Many beef farmers are considering earning additional income by working off-farm in 2020, according to a recent survey. The survey, carried out by Farm Relief Services (FRS) and Herdwatch, indicated that farmers would ideally work on other farms, in line with their existing skill set.
80% of farmers surveyed already work off-farm.22% are working off-farm on another farm. 63% said they would prefer their off-farm work to be farming-related. When asked about the prospects for their own farm business:
52% felt less positive for 2020 compared with 2019.58% said that they would look at increasing their off-farm income in 2020.41% said that they would increase income by working off-farm. 36% said that they would consider working on a dairy farm as a means of doing this.Preferences
Those interested in or already partaking in off-farm work want local and flexible work, which utilises their existing skills. Seventy-two percent have a preference for part-time work and almost 80% are looking to travel less than 30km to work.
Over half of the respondents value flexible work and want outdoor work, compared with just 12% who would prefer an indoor job.
The top three job aspects that would encourage farmers to work more off-farm are:
Flexible hours. Local work.Using the skills I already have.Opportunities
According to FRS Network CEO Peter Byrne, there are “significant opportunities” for beef farmers to use their existing skills to boost income without needing to resort to additional investment or travelling long distances to work long and often restrictive hours.
“FRS has an ongoing availability of full-time, part-time and flexible roles on farms where many beef farmers would be ideally positioned to work on locally. Additionally, if people wanted to work further from home or relocate, FRS could facilitate that too,” he added.
He invited people to talk through the options available with their local FRS offices and register their interest on the FRS Networks careers page, available here.
Read more
What’s on the Beef Market Taskforce meeting agenda?
Rainfall warning for four northwestern counties
Many beef farmers are considering earning additional income by working off-farm in 2020, according to a recent survey. The survey, carried out by Farm Relief Services (FRS) and Herdwatch, indicated that farmers would ideally work on other farms, in line with their existing skill set.
80% of farmers surveyed already work off-farm.22% are working off-farm on another farm. 63% said they would prefer their off-farm work to be farming-related. When asked about the prospects for their own farm business:
52% felt less positive for 2020 compared with 2019.58% said that they would look at increasing their off-farm income in 2020.41% said that they would increase income by working off-farm. 36% said that they would consider working on a dairy farm as a means of doing this.Preferences
Those interested in or already partaking in off-farm work want local and flexible work, which utilises their existing skills. Seventy-two percent have a preference for part-time work and almost 80% are looking to travel less than 30km to work.
Over half of the respondents value flexible work and want outdoor work, compared with just 12% who would prefer an indoor job.
The top three job aspects that would encourage farmers to work more off-farm are:
Flexible hours. Local work.Using the skills I already have.Opportunities
According to FRS Network CEO Peter Byrne, there are “significant opportunities” for beef farmers to use their existing skills to boost income without needing to resort to additional investment or travelling long distances to work long and often restrictive hours.
“FRS has an ongoing availability of full-time, part-time and flexible roles on farms where many beef farmers would be ideally positioned to work on locally. Additionally, if people wanted to work further from home or relocate, FRS could facilitate that too,” he added.
He invited people to talk through the options available with their local FRS offices and register their interest on the FRS Networks careers page, available here.
Read more
What’s on the Beef Market Taskforce meeting agenda?
Rainfall warning for four northwestern counties
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