STAFF management and on-farm human resources were the hot topic at the latest Liebe Group AgChats on Wednesday, March 13.
After an informative presentation on Single Touch Payroll by Agrimaster, the Liebe Group members were lucky enough to hear insights from two farm businesses on their experience with staff management.
Liebe Group member Steve Sawyer, Wimmera Farms, shared an insight into how they manage the logistics and team for their large scale operation.
Mr Sawyer noted marketing their business via Facebook and promoting their farm was the key to attracting staff from around the world.
"Word of mouth and social media is vital to attracting seasonal staff for our business," he said.
Mr Sawyer also discussed the importance of providing safe working conditions and a fun environment where staff are treated as team members and are encouraged to develop their skills.
He said he believed flexibility was vital to successful management.
"I think it is important to plan a direction and not a path and be open to different personalities, skills and ideas," Mr Sawyer said.
Liebe members were also fortunate to hear from Paul O'Meehan, A O'Meehan & Co, who travelled to Dalwallinu from the Stirling Ranges to share his business experience.
Mr O'Meehan spoke to the group about some of the key techniques the business uses to promote a strong team culture in the workplace.
This included giving team members input into the direction and decision making and dedicating ample time and resources to the HR management of their business.
"We see HR as part of our business, like any other maintenance, it's part of our DNA," Mr O'Meehan said.
The Liebe Group would like to thank both presenters for their time in being involved and GrainGrowers for supporting the AgChats initiative.
