photo

After talking to the farmer over a nice very cold Carlton Draught (the local beer) I decided to call Nat and Tim from Tasmania to see whether or not they would be interested in some work as we have a shortage of workers on the farm. A few days pasted and voila, they decided to come down for a week in attempt to make up money spent on their 1996 troopcarrier transfer case and rear diff set up(a lot of money spent there but it’s basically brand new now). Tim told me that while they were fixing it up the mechanics notices that the front leaf springs were on the WRONG way; 50mm out and on back to front meant that the leafs were dinting the shock absorbers and probably mucking up the rear drive shaft somehow. Apparently the suspension hasn't been touched since the factory...so well done Toyota and your recently hired apprentice in the suspension section.

We are very lucky to be at this farm as I’ve been told that most of the surrounding farms are all owned by Italians with massive houses like the ones you can win by buying tickets in from Boys Town or something. These farmers pay a ridiculously low rate and expect high quality and volume and if it’s not up to their standard, mainly because you’re rushing to make a decent hourly rate, they tell you to bugger off and replace you with Asian works who don’t complain. These 'workers' are usually working for half the minimum wage plus getting a 25% cut taken out that is usually given to the supervisor and/or contractor; sometimes two. Dave and I are thanking our lucky britches that we’re actually making a far bit of money because the John the farmer gives us a decent wage at the end of the week. How nice...he deserves a carton of Carlton.