Sustained High Labor Demand

Sustained High Labor Demand in Agriculture Despite a Dip in Online Job Advertisements in 2023

In the dynamic landscape of the agricultural sector, labour demand has remained robust throughout 2023, despite a notable decrease in online job advertisements compared to the previous year. The Rural Jobs Index (RJI) reports a 10.8% reduction in online job postings in 2023 as compared to 2022. However, the agricultural industry has managed to maintain a higher tally of advertised vacancies than in any other year since the inception of the RJI.

Trends in Labor Demand:

The Agricultural industry has long been a cornerstone of economic activity, providing employment opportunities in various roles from farm management to commodity exports to research and development. The RJI has been a valuable tool in gauging the employment landscape within the sector, and its findings for 2023 are intriguing.

Despite the overall decrease in online job advertisements, the agricultural industry has displayed resilience, continuing to offer a substantial number of employment opportunities. This trend is indicative of the sector's ability to adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating the essential nature of agricultural activities and the need for a skilled and dedicated workforce.

Comparative Analysis:

To put the numbers into perspective, a 10.8% reduction in online job advertisements from 2022 to 2023 might seem like cause for concern at first glance. However, when considering the broader historical context, 2023 still stands out as a year with higher job opportunities in Agriculture than ever before.

This upward trajectory suggests that while the mode of job advertisements may be evolving, the fundamental demand for labour in the agricultural sector remains strong. In addition to the predicted climate conditions in the second half of 2023, the dip in online postings may be attributed to various factors such as changes in recruitment strategies, increased reliance on local hiring, or shifts in the way jobseekers and employers connect.

Expert Insights:

Rimfire Resources provides valuable insights into the intricacies of the agricultural labour market, shedding light on the dynamics influencing the demand for skilled workers in the industry. For a deeper understanding of factors contributing to this phenomenon, interested parties are encouraged to contact Jessica Roberts or Katrine Sear.

The agricultural sector's ability to maintain high labour demand in 2023, despite a dip in online job advertisements, highlights its resilience and adaptability. The findings from the Rural Jobs Index suggest that the fundamental need for a skilled workforce in Agriculture remains steadfast. As the industry continues to evolve, organisations exploring innovative avenues for connecting with jobseekers will ensure this vital sector continues to thrive with a supported and proficient workforce.

Contact Katrine Sear Contact Jessica Roberts

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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.