The visit took place at NFU dairy board member John Torrance’s farm at the Crown Estate near Romford - only 15 miles from central London.
NFU dairy board vice chairman Paul Tompkins was there.
He writes:
John is a fantastic host and after welcoming everyone, hosted a tour of the farm where we highlighted the skills required to run a successful dairy farm business. With the availability of farm labour being of paramount importance to many dairy farmers the focus of the day was centred on the opportunities dairy farm businesses offer to a permanent labour force.
We felt it particularly important to demonstrate that irrespective of farm size or systems, the key to a productive farm is skilled and dedicated farm workers, whether that is family, domestic or foreign labour.
Labour info:
·Agricultural provider LKL estimate that there are currently around 200 vacancies on dairy farms across the country
·Staff shortages are occurring at every level: managerial, assistant, relief milker etc.
·It is increasingly difficult to secure European labour, this has worsened since the referendum vote
·Foreign workers are coming over for shorter periods of time
·Staff turnover rate is extremely high
There are a number of potential solutions to switching the trend of a declining farm work force which the dairy industry needs to face head on. By championing the image of dairy farming and careers available and working with schools, colleges and universities are we going to demonstrate to a future domestic workforce what we can offer and engage those considering a future in farming.
But the need for labour on dairy farms is immediate and being on farm it was abundantly clear to the attendees that dairy farming is a 365-day a year job that requires a permanent labour force.
Farmers need clear commitment from Government that they will have access to a competent and reliable workforce, both now and post-Brexit, in order to avoid severe disruption to the supply chain.
It is clear to me that in order to effect change we must continue to build upon the success of this farm visit and engage with those that work within Defra.
As nothing compares with bringing the needs of industry to life than being on farm and seeing it with your own eyes, I hope the Defra team left with a clear message; the need for people to care for dairy cows is immediate. Dairy farmers require access to a permanent labour force that is both skilled and dedicated and in return, a fair supply chain will allow us to offer a bright and attractive career in an industry we are all proud to be a part of.
Key Asks on dairy labour:
·Continued access to EU / non-EU labour solutions post-Brexit
·Dairy herdsman to be added to the Shortage Occupation List
·Ensure Tier 2 Visas are accessible to those sectors suffering labour shortages