Friday, 06 June 2014 14:10

Market, language skills needed for meat and wool

Written by Pamela Tipa

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THE RED meat and wool sector faces a challenge in training and retaining people with market and product-oriented skills as well as cultural and language capabilities, a new employment report says.

This is because over 90% of the sheepmeat and beef produced in New Zealand is exported.

The skills requirements were outlined in the 'Future capability needs for primary industries in New Zealand' report just released.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand says it's important to have an understanding of the sector's workforce requirements

Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive officer, Dr Scott Champion, says the report confirms the need for skilled and innovative farm managers who have willingness to adopt new technologies.

Champions says the marketing and cultural skills were identified in the Red Meat Sector Strategy. "Support in this area features strongly in B+LNZ's national programme of extension events and is a key reason for our investment alongside key processors and banks through the Red Meat Profit Partnership.

"The report notes we'll also need to access better business management skills for the supply chain, including skilled people with food safety knowledge and the ability to innovate.

"We know that maintaining our excellent food safety record is going to be critical to operating successfully in valuable export markets."

The report acknowledges for the red meat and wool sector, on-farm employment has declined as the dairy sector has expanded.

"Export volumes have changed little though as we have seen productivity increases from higher lambing percentages and heavier lambs offsetting declining ewe numbers."

Dr Champion says Beef + Lamb New Zealand realises young people need to see a sector that they want to be part of – one that is positive, forward thinking, and has exciting career prospects.

To support this, Beef + Lamb New Zealand has teamed up with Young Farmers and DairyNZ to create a one-stop career hub to showcase opportunities in the agricultural sector.

"This is the 'Get Ahead' programme which promotes a diverse range of rewarding jobs across the farming sector."

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