Watch Now: Burnout, Margins, and the Silent Crisis in Ag
What does it take to keep Australian agriculture moving forward? It takes great people.
To give you a behind-the-scenes look at who we are and what drives us, John Boote, Managing Director and Founder of Drover Ag, has released a short video that captures the heart of Drover Ag. John is deeply passionate about the agricultural industry, and this video showcases his unwavering commitment to supporting farmers across all sectors—from livestock and dairy to broadacre cropping.
The video highlights some uncomfortable truths, but John's understanding and honesty are refreshing, and his passion is genuine.
Watch the full video here
As you'll see in the video, we know that Australian agriculture is built on resilience, teamwork, and finding the right fit. However, what the video only briefly touches on is the comprehensive, behind-the-scenes support we provide to both employers and job seekers to make those successful partnerships happen.
From farm owners squeezed by tightening margins to managers acting as "the meat in the sandwich," John shares the raw truth about burnout, toxic information hoarding, and why the old way of managing farm staff is simply broken. If you work on the land, manage a team, or own a rural business, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss.
For Farm Businesses: Beyond Standard Recruitment
Finding reliable staff is just the beginning. As highlighted by our commitment to the industry, we offer specialised tools to help your enterprise scale, retain staff and thrive:
- Consulting Services: Navigating workforce changes or business growth can be complex. We provide expert, industry-specific workforce strategies to keep your operation running smoothly and efficiently.
- Farm People and Performance: Placing a great candidate is step one. We equip employers with the frameworks needed to build high-performing teams, foster a positive workplace culture, and ensure long-term retention so your farm can operate at its best.
For Candidates: Growing Your Ag Career
If the video inspired you to take the next step in your agricultural journey, we are here to ensure you stand out.
- Career Support Services: We provide the resources you need to put your best foot forward. From tailored resume-writing assistance to free, confidential salary reviews, our experienced recruiters are in your corner to support your career progression every step of the way.
Watch the full video here: John Boote: The Real "People Problem" in Ag
What John covers in this episode:
- Intro: Why John is finally speaking out.
- The Early Days: Building Drover Ag and proving the "experts" wrong.
- The "People Problem": Why recruitment is only one piece of the puzzle.
- The Meat in the Sandwich: The brutal reality for agricultural managers.
- Toxic Traits: Information hoarding and the ego of bad leadership.
- Bridging the Gap: Connecting farm owners with young workers.
- The Bottom Line: Why people management directly equals production.
- Actionable Advice: Rebuilding structure, trust, and capability on the farm.
- The Future: What’s next for Drover Ag and Australian agriculture.
Ready to rebuild the way you work? Check out the YouTube video to hear John's full insights. Whether you are an employer looking to overhaul your workforce strategy or a candidate seeking a healthier work environment, reach out to the Drover Ag team today.
Discover more of what Drover Ag can help you with in your ag business or career.
