People in dairy are the backbone of the industry.
Attracting, developing and retaining these people has long been an industry commitment and is reflected in the Australian Dairy Plan.
This commitment has come into sharp focus in recent months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused significant disruptions to the Australian workforce.
For dairy farmers, production continues at full potential through the pandemic and people are essential to making this happen.
There has never been a more important time for the industry to turn its attention to its people.
With dairy farmers looking for staff, and many people in regional areas with transferable skills or the aptitude for on-farm roles now looking for work, the industry is faced with an opportunity to introduce capable people to dairy and foster long-lasting careers.
In light of this opportunity, Dairy Australia and Agriculture Victoria have launched an initiative to connect people in dairy through a clear pathway that enables job-seekers to explore and prepare for a career in dairy, supports new entrants to build skills and knowledge required for on-farm roles, and equips employers with guidance to onboard and develop their staff.
The pathway, which is an enhancement of the well-known 'People in Dairy' experience, brings together new and trusted industry resources to make it easy for dairy farmers, whether they are new or seasoned employers, to employ people.
For dairy farmers, at the start of this pathway is 'Dairy Passport', an all-in-one resource hub and streamlined record-keeping system for dairy farm businesses to use with their employees.
Through 'Dairy Passport', employers can access information to create a safe, compliant, and supportive workplace for their staff.
This includes customisable farm policies and standard operating procedures that are regularly updated to reflect current laws.
There has never been a more important time for the industry to turn its attention to its people.
Embedded in these resources is the latest coronavirus-related advice to ensure that dairy businesses have the right processes in place to keep their business and staff safe.
'Dairy Passport' can be also be used to track on-farm tasks and training to generate a digital record for each employee.
The pathway also includes a training plan and coaching resources to assist employers to effectively and swiftly bring new staff on board and to support them through their first 90 days on-farm.
It helps new entrants to build fundamental skills and knowledge around farm safety, animal behaviour and essential tasks such as milking and handling stock.
The resources are designed as a foundation for employees and employers to establish a positive working relationship and support the long-term success of any farm business.
All 'People in Dairy' can find what they need for their career journey at thepeopleindairy.org.au.
Want to read more stories like this?
Sign up below to receive our e-newsletter delivered fresh to your email in-box twice a week.
