Farmer Chris Lewis in his south Waikato milking shed Photo: Sharon Brettkelly
Federated Farmers is asking its members to write to government ministers outlining just what impact the labour shortage is having on them and their farming operation.
There is a shortfall of two to four thousand workers and employment spokesperson Chris Lewis says grand parents are having to step in and help out, other are soldiering on and working longer hours.
He says there are stories of good people leaving the industry because they can no longer cope with the stress of not finding enough suitable employees.
Chris Lewis says the organisation has lobbied government, but to no avail so hopefully personal stories might help sway thinking.
He says if 500 semi-skilled workers were allowed into the country to fill vacancies it would get them over the skills shortage.
But he says most jobs will go to New Zealanders and there are vacancies all over the country. https://nzfarmsource.co.nz/jobs/
