DairyNZ has opened its annual Dairy Farm Employee survey, to gather valuable insights into the experiences of dairy farm employees across New Zealand.
The survey, open until the end of April, has run since 2019 and provides DairyNZ critical information to further support farmers and managers in creating better workplaces.
“Our dairy farm employees are a crucial part of our sector, as they help care for our land, animals and environment every day,” said Jane Muir, DairyNZ Senior People Specialist.
“Dairy employees make up two thirds of the on-farm sector workforce and we want to understand their experiences, thoughts, and feelings about what attracted them to dairy and why they stay, or don’t stay, working in the sector.
“Every year we value the honesty from employees. Their responses are thought provoking and genuine and always remind us of the importance of good leadership and communication. These insights help us, and our sector partners, focus our work to support the dairy sector attract and retain the workforce dairy farmers need.”
The employee survey is part of DairyNZ’s Increasing Workplace Productivity programme, which is focused on research that highlights great practices, approaches, and technology that increase productivity and profitability whilst improving job conditions for all people on farm. It is just one of the initiatives DairyNZ is undertaking to support the dairy workforce to deliver great people in great jobs in great workplaces.
Other key initiatives include advocating for the dairy sector in immigration and vocational education and training, hosting People Expo events with Dairy Women’s Network, partnering with Agribusiness in Schools, and producing the Job Competitiveness calculator so farmers can assess how competitive their job offer is against comparable jobs in other sectors.
“Dairy farm employees are encouraged to participate, as the more responses received, the clearer the picture will be to support the work being done in this space,” said Jane.
“We will use the information and insights gathered to better advocate and develop resources and partnerships that benefit both dairy farmers and employees, contributing to a long-term, sustainable future for the dairy sector.”
New Zealand dairy farm employees can access the anonymous survey at bit.ly/farm-employee-survey
Farm employees who complete the survey will go in the draw to win one of three $200 Prezzy cards, with the survey closing on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
Media contact
Celine Walters-Gray
Corporate Communications Advisor
p: 027 247 9876
e: celine.walters@dairynz.co.nz