“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
– Phil Jackson
Our Seasons
There are many different farm activities to complete throughout the calendar year, on top of the general farm operations to plan and setup for these primary activities. The weather determines our busy periods through the year in addition to the constant peak times of seeding and harvest.
Preparing the Paddock
Early in the year, we undertake cleanup works, stubble management and moisture and nutrient preservation for the crop.
Deep Ripping
Depending on the summer rains, we move onto breaking the compaction layer in sandplain soils.
Time for Seeding
It's about April or May before we get started on dry seeding. We do prefer to seed in wet soil.
Liquid and granular fertiliser is applied during seeding.
Spraying
Throughout the year, we focus on crop care and firebreak management.
We might also be applying pesticide (herbicide, insecticide and fungicide) and liquid fertiliser.
Spreading
At different times of the year, we spread limesand and fertiliser for soil health and crop nutrition.
January and February – Limesand and Gypsum may be applied for pH improvement. Around March we may spread potash on the soil to improve potassium. In June and July, we may spread urea to improve the nitrogen in the soil.
Harvest
Harvest happens in November and December each year. We use 3 x class 8 combine harvesters with 13.4m (45') wide fronts along with chaser bins and field bins to gather and deliver the crop to our local storage, handling co-op or directly to mills.
Commitment to your Career
Gaining experience on our farm helps you develop your skills in the broadacre farming industry. We have many policies and procedures that we have to abide by to ensure we have a healthy crop. Therefore, we encourage professional and personal development opportunities.
Catalina Farms is a registered Working Holidaymakers employer, and we welcome enquiries from backpackers looking for work.
Accommodation & Food
We have various accommodation options both on-farm and in town to suit personal and family lifestyle requirements. All accommodation is well-maintained with modern facilities.
Our staff members are self-sufficient in maintaining their accommodation, laundry and food supplies. We supply meals and domestic help during peak seasons.
Local Services
Our farm is a 20-minute drive from Coorow in the Midwest, Western Australia. Coorow is a regional town with a big spirit. Our community is a welcoming and close-knit community.
Coorow has a highly-regarded primary school as well as services such as a grocery store, post office and part-time amenities such as a medical centre, hairdresser and beautician. Our local pub is open 7 days a week and does excellent meals.
Communication
Telstra provides a reliable service in our area for both phone and data services.
Heading to the beach?
The picturesque coastline in both Greenhead and Leeman is about 120km away and offer camping, fishing and boating recreation opportunities.
Visiting the City
Catalina Farms is located between two cities, Perth is 280km south and Geraldton is 230km north. Geraldton is a beachside city with excellent cafes, restaurants, sightseeing, sport and shopping. Perth, our state capital, is a beautiful city to explore. Moora is close by (100km south) and boasts lovely parks and heritage buildings.
Sound like your kind of place?
We would love to discuss what employment opportunities are available at Catalina Farms.