Australia’s agricultural industry is no stranger to labour shortages — especially in regional and remote areas. As demand for food, fibre, and raw materials grows, agribusiness owners across the country are grappling with how to find, train, and keep skilled workers.
Whether you’re running a cattle station, operating a vineyard, or managing a large-scale cropping operation, the pressure to build and retain a reliable workforce is real.
So, what can you do to stay ahead?
Here are five practical strategies that leading agribusinesses are using to attract and retain skilled workers in today’s tight labour market.
Promote the Lifestyle – Not Just the Job
The work might be demanding, but the lifestyle that comes with regional agriculture is one of its biggest assets. A growing number of Australians — including city-dwellers looking for a change — are open to relocating for the right opportunity.
Leverage the appeal of rural living:
Affordable housing
Space and natural beauty
Tight-knit communities
A more relaxed pace of life
By showcasing these lifestyle benefits in your job ads and conversations, you attract candidates who are looking for more than just a paycheck.
Offer Training and Upskilling Opportunities
Many job seekers are eager to learn — they just need the opportunity. Offering on-the-job training or partnering with a workforce provider who can deliver accredited programs gives you access to a wider talent pool.
At Programmed, we provide nationally recognised training in agriculture and related industries. Whether it’s machinery tickets, WHS, or Certificate III programs, we help you build a skilled workforce from the ground up.
Create Flexible Hiring Models
Agriculture is seasonal by nature — your workforce strategy should be too.
Partnering with Programmed means you can:
Scale your workforce up or down depending on seasonal needs
Avoid long lead times and slow hiring processes
Access both casual and ongoing labour pools
This flexibility is key to maintaining productivity through the peaks and troughs of the agricultural calendar.
Broaden Your Talent Pipeline
When local supply can’t keep up, FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) workers are a powerful solution. Programmed connects agribusinesses with both regional candidates and mobile workforces from across the country — ensuring you get the right people, where and when you need them.
We also tap into underutilised markets, including:
School leavers looking for hands-on experience
Career changers from other industries
Mature-age workers seeking meaningful work in the regions
Partner With a Workforce Provider Who Understands Agriculture
Managing recruitment in-house takes time, energy, and expertise — especially in today’s competitive market. That’s where a workforce partner like Programmed can help.
We take care of:
Advertising and sourcing
Screening and onboarding
Safety inductions and compliance
Payroll, HR, and ongoing support
Our end-to-end service means you can focus on your business, while we deliver the people who keep it running.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s agriculture industry is essential — but without skilled, reliable people, even the best-run operations can fall behind. By rethinking your approach to workforce planning and partnering with a trusted provider, you can overcome regional labour shortages and build a stronger, more resilient business.
Need support this season?
Explore how Programmed Skilled Workforce can help you find and retain the talent you need: https://skilled.programmed.com.au
