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Poster in Nov 10, 2024 12:23:05

Does the poultry industry have a workforce problem?

Does the poultry industry have a workforce problem?

Photo: Collected

With an older-than-average workforce and mounting technological demands, poultry farms are in urgent need of young, dynamic talent to fill the gaps and sustain the future of the industry. The global workforce is undergoing a profound shift as an increasing number of people reach retirement age. For example, every day in the US, 11,200 individuals turn 65, according to Sally Day. This adds up to more than 4 million Americans entering retirement each year – a reality that’s particularly concerning for the farming industry.

For years, poultry farm owners and processing plants have struggled to compete with the allure of city life. But is city life really better? Many who opt for rural life cite compelling reasons to stay: safer environments, stronger communities, and steady, long-term jobs. So how can poultry farms attract the next generation of workers and convince them that rural life, and poultry farming in particular, is worth their while?

Attracting and retaining talent

As McKinsey points out in their report ‘Global Farmer Insights 2024’, farmers are increasingly prioritising productivity, with efficiency and sustainability becoming paramount.

Embracing technology

In the past, farming was often associated with long hours of manual labour. Today, that perception is rapidly changing as technology revolutionizes the industry. Modern poultry farms are becoming increasingly reliant on advanced technologies such as robotics, drones, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and data-driven tools. For example, Birdoo monitors poultry houses 24/7 using camera-vision technology and machine learning algorithms. AviSense is a very affordable chicken robot that helps poultry farmers make up for labour shortages and secure animal welfare. These innovations reduce the need for manual labour in poultry farming and increase the need for creative minds. 

Besides increasing efficiency, technology is a huge draw for younger workers. The current generation has grown up in a digital world, and they expect their workplaces to reflect that. Poultry farms that embrace modern technology can attract these tech-savvy individuals by offering opportunities to work with cutting-edge tools and systems. 

Invest in multilingual talent 

One of the biggest challenges facing poultry farms today is the reliance on immigrant labour. Many poultry farms depend heavily on workers who may not speak English as their first language, and communication barriers can hinder productivity and employee satisfaction. Poultry farm owners need to address this issue head-on by investing in multilingual management.

Having managers who speak the same languages as their workers not only improves communication but also fosters a sense of belonging. Workers are more likely to stay with a farm if they feel understood and valued. 

Encourage creative thinking

In an industry as complex as agriculture, poultry farms need more than just hard workers; they need innovative thinkers who can adapt to changing markets, consumer preferences, and technological advances. The poultry industry is increasingly interconnected, with supply chains stretching across multiple sectors. This means that farms need workers who can think critically about how their work affects not just the poultry farm, but the broader food system. See details.

Source: Email/GFMM

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