Australia’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, contributing billions of dollars annually and employing thousands of Australians across a wide range of roles. However, in recent years, the sector has seen significant shifts in employment trends.
The latest SEEK Employment Trends (September 2024) report reveals a 12.3% decrease in the number of job ads within the farming sector compared to the previous year. This suggests that fewer job opportunities are available in agriculture, possibly due to a combination of reduced sector growth, rising input costs, and broader economic uncertainty. This trend mirrors challenges faced across many industries in Australia, where slower economic growth has dampened labour demand even as the labour supply has increased.
The most significant declines have occurred in agronomy and farm services, followed by farm management and farm labour. In contrast, the fishing and aquaculture sectors have been less affected. While demand for roles in agricultural sciences and service-based positions may be declining, potentially due to advancements in technology, shifting market needs, or changing economic conditions, fishing and aquaculture industries appear to be more resilient. These sectors have remained relatively stable, suggesting that either demand for their services is steady or they are less susceptible to the same challenges impacting the broader farming industry.
(Images courtesy of SEEK, November 2024.)
Despite the decrease in job ads within the SEEK Farming, Animals, and Conservation category, the number of applications per ad remains high. This suggests that the supply of candidates is at its strongest since the COVID-19 pandemic. While the supply of candidates may be high, many candidates lack the necessary eligibility to work in Australia or do not possess the relevant qualifications and skills required for the roles. The broader labour market remains tight, with conditions that are not fully aligned with what would be expected under full employment. Moreover, Australian agriculture continues to face a significant skills shortage.
Stay tuned for more industry trends and insights in our upcoming newsletters!
