Previous research
2019
The Demand for farm workers: ABARES farm survey results 2018 report
Dufty N, Martin P, Zhao S – ABARES research report – October 2019
ABARES 2018 surveys provide an-depth profile of labour demand, recruitment difficulties and future challenges farmers face. The surveys covered broadacre, dairy and vegetable industries across all states, together with irrigated cotton and fruit and nut farms in the southern Murray Darling Basin. In aggregate these industries account for 74% of total Australian agriculture sector employment.
2018
Snapshot of Australia’s Agricultural Workforce
Binks B, Stenekes N, Kruger H and Kancans R – ABARES Insights 2018
This snapshot provides key information and statistics on Australia’s agricultural workforce. We cover where workers live, what sub-industries and occupations they work in, and the mobility educational attainment of the workforce.
Dairy workforce survey 2015-16
Dufty N, Zhao S, Shafron W and Valle H – ABARES research report – July 2018
ABARES survey results show the dairy industry’s labour force needs and challenges differ compared to other agriculture industries.
What difference does labour choice make to farm productivity and profitability in the Australian horticulture industry? A comparison between seasonal workers and working holiday makers
Zhao S, Binks B, Kruger H, Xia C & Stenekes N – ABARES research report – February 2018
On average seasonal workers are 20 per cent more productive than backpackers, but their non-wage labour costs are 2.3 times higher. Productivity benefits of hiring seasonal workers likely outweigh the higher non-wage labour costs and deliver profitability gains for farmers.
2017
Labour force survey
Valle H, Millist N and Galeano D –ABARES research report – 18 May 2017
Insights into vegetable, horticulture and cotton farmers’ use of labour, recent recruitment experiences and expected future labour requirements.
2015
Diversity in Australia's agricultural, fishing and forestry industry workforce
A diverse range of people of varying ages, genders and cultural backgrounds work in and contribute significantly to Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry. These information sheets provide statistics and trends in employment participation and workforce demographics.
Measuring the efficiency of horticultural labour: A case study on seasonal workers and working holiday makers, Farm Policy Journal
Using payroll data from a horticulture farm in Queensland, this study found that seasonal workers were on average significantly more efficient than working holiday makers.