The rise of the specialist

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By Dwain Duxson - An Ag Enthusiast

The rise of the specialist - Are we entering the age of the specialist within our Farming businesses? Having these specialist roles can create a lot of efficiency, as they are usually operating at a high level. But it can also create some risk as well.

There is the specialist Header Driver or the specialist Sprayer where one person plays that role solely. How often do we hear someone say, I don't go near the Sprayer; that's such and such's job? Is it that the technology is so advanced it keeps a lot of people out of these new Machines? Is it the complexities of some of these roles and the knowledge that is required? I saw a job ad in WA recently for a combined Spraying operator and a B-Double Truck Driver. The wage of $150k is usually reserved for a senior Farm Manager and the like.

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The role of the specialist is growing, but the risk is there if there's no backup plan. If someone can't fulfil their role for whatever reason, then it creates a problem because something like Spraying is based on timing. Being a day or two out could cost you dollars.

I know myself, being an old Case 2388 driver, that it would take some training to pick up driving the modern Headers. Do you have a backup plan so someone can jump into some of these really important roles if needed? Do you take on a specialist role on the Farm? Reply to dwaind@farmtender.com.au

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