
07
Feb, 2019
Efficient labour management and
profitability key to sustainable dairy growth
Aurivo co-hosts Labour Management course for its dairy suppliers in conjunction with Teagasc and Macra Skillsnet
~ Efficient labour management and profitability key to sustainable dairy growth ~
Aurivo, the globally-focused Agribusiness which is headquartered in the North West of Ireland, recently coordinated a new Labour Management course for its dairy suppliers in conjunction with Teagasc and Macra Skillsnet. The abolition of milk quotas in 2015 was a turning point for the Irish dairy industry as many farmers seized the opportunity to expand their enterprise and increase production capacity. The course was designed to help Aurivo’s suppliers manage and motivate employees and to put in place an overall management structure, as farmers now manage employees on the farm as part of business operations.
Attracting and retaining labour to work on farms is an area that the dairy industry is struggling with. As dairy farming continues to grow, the need for the provision of labour is becoming increasingly important for farmers and the requirement to pursue a sustainable business model which will in turn facilitate an appropriate work-life balance.
Vincent Griffith Farm Profitability manager Aurivo said: “Our dairy farms have seen significant growth in terms of the scale of their businesses since the abolition of milk quotas in 2015. As a result, many of our milk suppliers have employed people to work on their farms. This can be a daunting challenge for farmers as many have never had to managed employees in their business before. Although challenging, when managed correctly, employing staff can lead to opportunities such as increased productivity on the farm, creating employment in rural areas and a reduced workload for the farm owner.”
Twenty-two Aurivo suppliers participated in the first roll out of the course which took place over a 5-week period. The course was facilitated by Dr. Nollaig Heffernan, an independent management consultant who specialises in the Dairy industry. The Workplace Relations Commission and Teagasc specialists also contributed to the course. Aurivo will co-host the Labour Management course again in the Autumn for its suppliers who did not secure a place on the first course.
Speaking about the course, Oisin Gill, an Aurivo milk supplier from Hollymount Co.Mayo said: “Farming has progressed a lot over the last number of years and as farmers we have to progress to. As our family farm continues to grow its important that we have the structure and system in place to manage our employees and make our farm as efficient as possible. Bringing in a new employee into the family farm adds further requirements into the management of the farm but the benefits of additional labour is helping us grow a sustainable business. I would encourage all Aurivo dairy suppliers in the region to take part in the course this Autumn.”
As part of the farm profitability programme, Aurivo is working with its farmers to improve family farm income and sustain future generations. The labour management course is part of a series of initiatives coordinated by Aurivo to ensure the future sustainability of our family farms.
Roberta McDonald, Sustainability Manager, Aurivo said: “Sustainability is embedded into everything we do at Aurivo – from our farms and our processes to our communities. We support farm families to ensure their business develops sustainably, by enriching their environment, local communities and being financially viable. Having the confidence and skills to be sustainable is essential to supporting a work-life balance now and for future generations.”
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Aurivo House
Finisklin,
Sligo.
Phone: 071 9186500
Fax: 071 9185239
Email: info@aurivo.ie
Aurivo Animal Feeds
Ballaghaderreen,
Co. Roscommon
Phone: 094 9860234
Fax: 094 9860238
Email: nutrias@aurivo.ie
Aurivo Consumer Foods
Finisklin,
Sligo.
Phone: 071 9160883
Email: consumerfoods@aurivo.ie
Web: connachtgoldfoods.ie
Aurivo Dairy Ingredients
Ballaghaderreen,
Co. Roscommon
Phone: 094 9860114
Fax: 094 9860157
Email: dairyingredients@aurivo.ie
Aurivo House
Finisklin, Sligo.
Phone: 071 9186500 | Fax: 071 9185239
Email: info@aurivo.ie