Exploring New Opportunities in the Agricultural Sector

Latest Listings on AgJobs Central

• Extension Officer (Beef) – Charleville, Qld (Qld Government)
• Station Hand – Naturi, Qld (Willinga Pastoral)
• Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement Manager (AMPC)
• Chief Executive Officer (Avocados Australia, via Rimfire Resources)
• Station Hand – Greenacres, Qld (Willinga Pastoral)
• Chief Executive Officer (RMA Network)
• Livestock Technical Officer – Farm Operations (CSIRO)
• Sheep/Livestock Consultant (SheepMetrix)
• Cattle Station Manager – Pilbara, WA
• Station Hand – Karalee Plains, Qld (Willinga Pastoral)
• Farm Manager – Wando Hills, Vic (Wando Estate)
• Station Hand – Juandah Plains, Qld (Willinga Pastoral)
• Regional Sales Manager – Ornamental Horticulture (Rimfire client)
• Station Hand – Willinga Pastoral Co, Qld (Willinga Pastoral)
• Northern Sales Representative – StockLive (AAM Investment Group)
• Chief Executive Officer, ProWay Livestock Equipment (Rimfire)
• Station Hand & Leading Hand – Katandra Station, Qld (Cunningham Cattle Co)
• Stud Head Stockperson – Newcastle Waters Station, NT (CPC)

For more information and to explore these and other exciting opportunities in the meat and livestock supply chain, click here to access AgJobs Central.

Innovative Approaches in Employment: Autism Inclusion in Red Meat Processing

The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) has recently made strides in promoting inclusivity within the workforce. Their autism employment pilot kicked off with the inaugural neuro-inclusion training session for the JBS Dinmore HR and Recruitment team.

The Enhancing the Food Production Workforce with Neuro-Inclusion Pilot represents a groundbreaking effort to bridge the gap between capable employees and red meat businesses. This collaboration, spearheaded with Team Cohesion, seeks to create a more inclusive and productive workforce.

The initial training marks the pilot’s first extension activity after comprehensive consultations that aimed to identify both challenges and opportunities for autistic individuals within the red meat processing sector.

Potential Roles for Autistic Employees

Research has revealed several roles that align with the strengths of autistic individuals, including:

• Quality control & packaging
• IT and tech roles
• Data collection and analysis
• Machine operation & maintenance support
• Animal Care
• Cafeteria and laundry roles

According to research, there is a strong demand among employers for inclusive hiring practices and a unified approach across the industry.

Future Directions and Industry Perspectives

AMPC has successfully funded phase one of the pilot project, which includes the development of educational resources and workforce capability tools. AMPC’s Program Manager for People and Culture, Amanda Carter, noted that the second phase is planned for rollout in 2026.

JBS Dinmore is one of the pilot program’s four sites located in southeast Queensland. Their participation signifies a proactive step toward enhancing recruitment processes to eliminate barriers for all candidates.

Team Cohesion’s Neurodiversity Consultant, Sharon Whip, emphasized that the training aims to instill confidence and knowledge about neurodiversity, advocating for inclusive recruitment and alternative assessment methods.

JBS Australia’s General Manager of HR, Kimberley Melrose, expressed optimism about the program, stating, “This pilot is not just about reaching a milestone; it’s about fostering an innovative and resilient industry where everyone’s contributions are valued.”

About the Autism Employment Program

In partnership with AMPC, Team Cohesion is developing an Autism Employment Program tailored for the red meat processing industry. This initiative aims to tackle labor shortages by creating a more inclusive hiring model for autistic job seekers, who are often underrepresented despite their unique skill sets.

The pilot program hopes to challenge the current employment landscape while providing fruitful opportunities for both individuals and businesses alike.