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DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.
The dairy sector wants the new Government to lead a strategy supporting the growth of a skilled workforce for the dairy sector.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says young people deserve the opportunity to do well within the agricultural industry.
“We need a strong long-term plan that aligns training through the school curriculum with practical experience on the farm,” says Mackle.
The dairy sector should no longer be a “no options left” career, he says.
“We know how rewarding it can be working in the dairy sector – our farmers are custodians of the land and water, passionate animal lovers, and excellent business people.
“We have initiatives like the Primary Industries Capability Alliance and ‘GrowingNZ’, which promote careers in the primary sector and reach more than 60% of secondary schools and 38,000 students. But we want more of these students to choose the primary sector.
“Farming requires a positive attitude, determination, and tenacity. A young person with these qualities and a strong desire to learn on the job will find farming a satisfying career.”
Mackle also noted that the major parties all had policies to attract young New Zealanders into work, and NZFirst in particular has a focus on providing jobs for New Zealanders before migrants.
“We definitely want to see more kiwi candidates in the regions where the jobs are,” says Mackle.
“But until we have the Kiwi’s with the right training and passion for farming, who are attracted to rural regions, we will continue to fill a genuine need with migrant workers. Migrant workers also add diversity which is particularly important for a globally focussed sector.
“By targeting the right people early on, those that want to be in farming or work in the agricultural sector, we can ensure we are feeding the future employment needs of our country’s primary sector.”
“We believe that a long-term strategy needs to be developed and supported by the future Government to make this a reality.”
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
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Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
