The Federated Farmers/Rabobank Farm Employee Remuneration Report has found that in the year to August 2008, farm workers earned an average income $2,000 more than the average non-farm income. Farm workers earned an average income of $41,914 compared to the average non-farm income of $39,517. "The 2008 Federated Farmers/Rabobank report proves average wage levels are higher on-farm. This is good news and reflects a new belief that agriculture offers a viable career option," says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President. "The average New Zealand farm worker earned more than $2,000 more than the national average income. This does not take into account a farm workers' total package value that actually pushes their income well above the average. "A quick check of the online job sites has just under 500 jobs listed right now and that's only a snapshot in time. We literally need thousands of people to take up farming in order to cover retirements, people leaving the industry as well as filling the new jobs being created. Farming is a highly skilled and highly valued occupation. The Federation is moving to help meet the need for talented staff by establishing a rural jobs website to promote the many rural vacancies that exist reports fencepost. "This latest employment data backs up what farmers have known for generations, farming is a great career choice. As one of the few careers that can lead to self-employment we look forward to talking up agriculture at the Government's employment summit," Mr Nicolson said. The 2009 Federated Farmers/Rabobank report details remuneration rates for 13 occupational categories in the dairy, sheep, beef and arable (grain and seed) sectors. The comprehensive report, which has been supplied to all members of Federated Farmers, includes gross salary (excluding bonuses), other benefits and the total value of employment packages. It also includes the hourly rates for casual and permanent employees. The report presents data by occupation on a national basis as well as by North and South Island.
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