Farm Owner's Guide to Finding the Right Agricultural Talent

In the world of farming, your people are just as important as your land and equipment. Without a capable, committed team, even the best-run operations can struggle to meet production targets or maintain standards. But as many New Zealand farm owners know, agricultural recruitment NZ-wide has become more challenging than ever.

Whether you're running a dairy, arable, or mixed farming operation, the ongoing labour shortage makes it essential to rethink your hiring strategy. At Max People, we work with farms across the country to provide skilled labour hire and recruitment solutions—both local and overseas. Here’s what you need to know about finding and keeping the right agricultural talent for your business.

Why Finding Agri Talent Is So Tough Right Now

There’s no single reason for the current hiring pressure—but a few key trends are driving the shortage:

• Seasonal spikes in demand during calving, lambing, and harvest
  
  
• Declining interest from local jobseekers, especially younger workers
  
  
• Increased competition between farms for skilled hands
  
  
• Limited access to international workers in recent years
  
  

For many farm owners, the result is the same: stretched teams, rising costs, and difficulty maintaining quality and safety on site.

Step 1: Know What You’re Hiring For

Start by being clear about the type of worker you need. Is it:

• A general farm hand to assist during calving?
  
  
• A tractor driver with machinery experience?
  
  
• A herd manager or supervisor for long-term planning?
  
  

The more specific you can be, the better your recruitment partner can match you with the right candidates. Consider the skills, experience, certifications, and soft traits (like communication or independence) that will best fit your operation.

Step 2: Use an Industry-Specialist Recruiter

General recruitment agencies often lack the insight needed to place workers on farms. By contrast, Max People’s agriculture labour hire team specialises in connecting farm owners with pre-vetted, job-ready candidates who are familiar with rural work and safety requirements.

We take care of:

• Advertising and screening
  
  
• Interview coordination
  
  
• Reference and compliance checks
  
  
• Employment contracts and payroll
  
  

That means less admin on your side—and more time spent running your farm.

Step 3: Expand Your Hiring Pool with Overseas Talent

If local workers are in short supply, hiring from abroad can be a smart long-term solution. At Max People, we assist with overseas hiring to help New Zealand farms access qualified, motivated workers for roles where the domestic market can’t meet demand.

We handle:

• Visa processing and immigration requirements
  
  
• Candidate sourcing and pre-departure training
  
  
• Onboarding and relocation support
  
  
• Cultural induction to ensure smoother integration
  
  

For positions like experienced stock handlers, machine operators, or senior farm staff, this can be a game-changer.

Step 4: Focus on Retention

Finding talent is only half the battle—keeping it matters just as much. Farm owners who prioritise retention often benefit from:

• Clear job expectations and regular feedback
  
  
• Safe and well-maintained accommodation (where provided)
  
  
• Fair wages and consistent pay cycles
  
  
• A positive team culture with open communication
  
  

Workers who feel respected and supported are more likely to return season after season, reducing your turnover and retraining costs.

Step 5: Stay Ahead of Labour Market Trends

Keeping an eye on workforce trends in agriculture helps you prepare in advance for tight periods. For example:

• If calving season demand is rising earlier than usual, start recruiting sooner
  
  
• If immigration policy changes, align your overseas hiring process accordingly
  
  
• If fewer locals are applying for jobs, consider adjusting pay or shift flexibility
  
  

Our team regularly updates clients on market conditions and hiring trends so you’re never caught off guard.

Final Word

Recruiting agricultural staff in today’s environment requires more than a job ad and a phone call. With fewer workers available and more competition for talent, it’s essential to partner with a recruitment provider who understands the industry and delivers practical solutions tailored to your farm.

At Max People, we specialise in agricultural recruitment NZ-wide—providing both local and overseas labour that’s reliable, skilled, and ready to work. Explore our agriculture labour hire options or get in touch to discuss your upcoming needs.