Acute shortage of farm workers (From Western Telegraph)

Acute shortage of farm workers

An acute shortage of farm workers has prompted a group of West Wales milk producers to become the first in Britain to seek Investors in People status.

Dairy Horizons, formed by nine farmer members of the Grasshoppers and Grazing Dragons discussion groups, could get full accreditation within 18 months.

They hope Investors in People status will make them an attractive option to potential employees.

A failure to replace herdsmen and general farm workers after months of advertising led to the formation of this pioneering project.

The number of people choosing agriculture as a career has fallen sharply. As farmers have shed staff to save costs, the pool of potential labour has shrunk significantly.

Agricultures poor image is also a deterent to many, and farmers sons and daughters are increasingly opting for careers off the farm.

Dairy Horizons, with the support of Education and Learning Wales, hopes Investors in People will help rid agriculture of that image, said group member Alex Holland.

He runs a herd of dairy cows at Big House Farm, Pendine, and has tried and failed to appoint a part-time herdsperson. He is not alone. Everyone associated with this group is aware of the desperate shortage of available farm workers, he said.

Although the hours may be unattractive, the financial rewards can be generous, particularly for herdsmen.

Investors in People accreditation will help raise the profile of the industry, said Alex.

Stackpole Home Farm will act as a focus farm where group members will meet for training. After that process is completed, each member will be assessed individually.

Investors in People is willing to put money into training us as a group but we will have to register as individuals, Alex explained.

Dairy Horizons was created because Investors in People training is limited to businesses employing eight or more staff.