Cuddling cows
OPINION: Years of floods and low food prices have driven a dairy farm in England's northeast to stop milking its cows and instead charge visitors to cuddle them.
The Scottish Farmer reports that UK contractors have launched a partnership with their New Zealand counterparts to help solve the sector's labour shortages in both countries.
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) and Rural Contractors New Zealand Inc (RCNZ) are working together to assist their members in exchanging labour. The UK welcomes NZ workers through the Youth Mobility Scheme, if aged 18 to 35, to gain a working visa for up to 24 months. There is also a skilled worker option, sponsored by a UK employer.
And with the season in NZ just around the corner, there is an opportunity for UK workers to get a visa and start in October.
NAAC CEO Jill Hewett says this is a fantastic opportunity for members to gain experience, see the world and keep busy year-round, also taking the pressure off contracting members retaining staff through the winter.
