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.
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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.
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.
An effective interview process should go beyond basic questions to assess the candidate’s ability to handle farm-related tasks. Themes to be included:
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.
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:
Investing in worker well-being leads to higher job satisfaction and increased loyalty.
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:
By integrating technology, farms can increase the efficiency of operations, reduce reliance on labor-intensive tasks, and improve working conditions for employees.
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.
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.
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