Issue number two

Extracted from the Farm Tender weekly Newsletter - Sign up and get the email every Wednesday morning before 6 am. www.farmtender.com.au

By Dwain Duxson.

Last week we talked about what we think is the biggest issue in Ag, succession. We had some really positive responses.

This week we take a look at issue number two. Finding people to do the work

I have spoken to many Farmers and Ag people on this subject recently, and it's a mixed bag as far as their reaction is concerned. Many struggle to find people, but others say they don't have an issue attracting staff.

As a general rule, it's hard to find staff or workers in the bush. Covid has halted the backpacker market and put a stop to the migrant workers.

These people are the backbone of the more intensive Agriculture pursuits. It has been widely recognised that it has affected this part of the industry.

The family broadacre Farm does not require anywhere near as many seasonal workers or workers in general. This is where it's a little bit of a mixed bag.

I have spoken to Farmers who have been flat out, but in saying that they feel more exhausted by the work in front of them, knowing it's all up to them. I know most in this camp would appreciate some help. Some are not that serious about looking, and others have tried in vain but with no success.

I was speaking to a Dairy expert guy the other day, and he said most Dairy Farmers are burnt out with the backpacker market drying up. However, he was adamant that relief was on the way with the opening up of the country and state borders.

He was confident the Dairy industry would once again have workers to give owners some relief in the not-to-distant future. Interestingly, he said he believes the Dairy industry, which is going good, is about to kick to a new level and really boom.

It's a skill to find good people, and I know of Farmers who always find precisely what they need within reason.

These people are prepared to go the extra mile to become attractive to this limited market. They work hard at providing good working facilities and accommodation, have procedures in place and provide the right incentives for people.

It's nearly my favourite saying in Farming these days, "you have to find a way".

You have to get creative and go above and beyond to succeed at attracting people to your Farming business. Some people just don't try hard enough, and it's a buyers market out there, so the candidates can pick and choose and get the right result for them. It's probably never been angled so much in their favour.

My advice would be to consult someone locally who has been through the process and is happy with the result. Ask what they did to attract so and so.

It's a hard and exhaustive process recruiting. It requires effort.

So we have rated it issue no 2, and to some, it's not an issue at all.

Putting aside the seasonal worker issue, I think the difference between the haves and the have not's is the process they follow. We have just been through the process of recruiting a person to our business, I have had nothing to do with it, but I know the person that has done it all (Megan) has gone above and beyond to attract the right candidates. Just watching it play out has been exhausting, let alone doing it.

I sure as hell never put in that much effort in the past. That's why someone else does it now...

There are record numbers of people moving from the cities to the bush. Local pubs are getting bought up, towns and areas are being invigorated by the skills coming in. New businesses are getting started in towns. Two of my neighbours here in my rural area work at their corporate jobs from home. This is a positive for Agriculture. It all filters through.

Good luck, but make an effort, and things will work in your favour.

End of message