Farmers and contractors are increasingly interested in attracting (temporary) young talent from other countries like the Netherlands and Germany, where expertise is abundant.
Diverse Experiences in New Zealand
During his trip, Erik visited a wide range of farms, contractors, and mechanisation companies, where both existing clients and new contacts welcomed him warmly. The conversations were fruitful, revealing exciting prospects for further collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Agricultural enterprises in New Zealand cover an average area of 300 to 1600 hectares, primarily cultivating crops such as potatoes, onions, and grains. However, work on these farms encompasses more than just tilling the land; there are also opportunities such as potato harvesting.
Additionally, contracting businesses in New Zealand often focus on dairy farms, where tasks mainly involve mowing grass, silage-making, and baling. Employees at these companies often assist in machine maintenance, where roles are less restrictive and allow for various skills.
A noticeable theme during these meetings was the ongoing shortage of skilled labor in the agricultural sector, especially during busy seasons. Farmers and contractors are increasingly interested in attracting (temporary) young talent from other countries like the Netherlands and Germany, where expertise is abundant.