A survey has found one in four dairy farmers are struggling to find labour or access films they need on their farms, prompting a new nationwide campaign to get workers into the industry.
The research by Dairy Australia showed 22 per cent of dairy farmers were also unable to fill vacant positions within three months, with 40 per cent losing at least one or more workers.
The issue has been compounded by COVID-19 and the nationwide skills shortage across a range of sectors, including agriculture.
To tackle the shortage, Dairy Australia has launched a national marketing campaign to promote the benefits of working in dairy farming, encouraging Australians, such as those Melton and Moorabool, to explore a job in the industry.
Dairy Australia’s regional services general manager Verity Ingham said the aim of the campaign, which features dairy ambassador Jonathan Brown and seven dairy farmers, is to not only bring people into the industry but to keep them there.
“Competition for jobseekers in regional areas is fierce, so finding good, reliable people is a priority for dairy farmers. Keeping them is just as important,” she said.
“We need workers on our farms to keep the milk flowing, the cheese on tables, the yoghurt in our lunchboxes and we really are looking for people who want job security, who like working with and caring for animals; people who are looking for variety, flexibility in their work life or wanting career progression.”
The campaign was officially launched on September 24, and will be delivered into dairying regions across TV, YouTube, radio, social media and local newspapers, urging jobseekers to head to dairyjobsmatter.com.au for more information.
“We’ll be working with recruitment agencies and local networks to attract, connect and support jobseekers as they come into the industry,” Ms Ingham said.
“Promoting career opportunities in dairy with school students, universities and Tafes will also be key to the success of this campaign.
“For dairy farmers, there is also employment resources and information on retaining great people available – I encourage farmers to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Details: www.dairyaustralia.com.au/people.
