The daily work on a dairy farm is labor-intensive and requires workers to manage livestock, operate machinery, and perform routine farm maintenance.
However, the sector seems to face a labor shortage. This is due to several factors, including the declining interest in agricultural jobs among younger generations and the challenging work conditions (long hours, climate conditions, physically demanding tasks…). To face these challenges, dairy farm owners have to adopt strategies that ensure hiring and retaining good quality farm workers.
Throughout this article we will try and address some tips to do that.
Hiring the right workforce
One of the biggest challenges for farmers is to recruit and maintain skilled and reliable workers. Hiring the right employees is critical for farm productivity and long-term workforce stability.
The hiring process should start by offering clear job descriptions, followed by well-structured interviews, and, eventually, trial work periods. These measures can aid in ensuring that selected candidates meet the farm’s needs.
Clearly define job expectations
A well-structured job description is essential in attracting the right candidates. Clearly outline job responsibilities, required skills, work hours, and compensation. Be transparent about the physical demands of the job and any additional benefits offered, such as housing or health insurance. Setting clear expectations helps attract individuals who are genuinely interested and capable of handling the work.
Conduct structured interviews and practical assessments
An effective interview process should go beyond basic questions to assess the candidate’s ability to handle farm-related tasks. Themes to be included:
- Behavioral questions to evaluate problem-solving skills and work ethic.
- Hands-on assessments, such as handling livestock or operating machinery, to test practical skills.
Provide trial work periods
Offering a short trial period allows employers to assess an applicant’s fit before full-time hiring, and also allows employees to see if the job fits their expectations.
By investing time in proper screening and recruiting, dairy farms can reduce turnover and ensure they hire workers who fit the farm’s needs. Hiring workers who are skilled, responsible, and adaptable will lead to a more productive and stable workforce.
Keeping dairy farm workers: retention strategies
Offer competitive wages and benefits
Compensation is usually the main factor influencing worker retention. According to recent studies, farms that offer higher wages and benefits retain employees longer than those that do not. Offering competitive salaries that match or exceed industry standards can help attract and retain skilled workers.
Beyond wages, consider providing other benefits such as:
- Health benefits and insurance – Access to medical care aids in ensuring workers’ well-being and job satisfaction.
- Flexible work hours - offer a greater range of flexible working hours, allowing for a better work-personal life balance.
- Training and career development opportunities - Providing training programs not only improves worker efficiency but also increases job satisfaction. Training programs can include onboarding training for new hires, but also ongoing skill development in areas like animal health & welfare, machinery, career advancement opportunities (such as leadership training for experienced workers to move into supervisory roles). When workers see a possibility for growth, they are more likely to stay committed to the farm long-term.
Investing in worker well-being leads to higher job satisfaction and increased loyalty.
Implement technology to improve labor efficiency
Dairy farms can use automation and digital tools to increase labor efficiency and reduce the physical workload on employees. Technology helps reduce burnout, long working hours and allows workers to focus on higher-value tasks, making their jobs more manageable and rewarding. Examples may include:
- Robotic milking systems – Reduces the need for manual labor and improves milking consistency.
- Automated feeding systems – Minimizes human intervention while ensuring animals receive proper nutrition.
- Farm management software – these tools help streamline record-keeping and workforce scheduling.
By integrating technology, farms can increase the efficiency of operations, reduce reliance on labor-intensive tasks, and improve working conditions for employees.
Create a positive work environment
A respectful and supportive work environment is essential for retaining employees. Dairy farms that prioritize open communication and fair treatment and recognition, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and their hard work is acknowledged, as well as safe working conditions, including proper equipment, regular training, and adherence to safety protocols, are more likely to have lower work force turnover. Workers are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel valued and respected.
Team-building activities such as farm outings or employee appreciation events.
Provide regular meetings to discuss farm operations and encourage employee input, and recognition programs to reward hard-working employees with incentives or bonuses.
A strong sense of belonging creates a positive workplace culture and improves retention rates.
Take Home Messages
Hiring and keeping farm workers in a dairy farm requires a combination of effective recruitment strategies, fair compensation, and creating a positive work environment. By expanding recruitment channels, offering competitive wages, and investing in worker well-being, dairy farm owners can build a stable and motivated workforce.
By focusing on worker well-being and a positive work environment, dairy farms can reduce turnover, improve productivity, and create long-term sustainability. Implementing these strategies will not only benefit farm owners but also contribute to a more stable and thriving agricultural workforce.
At the end of the day, farm workers are the farm’s TEAM! A well-managed workforce leads to higher productivity, better livestock care, and long-term success for the farm.
References
Hogan, C., Lawton, T., & Beecher, M. (2024). The factors contributing to better workplaces for farmers on pasture-based dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science, Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030224008129
Lawton, T., Gorman, M., & Beecher, M. (2024). Human resource management practices on Irish dairy farms: an exploratory study. Animal Production Science, CSIRO Publishing. https://www.publish.csiro.au/AN/AN23255
Gormley, M. (2022). Lessons in attracting and retaining people. Today’s Farm, July-August. https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Dairying---Lessons-in-attracting-and-retaining-people.pdf
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