Dairy Staff Retention Key to Better On-Farm Gains

Farmers in New Zealand are addressing the pressing challenge of staff retention in the dairy sector, as discussed at the People Expo in Waikato organized by DairyNZ and Dairy Women’s Network.

Retaining employees is proving especially crucial as highlighted by industry experts, who emphasized the role of 'soft skills' such as leadership and workplace culture in business success.

The statistics paint a concerning picture: 13% of farms report being understaffed according to DairyNZ’s survey, with major issues including poor communication and lack of training. Economist Shamubeel Eaqub stresses the importance of investing in people, given demographic changes in New Zealand. Leaders in the dairy industry are urged to improve communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to strengthen business outcomes over the next decade.

Farmers like Will and Kim Grayling exemplify strategic changes by adopting a more flexible approach to managing their staff, showing that adapting work processes to suit employees is key to sustainability.

Management direction and appreciation are also pivotal in preventing staff from feeling undervalued. Technological advancements, while beneficial, should complement human capital rather than overshadow it, as noted by AgFirst's James Allen. Farmers are encouraged to integrate new technologies with behavioral improvements to enhance productivity and become employers of choice.