GRAIN CENTRAL | Veterans a home-grown asset ready to bolster ag
A program established with the support of Grain Producers Australia (GPA) to connect Australian Defence Force veterans with grain harvest jobs is preparing to expand, creating new pathways into agricultural careers and helping address ongoing workforce shortages.
In an article published by Grain Central, Operation Grain Harvest Assist (OGHA) founder Lieutenant Colonel Garry Spencer AM outlined plans to develop the initiative into Veterans Supporting Agriculture, extending training and employment opportunities beyond grain production into sheep, cattle and cotton.
The article features former ADF members Michael Welsh and Chris Maher, who have built extensive agricultural experience since completing OGHA training, including work across multiple grain-growing regions and other farming industries.
GPA Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann also shared his experience employing Mr Welsh during harvest on his Victorian grain farm, highlighting the mechanical skills, experience and work ethic veterans bring to farming operations.
Mr Spencer acknowledged GPA's role in establishing and supporting the program, which is now seeking stronger government and industry partnerships to help younger veterans transition into agricultural careers and regional communities.
“GPA has been great at getting us going, and we’ve moved through a number of stages to the point that we’re about to now interface with five Federal Government departments,” Mr Spencer said.
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