New Zealand Dairy Farm Employees Show Strong Commitment, Survey Reveals

A survey conducted by DairyNZ has revealed that over 80% of dairy farm employees in New Zealand intend to stay in the industry. The survey, which is part of the 2025 Dairy Farm Employee initiative, explored what employees value most at work.

The findings indicated that working with animals, the outdoor environment, and the associated lifestyle are significant reasons for employees' initial interest and ongoing commitment to the dairy sector. Additionally, opportunities for skill development and career advancement play a crucial role in retention.

Jane Muir, Senior People Specialist at DairyNZ, noted the positive outlook among employees, stating, “The results showed that people of all ages and stages of their careers are passionate about dairy and see it in their long-term plans.” She emphasized the importance of supporting early career leadership and training.

Despite the overall positive sentiment, the survey identified areas for improvement, particularly concerning working hours. Issues such as insufficient time off, low pay, and poor management relationships were common reasons for employees leaving the sector.

To improve well-being, respondents highlighted the need for better leadership, fair compensation, and improved work-life balance. These insights are part of DairyNZ's Increasing Workplace Productivity programme, which aims to enhance job conditions and farm productivity.

The survey results come ahead of the 2026 Dairy Farm Employee survey, open until May, with participants eligible for various prizes. DairyNZ aims to utilize these insights to advocate for and develop resources benefiting both dairy farmers and employees.