DairyNZ’s senior people specialist Jane Muir says the reduced number of openings partly mirrors economy-wide employment softness, with higher general unemployment leading workers to stay in existing roles rather than switch jobs during the calm pre-season period. This trend is underscored by a relatively high national unemployment rate of 5.4%, the highest in a decade, which appears to be encouraging staff retention within dairy itself.

Farm assistant positions continue to dominate the listings, but opportunities for experienced hires such as sharemilkers, contract milkers and farm managers are also on offer, particularly in core dairy hubs like Waikato and Canterbury. Employers are crafting more thoughtful job ads, suggesting heightened competition for quality labour and a proactive hiring approach by farmers.

Federated Farmers’ sharefarmer chair Sam Ebbett notes that this season seems “quieter” in terms of movement among sharemilkers and contract milkers, many of whom remain under existing multi-year agreements. With a healthy payout encouraging job satisfaction, turnover is lower; producers and staff alike are opting for stability over transition in a strong sector environment.