From Left Field: Belle Binder is revolutionising the labour hire industry 

In the world of agriculture, where labour shortages and misconceptions of farm work are commonplace, Belle Binder stands out as a trailblazer. Through her innovative company based in Tasmania, Left Field, she has revolutionised the labour hire industry with the creation of the Farm Work Loop – a system that not only fills staffing gaps but also uplifts communities and transforms lives.  

Australian Farmers sat down with Belle to learn more about her unwavering commitment to creating a better work culture in rural Australia.

From corporate ambitions to agricultural innovation 

Belle’s journey into agriculture was far from planned. Initially pursuing a degree in psychological sciences with a goal of entering corporate recruitment, her path took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon a small, local labour hire company for sale in her hometown.  

Intrigued by the opportunity, Belle purchased the business and quickly rebranded it as Left Field, marking a significant shift from traditional labour hire practices. 

“It wasn’t actually planned. I was studying a degree in psychological sciences at the time, with a goal of getting into corporate recruitment. When I saw a small, local traditional labour hire company for sale in my hometown, it caught my attention as an interesting opportunity, in a space related to where I was heading. I thought it would offer great learning experiences in an industry I didn’t know much about,” says Belle. 

I quickly flipped the script on traditional labour hire, taking a very different approach to what had been done before.

“What really energised me was the potential I saw in marketing what was an undermarketed industry, which comes naturally to me given my strong branding and marketing background.  

“I quickly flipped the script on traditional labour hire, taking a very different approach to what had been done before. Rebranding as Left Field was a deliberate move. It reflected both the unexpected pivot in my career and the unique and bold approach I wanted to bring to the industry.” 

Personal struggles fuel a passion for change 

Belle’s drive to improve work environments is deeply personal. Her own experiences with toxic workplace cultures have shaped her commitment to fostering healthy, supportive spaces for others.  

From enduring demeaning treatment in her first job at a supermarket to facing harsh criticism in a legal firm due to undiagnosed dyslexia, Belle has witnessed the damaging effects of unhealthy work cultures firsthand. These experiences have ignited an unshakable drive in Belle to support happy, healthy work environments.  

“My own struggles have given me a deep empathy for others, and I’m passionate about listening to people’s challenges and advocating for real, positive change in the workplace.” 

Redefining farm work through the Farm Work Loop 

Belle’s innovative approach to labour hire in agriculture is best exemplified by the Farm Work Loop – a model that offers stability, career progression and community integration for workers. This system allows workers to rotate between different farms, providing consistent employment and skill development opportunities, while offering farmers a reliable, versatile workforce. 

Farm Work Loop doesn’t just connect workers to jobs, it prioritises social responsibility and worker wellbeing, ensuring that every placement is beneficial for both the worker and the farmer. This commitment to fostering positive, productive environments has already impacted over 6,000 positions across 113 farms in Tasmania. 

“The Farm Work Loop offers significant benefits for farmers by providing access to a stable, versatile and skilled workforce.  

We’ve helped many individuals who, despite facing challenging life circumstances, have shown immense potential and are ready to make a positive change.

“With workers rotating between different farms in the network, farmers can plan and budget their staffing more efficiently, knowing they have reliable employees who are eager to return season after season. This consistency leads to increased productivity and allows farmers to focus on their operations without worrying about labour shortages.  

“For local workers, the Farm Work Loop creates opportunities to step into more senior roles, often positions they haven’t been offered before. We’ve helped many individuals who, despite facing challenging life circumstances, have shown immense potential and are ready to make a positive change. Through the loop, they gain a sense of purpose and the chance to build a fulfilling career, making a meaningful contribution to their communities.” 

Strengthening regional economies

The initiative also plays a vital role in supporting regional economies, blending local talent with international workers from the Pacific Islands (PALM scheme) and backpackers to fill worker gaps. 

“These workers play a vital role in ensuring the continuity of farm operations during peak seasons.  

“Their participation not only supports the agricultural industry but also injects much needed economic activity into regional areas across Australia, boosting local businesses and contributing to community growth. 

“Maintaining a balance between local workers, backpackers and PALM workers is integral to the success of our model, and we intentionally prioritise having at least one local worker with every crew.  

“This balance is crucial for several reasons, starting with integration. Local workers play an essential role in helping backpackers and PALM workers adjust to both the job and the surrounding community. They act as a bridge – offering cultural insight, local knowledge and guidance – which helps international workers feel more at home and supported. 

“The combination of local talent, backpackers and Pacific Island workers creates a balanced and dynamic workforce that benefits everyone involved.” 

Challenging misconceptions  

One of the major challenges Belle has tackled is the misconception about farm work. Often seen as gruelling, underpaid labour, the reality of modern agriculture is far different. Belle works tirelessly to change these outdated perceptions, highlighting the diverse career opportunities and cutting-edge technology that characterise the industry today. 

Belle believes that the issue of labor shortages in rural Australia is less about a lack of available workers and more about how hiring is managed.  

“The traditional approach to hiring in agriculture tends to be reactive and transactional, focusing on short-term fixes rather than encouraging long-term relationships with workers.  

“Many farms struggle with high turnover because the emphasis is often on filling immediate needs without considering how to engage and retain workers in a meaningful way.” 

At Left Field, Belle has seen firsthand how a more proactive, people-centered approach can help solve the labor shortage problem. By creating supportive environments, offering continuous employment opportunities through initiatives like the Farm Work Loop, and providing clear pathways for career progression, she makes farm work more attractive and sustainable. 

“When workers feel valued, supported, and see potential for growth, they’re more likely to stay and thrive in the agricultural industry. 

“Ultimately, if we shift the focus to better management, meaningful engagement and support for workers, we can reduce the strain on farms and make rural agricultural work more sustainable in the long term.” 

Looking further afield 

Looking ahead, Belle’s vision for Left Field and the Farm Work Loop is clear: Continue growing within agriculture while staying true to the company’s core values. She emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced workforce and supporting local communities as the company expands across Australia. 

“My vision for the future of the Farm Work Loop is to continue its growth exclusively within agriculture, building on our national expansion across multiple states. We’ve recently secured our first international partner farm, which will allow us to fill 260 positions across multiple states, which will further strengthen our presence across Australia.  

“As we grow, we remain committed to supporting local workers through clear pathways for career progression, while maintaining a balanced workforce that includes backpackers and PALM workers. This combination not only addresses labour shortages but also strengthens local economies and communities. 

“One thing we will never compromise on is our integrity and our deep connection to the communities we serve. At Left Field, we will always stay deeply embedded in our communities, making decisions that prioritise the wellbeing of workers and farmers. For us, the most important part of our business is, and will always be, people.”