Just as the year turns in Ireland, spring begins in Australia and New Zealand, and with it brings a whole host of opportunities for young Irish farmers.

The harvest season commences from October in Australia, while milk production starts to flow in New Zealand after calving in July. Therefore, farmers will be looking for workers to give a hand for a few months - just as things begin to calm down at bit at home in Ireland. Wages can vary from $20,000 to over $50,000 (€14,000 to €35,000), so the money isn't bad and can be easily saved if accommodation is provided.

But don't be under any illusions - days won't be spent on the beach or at BBQs soaking up the sun. You'll work hard for your money, with the average size of a dairy herd in New Zealand at just under 400 cows and a tillage farm in Australia spanning approximately 3,800 acres (if not more). But if you're not afraid of hard work and wouldn't mind living in a sunnier climate for a few months, then why not give it a go? Here are just a few of the companies and farms recruiting, and keep an eye on these pages for more jobs in the coming months.

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Company: Woodley's Transport and Contracting - New Zealand

Woodley's is a contracting company which focuses on the dairy sector, specialising in the harvesting and storage of winter feed supplements, as well as livestock transport and fertilizer spreading.

The company is now looking for people over the age of 23 with at least five years experience and who are eligible for a working holiday visa. They take on 35 additional employees from October to March, primarily looking for operators that can use forage harvesters, round and square balers, JCB stack tractors and heavy truck drivers.

Woodley's is located in Geraldine, a small rural community two hours south of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. Visit www.woodleys.co.nz for more information or email reception@woodleys.co.nz.

Company: Harvest Work Solutions - Australia

Harvest Work Solutions need artic truck drivers, tractor drivers, harvest operators, welders and panel beaters from the ages of 20-29 to work on farms across Australia, harvesting seasonal crops.

Kildare man Mick Cusack is co-founder of the company, and you might remember reading about him on these pages (Harvesting Australian Farming - January 19, 2013). Workers can earn over $20 (€14) an hour and accommodation is provided on a lot of farms - not too bad if you ask us. Visit www.harvestworksolutions.com.au to view the jobs available and to register your interest.

Company: Grain & Food Agricultural Contractors - New Zealand

Machinery operators are required in Waikato in New Zealand's North Island from September to May 2014.

Only people with driving experience in agricultural contracting will be considered for a position, but there are also jobs available for people who can cook and clean during the season - we all know harvesting is hungry work. Applications can be sent to info@grainandfood.co.nz, and more information is available on www.grainandfood.co.nz. Closing date is 1 August.

Company: Red Cow Farm - New Zealand

Red Cow Farm is based in the Canterbury region, and owner Mark McDonald tells Irish Country Living there are approximately 90 to 120 jobs available in the area during harvest season. In fact, so many Irish people came into the area last year that a Gaelic football team was formed to compete against a similar group in Christchurch.

The McDonalds currently employ three people, and will be looking for a dairy assistant to work on their 180-hectare farm in November. Email redcowfarm@gmail.com for more details.