Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Bushels & Bytes podcast, brought to you by the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN). In this episode, host Shaun Haney is joined by Jen Wright, executive director of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), to explore the intersection of technology, labour shortages, and skills development in agriculture.
Wright breaks down Canada’s significant labour shortfall across the ag value chain, from general labour to the C-suite, and explains why robotics and AI aren’t a full solution to the workforce gap.
It’s not just that job vacancies that are increasing — there’s a shift happening in skill requirements, too. There’s an increassing need for digital literacy, problem-solving, and communication skills on today’s farms, she says.
“The workforce isn’t shrinking because of technology—it’s changing. The skills we need are evolving, and we need to meet that challenge head-on,” says Wright.
Also in this episode:
- Tech adoption and workplace culture – How leaders can proactively manage change to reduce friction and support team readiness
- Attracting new talent – Strategies for bringing non-traditional candidates—like software engineers and environmental scientists—into the sector
- Remote work and social implications – The promise and trade-offs of operating farm equipment from afar, and what rural communities stand to gain or lose
- AI and HR management – How artificial intelligence can streamline hiring, operations, and data-driven decision-making
- Global comparisons – Why Canada trails some peer industries and countries in automation preparedness—and where we can improve
- Trends to watch – Growing demand for data analysts, sustainability-focused roles, and technology-literate employees.
Check out the first episode of the Bushels & Bytes podcast here!
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