Cultivating Excellence

83% of Agribusinesses Embrace Performance Rewards to Boost Employee Engagement

In a testament to the evolving dynamics of the Agribusiness sector, a survey conducted by Rimfire Resources in December 2023 reveals that 4 in 5 Agribusinesses have implemented structured employee performance reward schemes. The study, which engaged HR and business leaders within the industry, sheds light on the commitment of 83% of Agribusiness organisations to offer performance-based rewards to their employees. Rimfire’s workforce market analysis further indicates a noteworthy 11.7% increase in the prevalence of performance reward and incentive schemes over the past two years.

The Rise of Performance Rewards in Agribusiness:

The adoption of structured employee performance reward schemes has become a hallmark of progressive Agribusinesses aiming to foster a culture of excellence and engagement within their workforce. The survey conducted by Rimfire Resources underscores the widespread acknowledgment of the importance of recognising and incentivising employee contributions to overall organisational success.

Survey Highlights:

The survey, which engaged HR and business leaders, paints a compelling picture of the prevalence of performance rewards within the Agribusiness sector. An impressive 83% of Agribusiness organisations surveyed have implemented performance reward options, showcasing a strategic alignment between employee motivation and organisational objectives.

Insightful Research:

Our research indicates an 11.7% increase in the prevalence of these schemes over the past two years. This surge is indicative of Agribusinesses recognising the intrinsic link between employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organisational success.

Fostering a Culture of Excellence:

The decision to embrace performance reward schemes reflects a broader commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence within the Agribusiness sector. By recognising and incentivising exceptional performance, organisations are motivating their employees and nurturing an environment where innovation and dedication thrive.

Strategic Employee Engagement:

Performance rewards go beyond simple acknowledgment; they form an integral part of strategic employee engagement. In an industry where the human factor is instrumental to success, Agribusinesses are positioning themselves to attract and retain top talent by showcasing a commitment to recognising and rewarding outstanding contributions.

Through implementation of structured employee performance reward schemes, the sector is signaling a strategic shift towards recognising and nurturing its greatest asset – its workforce. Our insightful research adds depth to this narrative, highlighting the industry's evolution over time. In adopting performance rewards, Agribusinesses are not just investing in their employees; they are sowing the seeds for a more engaged, innovative, and successful future.

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Advancing Disability Inclusion in Australian Agriculture

February 11, 2025

In late 2024, Rimfire proudly partnered with Ability Agriculture , an Australian organisation dedicated to increasing employment opportunities and providing support for people with disabilities in the agricultural industry. Like many sectors, agriculture faces challenges in fully integrating people with disabilities into the workforce. While progress is being made, there is still significant work to be done to create more inclusive hiring practices. Supported Employment plays a vital role in fostering workplace inclusion, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Within agriculture, initiatives like those led by Ability Agriculture help break down barriers and create meaningful career pathways. To better understand the current landscape, Rimfire conducted an industry-wide survey on behalf of Ability Agriculture, gathering insights into the prevalence and awareness of Supported Employment and Open Employment opportunities in agribusiness. Key Insights from the Survey The survey received 70 responses from a diverse cross-section of the agricultural sector. The primary production and horticulture sectors made up over 38% of responses, while private unlisted companies accounted for the majority (around 70%). Non-profit organisations represented 15.7% of the total respondents. Disability Representation in Agriculture One of the most revealing findings was the low representation of employees with disabilities in the sector. While nearly a third of companies reported that 1-5% of their workforce identified as having a disability, a significant 61.4% indicated that none of their employees identified as having a disability. When it comes to job roles, there was a clear disparity in inclusion. Technical roles had the highest representation of employees with disabilities (10%), while sales and management roles had none. This highlights the need for more inclusive hiring practices across all levels of agribusiness. Steps Toward Inclusion Despite these challenges, 52% of businesses reported having workplace accommodations in place for employees with disabilities. This demonstrates that many agricultural businesses are actively taking steps toward inclusivity. However, more awareness and resources are needed to expand these efforts industry-wide. Barriers to Hiring People with Disabilities While some progress is evident, 50% of respondents identified challenges in hiring people with disabilities. Addressing these challenges requires industry-wide collaboration , education on inclusive employment practices , and continued investment in workplace accessibility .

Push for Inclusive Hiring

February 11, 2025

Rimfire & Ability Agriculture’s Push for Inclusive Hiring in Agribusiness

Rural Jobs Market Sees Decline Amid Industry Challenges

February 6, 2025

Strong global demand for premium agricultural products drove export growth in 2024. However high input costs, fluctuating commodity prices, and interest rate pressures challenged profitability for many producers. Workforce shortages continued to put a strain on operations in some areas, despite efforts to attract domestic workers and reform visa programs for both seasonal and skilled international labour. Despite this, Rimfire can report that 2024 represented a slowing in demand for workers across agriculture. Annual results from the Rural Jobs Index, a key indicator of employment opportunities in Australian agriculture, revealed the overall number of advertised vacancies was down 18% on the annual figure for 2023.