09th Oct 2025

How to Find and Vet the Best Harvest Contractors: 5 Essential Tips for Farmers

TL;DR: Finding a reliable contract harvester is crucial for a smooth wheat harvest season. The right agricultural contractor can save you time, money, and stress, but the wrong choice could leave your crop overripe in the field. Here are five essential tips to help you vet and choose the best agricultural contractors for your harvest.

1. Verify Credentials and Work Eligibility

Start by confirming that the contractor has all necessary credentials. Are they licensed to operate the required machinery and transport it on public roads? Service NSW: heavy vehicle & machinery info. Do they carry any relevant certifications or training for harvest work? Ensure they have the legal right to work in Australia (check citizenship, residency or visa status) — see Home Affairs (work eligibility & visas) — and are properly registered. It's also wise to ask about insurance coverage for liability and equipment.

A trustworthy contractor will be transparent with these details and provide proof. Platforms like AgPages thoroughly vet these requirements. Contractors on AgPages must upload valid licenses and prove work eligibility, and even undergo checks for any disqualifications or medical issues that could affect safe operation. Knowing your contractor is verified gives peace of mind.

2. Check Experience, Reputation, and Safety Record

Experience matters when it comes to harvest. Find out how many seasons the contractor has under their belt and what crops or regions they've worked in. Ask for references or look for reviews from other farmers. A contractor with a strong reputation will gladly share testimonials or direct you to their profile with ratings.

Don't shy away from discussing safety. Have they had any serious accidents or incidents in the past? A clean accident history and a commitment to safety protocols are signs of a reliable operator — see Safe Work Australia (farm safety guidance). AgPages, for example, manually reviews each contractor's accident and incident history during its vetting process. Choosing a contractor with proven experience and a good safety record will help ensure your harvest is in capable hands.

3. Ensure Equipment Suitability and Capacity

The best contract harvesters come with well-maintained, suitable equipment for your job. Confirm what machinery they will use (combine harvester model, haulage trucks, etc.) and whether it's appropriately sized for your farm. An under-powered machine or unreliable equipment can cause delays or even crop damage. Different machines will also be charged out at different rates. You can use the Wheat Harvest Calculator on the AgPages website to check this for free.

You should also consider the contractor's capacity: do they have enough staff or multiple machines if needed, and can they cover your acreage within the required timeframe? Discuss their workload during the harvest period. Many contractors will "follow the harvest" from Queensland down through NSW and into Victoria as the season progresses, taking on multiple jobs to maximize their working season.

While taking on more harvest jobs can boost a contractor's income, you want to be sure they won't be overextended. A good contractor will be honest about their schedule and ensure they can fully commit to your job without rushing.

4. Prioritise Communication and Scheduling

Pay attention to how the contractor communicates from the start. Do they respond to your inquiries promptly and professionally? Clear communication is a hallmark of a trustworthy contractor. When vetting candidates, discuss how they plan the job scheduling for harvest. Ask for a tentative schedule or time window for your harvest.

Harvest timing can be unpredictable due to weather, so it's important your contractor is organised and keeps you informed of any changes. Agree on how you will coordinate: for example, how much notice they need before your crop is ready, and how you'll stay in touch (phone, text, via a platform, etc.).

Modern contractors often use digital tools or platforms for job tracking, which can give you real-time updates on job progress and scheduling. If a contractor uses a system like AgPages to manage quotes, schedules, and updates in one place, it's a good sign. It means less guesswork for you and a more transparent process. In short, choose someone who is communicative, transparent, and proactive about scheduling.

5. Use Trusted Platforms to Find Vetted Contractors

One of the easiest ways to ensure you're hiring a reputable contractor is to use a service that pre-vets them. Online platforms like AgPages were created to connect farmers with trusted, available contractors.

AgPages, for instance, performs a thorough verification on every contractor profile. This vetting includes confirming licenses and certifications, checking identity and work eligibility, reviewing any relevant medication or disqualification records, and examining accident history -- all manually reviewed by the AgPages team. Contractors who pass these checks are clearly marked as verified on the platform and their documents are accessible.

By searching within such a network, you save yourself the legwork of verifying these details from scratch. You can also view profiles, see past job reviews, and know that any contract harvesters you contact have already met high standards. Leveraging a trusted platform means you're more likely to hire someone who will show up on time, do the job safely, and deliver the results you expect.

Next Steps

Now that you know what to look for, consider putting these tips into action on AgPages. Take the hassle out of finding qualified harvest contractors. Ready for a stress-free harvest? Explore AgPages and post your harvest job now to connect with pre-vetted contractors who can help make this season a success.

Farmers: Post your job in minutes and get matched with verified contractors

Contractors: Get notified about real jobs that match your services and gear