The dairy sector has launched a plan setting out how it will attract, retain and grow its workforce in the next decade.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle. Photo: Supplied
The industry has been short staffed for the past two years due to the border closure locking out migrant workers.
DairyNZ has come up with The Great Futures in Dairying Plan to shape dairy farming as a competitive career option.
Chief executive Tim Mackle said the labour shortage had caused a lot of stress on farm.
"To be frank the labour shortage predates Covid.
"Covid has clearly exacerbated it, but we need more people on farms and we really want to fill that gap with talented people.
"Dairy farms employ 37,000 people on-farm. The success of dairy is critical for those working in the sector and to New Zealand as a whole."
The country is facing low unemployment and significant social changes which will require many businesses to work harder to attract and retain staff, Mackle said, and the dairy industry was no exception.
The new plan identifies three key focus areas to make dairy a competitive career option.
"As a sector we firstly want to shape up to ensure we are attractive in an increasingly competitive labour market. We are looking at a range of initiatives, including piloting an induction experience for new dairy staff and developing clear career training pathways for people to progress into more senior roles
"The second focus area - 'change the job' - looks at embracing new technology and strategies to improve workplaces. Smart cow collars, milking cup removal technology and flexible milking are some initiatives proposed to provide staff with a better work-life balance.
"Lastly, we want to look in new places - like Pasifika communities, women and people with disabilities - for our dairy teams to draw on a larger and more diverse talent pool.
"We already have some of the initiatives in the plan underway - like our GoDairy recruitment campaign. The next step will be working with other stakeholders to secure funding for other projects and plan their rollout."
