Southland dairy farms need young blood

Southland farms need new interest from young people.

Southland's dairy industry needs more skilled staff, and it needs to start by attracting young people to the primary sector, Federated Farmers Southland dairy chairman Graeme McKenzie says.

The Government's recent announcement of changes to immigration rules had put one piece of the puzzle in place, but the rest of the jigsaw panel was incomplete, Mr McKenzie said.

Southland and wider New Zealand's low unemployment rate meant it was hard to find staff.

A lot of the time when Work and Income was approached for staff, there was nobody put forward for jobs.

This was where the role for migrants was essential.

Now that part of the puzzle had been solved, it was time to look at getting more people into the industry, Mr McKenzie said.

There were many opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels in the dairy industry and the wider primary sector, Mr McKenzie said.

Attracting the next generation needed to start at a school level.

"Farming doesn't need to be seen as a last resort," Mr McKenzie said.

"We want to get good young Kiwis to come in and fill the roles."

People in other sectors who were looking for a change could also help fill the gaps in the industry, he said.

"Dairy isn't the only option. There are endless opportunities within the primary sector."

There were many chances for progression and making a real career out of the primary sector and the dairy industry, Mr McKenzie said.