Latest listings on AgJobs Central:

• Station manager, Glenore, Northwest Qld (Stanbroke)
• Station Services Manager, Normanton QLD (Stanbroke)
• Feedmill Operator, South Burnett QLD (Pakaderinga feedlot)
• Territory Manager – Southeast Queensland (Rimfire client)
• Product Manager – Implements, Melbourne  Vic (Rimfire client)
• Agriculture Extension Officer – Regional Vic (Birchip Cropping Group)
• General Manager – Indonesian Assets (AAM)
• Business Analyst, Wagga NSW (MH Premium Farms)
• Logistics Scheduler, Grains – Melbourne (Rimfire client)
• Asst Manager, Pasture & Fodder Cropping – Central West NSW (DroverAg client)
• Farm Manager, Mixed Livestock & Cropping, Caramut Vic (DroverAg client)
• Head of Industry Services, Sydney NSW (Rimfire client)
• National Sales and Export Manager, Brisbane Qld (Rimfire client)
• Senior Manager – Client Engagement, Brisbane Qld (QRIDA)
• Agribusiness Finance Manager, Brisbane Qld (StockCo)
• Territory Sales Manager, Moura Qld (Elders)
• Cropping Assistant Manager, Meandarra Qld (Condabri Beef)
• Livestock Overseer, Goondiwindi Qld (Cunningham Cattle Co)
• Cropping Manager, Dubbo NSW (Wilga Farming)
• Orchard Manager, Dimbulah Qld (The Lucas Group client)

Click here to access these and other exciting meat and livestock supply chain jobs currently listed on AgJobs Central.

THE agribusiness recruitment landscape has been nothing short of a roller coaster in recent years, shaped by shifting market dynamics and broader economic forces. Post-COVID, the sector witnessed a hiring surge, driven by pent-up demand and renewed optimism. However, the excitement was short-lived, as the latter half of 2023 and early 2024 saw a hiring slowdown. Economic uncertainty led to candidate hesitancy, with many reluctant to trade stability for new opportunities.

Fast-forward to the current financial year, and the tide has turned yet again. Demand for skilled personnel has surged thanks to favourable seasonal conditions and near-record agricultural production, forecast to surpass $86 billion in 2024-2025. With agribusiness firing on all cylinders, recruitment is expected to remain robust heading into 2025.

Emerging technologies are one area where growth is booming. Skills in AI, robotics, and precision farming are hot commodities as the industry increasingly embraces innovation. Yet, there’s a catch – many candidates still prefer the allure of coastal and urban centres over the challenges of remote and regional locations.

Sales roles with an agricultural edge are also in high demand, creating stiff competition for experienced talent. The resulting supply shortfall is driving up salaries as employers vie for skilled professionals to meet growing market needs.

Sponsored migrant workers are becoming the backbone of many regional operations, with no signs that domestic pipelines will catch up anytime soon. As the sector continues to expand, this reliance on international expertise is likely to grow, further embedding overseas sponsorship programs into the recruitment strategy for agribusiness.

While the meat processing sector has been the most prominent in the red meat industry in recruiting overseas labour, it is happening also further back along the supply chain. Stand by for an article early next year on the extent of offshore labour now being seen in the lotfeeding industry.

While challenges persist, the future of agribusiness recruitment is dynamic and evolving. Employers need to wake up and understand that there is ever-increasing competition for talent to fuel their future growth.

Businesses will fail or have their growth severely hampered unless they get on the front foot regarding talent acquisition. They must stay agile and innovative, embracing both technology and global talent to stay ahead in this high-stakes, make-or-break talent sector.

Source: Agricultural Appointments – dedicated to connecting agribusinesses with top talent.