The UK agricultural sector is facing a perfect storm in 2025. Labour shortages are at an all-time high. Operational costs are surging. Policy shifts and international trade pressures are threatening profitability across the board. But amidst the uncertainty, there are opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation – especially for farms that take a forward-thinking approach to recruitment.
The Labour Crisis is Hitting Hard
Labour shortages are not a new problem for UK farming, but recent statistics reveal just how serious things have become. According to a report from Arla Foods UK, one in twelve dairy farmers have had to reduce their production, and one in ten have scaled down their herds due to recruitment difficulties.
And it's not just the dairy sector. From fruit-picking to animal husbandry, farms across the country are struggling to find the hands they need to maintain productivity. The government’s 2025 seasonal worker visa cap of 43,000 for horticulture (plus 2,000 for poultry) represents a slight reduction on previous years, and comes with an expectation that UK agriculture must become less dependent on overseas labour.
"The government’s long-term vision is clear, but it doesn’t solve the short-term crisis," says Rebekah Shields, Managing Director at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists. "We speak to agricultural employers every day who are desperate for reliable, skilled staff – whether in the field, the lab, or the boardroom. The workforce just isn’t there, and traditional hiring channels aren’t enough anymore."
Economic Pressures Intensify
While labour is becoming harder to find, the costs of running a farm are rising fast. Farm input costs have jumped by an average of 44% since 2019. Fertiliser, animal feed, machinery, energy – almost every operational cost is increasing. Labour itself has become significantly more expensive, with minimum wage hikes and changes to national insurance contributions pushing the labour cost index up four points year-on-year.
And the pressure isn’t just coming from within the UK. Recent US tariffs have caused major volatility in global markets, with the S&P 500 shedding $1.7 trillion in value in a single day. For UK farmers, that means higher prices on imported goods and materials. Meanwhile, proposed domestic tax reforms – including a so-called “tractor tax” – could further impact generational farming businesses.
What Can Be Done?
Despite the doom and gloom, there are actions that farms can take – starting with how they approach recruitment. Rebekah Shields recommends four key strategies:
1. Get Strategic About Recruitment
"Don’t just post a job and hope," says Rebekah. "We have access to highly skilled active and passive candidates who are often invisible to general job boards. Whether it’s experienced farm managers, agri-tech engineers, or logistics experts, we know where to find them."
2. Rethink the Candidate Profile
It’s no longer enough to recruit on experience alone. Soft skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn can be just as important in today’s evolving farming environment. Agricultural Recruitment Specialists help clients identify not only technical fit but cultural fit too.
3. Consider Remote and Hybrid Roles
The back-office of farming has changed. Marketing, logistics, compliance, and procurement can now often be done remotely. That opens the talent pool significantly, especially in a post-COVID working world.
4. Move Fast
In-demand candidates don’t stay on the market for long. If a farm identifies a great candidate, they must act quickly. A sluggish hiring process can cost a business the staff it needs to grow.
The Bigger Picture
There are systemic challenges facing the agricultural industry, no doubt. But by partnering with a recruitment agency that understands the unique dynamics of the farming world, agribusinesses can stay resilient and competitive. Whether you're recruiting for seasonal workers, full-time farm staff, or specialist roles, expert help is now more important than ever.
"Agriculture is changing fast," says Rebekah. "Whether you’re a family farm or a global agritech firm, you need a recruitment partner who’s ahead of the curve. That’s where we come in."
Let’s Build the Future of Farming, Together
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we connect top talent with forward-thinking agribusinesses. Our network spans the UK and beyond, covering roles in sustainability, operations, agronomy, engineering, and more.
Whether you need boots on the ground or brains in the lab, we’ll help you find the right person, fast.
🔗Visit our website
📞 Call us today on +44 (0)1905 345 155
📧 Email info@agriRS.co.uk to get started
Let’s future-proof your farm.
