When hop fields in Germany have long been harvested, the season is just getting underway on the other side of the world. Through the Hops & Travel program, Mona had the unique opportunity to travel to Australia and take part in the harvest. For four weeks, she not only got to work with hops in many different ways but also experienced the special everyday life on an Australian farm.
The Hops & Travel program, created by BarthHaas, offers young hop growers from the Hallertau region a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons. Through placements with our partner companies - John I. Haas in the USA and Hop Products Australia - participants gain hands-on experience and global insight into hop cultivation. This year’s selected participant, Mona, spent four weeks immersed in the diverse world of hops. Her journey not only deepened her professional knowledge but also gave her a taste of everyday life on an Australian farm - an experience as enriching as it was unforgettable.'
Work between drying, lab, and field
During her stay, Mona mainly supported the day shift in the hop drying facility. There, she gained a direct insight into how freshly harvested hops are processed step by step – from delivery to gentle drying. She also lent a hand in pressing the hops, attaching them to the picking machine, and transporting loads directly from the field. She especially enjoyed hauling the freshly picked hops from the gardens, where technology and nature came together so vividly. Her work was rounded out by fascinating insights in the company’s own laboratory, where samples were analyzed, and quality parameters were checked – a behind-the-scenes look she would never experience in her everyday life back home.
Technology, insights, and new perspectives
Mona was particularly impressed by the scale of the technical processes she encountered on site. She not only gained a complete overview of the entire harvest process but also had the chance to visit a second farm in the state of Victoria. Another highlight was the exclusive tour of the brand-new pelletizing plant. Her work was rounded out by fascinating insights into Hop Products Australia's own laboratory. The modern technology left a lasting impression on her and showed how hops are processed internationally – with many differences, but also plenty of similarities to familiar practices in Germany.
Community and hospitality
Beyond the work, the encounters were just as valuable. Mona recalls how friendly and open everyone on the farm was – whether permanent employees or seasonal workers. Friendships quickly developed, and she soon felt like part of the community. A special highlight was the barbecue after the so-called “knock-down,” a moment when everyone came together to celebrate the harvest and enjoy the evening as a group.
An experience for a lifetime
For Mona, one thing is clear: her journey to Australia was far more than just a work assignment. It offered valuable insights into hop growing on the other side of the world and left her with unforgettable personal experiences. “There was always someone to turn to on the farm, the team took good care of me, and I was able to gain impressions I would never have had otherwise,” she says. For her, it was truly an experience of a lifetime.
Are you interested in an adventure like this? Here you can find more information and apply!