New Salary Levels for Herdsmen and Farm Managers in Denmark (2026)

New Salary Levels for Herdsmen and Farm Managers in Denmark

Denmark has introduced updated salary levels for herdsmen and farm managers in the agricultural sector following a new collective agreement between 3F and GLS-A.

The agreement came into force on 1 March 2026 and affects applications for residence and work permits submitted to SIRI from 23 April 2026 and later.

For Danish farms working with international recruitment, understanding these new requirements is important to ensure compliance with Danish labour standards and avoid delays in the approval process.

At the same time, the changes reflect a broader development in Danish agriculture: employers are expected not only to recruit workers but also to ensure proper working conditions, professional onboarding, and long-term integration into the workplace.

Updated Salary Requirements for Herdsmen

According to SIRI, the monthly salary for a herdsman will generally be considered compliant with Danish standards if the total salary amounts to:

From 1 March 2026: at least DKK 35,352.96 per month
From 1 June 2026: at least DKK 35,705.18 per month

The salary can be calculated either including or excluding pension contributions.

When processing work permit applications, SIRI assesses whether the offered salary corresponds to Danish standards. If the salary falls below the indicative level, the application may not meet the required conditions.

This means employers must ensure that employment contracts, salary structures, and working conditions are fully aligned with current Danish regulations before submitting applications.

Overtime and Supplemental Pay

For positions not directly covered by the collective agreements between GLS-A and 3F or KA and Krifa, overtime and supplemental pay must still follow the standards defined in the agricultural agreement.

Overtime Rates

Employers should be aware of the following overtime supplements:

DKK 225.95 per hour for the first two overtime hours
DKK 312.86 per hour for additional overtime hours, Sundays, and public holidays

Supplemental Rates for Specific Working Hours

Additional supplements apply for certain work schedules:

DKK 25.35 per hour for work before 5:00 a.m.
DKK 154.74 per day for work after 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays
DKK 327.75 per day for work on Sundays and public holidays

For farms operating with shift-based schedules, milking routines, or weekend operations, these supplements can significantly influence total labour costs.

Salary Expectations for Farm Managers

For farm managers, SIRI does not define one exact salary figure.

Instead, the salary must:

exceed the salary level for herdsmen
reflect the managerial responsibility and professional scope of the position

If SIRI is uncertain whether the offered salary corresponds to Danish standards, the case may be referred to the Regional Labour Market Councils for further assessment.

This means that job titles alone are not enough. The actual responsibilities, leadership tasks, and operational accountability connected to the role must also justify the salary level.

Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever

The updated salary levels are another sign that international recruitment in Denmark is becoming increasingly professionalised and regulated.

Recruiting international workers today is no longer only about filling vacancies. Farms also need employees who understand Danish workplace culture, communication, safety standards, animal welfare expectations, and daily farm routines from the beginning.

Many farms still experience challenges during the first weeks after arrival:

misunderstandings in communication
uncertainty around routines
slower onboarding
additional pressure on existing staff
avoidable mistakes in daily operations

This is exactly why preparation before arrival matters.

Bixter Academy was created to help employers reduce these challenges by preparing candidates both professionally and culturally before they enter the workplace.

The goal is simple:
to help international employees contribute faster, integrate better, and create value from day one.

Bixter Academy Courses for Agricultural Workers

Bixter Academy offers practical online training designed specifically for international workers entering European agriculture and food production.

Relevant courses include:

The courses combine practical industry knowledge with cultural preparation and workplace understanding.

Workers can learn about:

Daily farm routines
Animal welfare standards
Hygiene and biosecurity
Communication with colleagues and managers
Danish workplace expectations
Safety procedures and responsibilities

This creates a smoother onboarding process for farms while helping employees feel more confident and prepared before arrival.

International Recruitment Is Becoming More Professional

Across Europe, agriculture continues facing labour shortages, especially in livestock production and specialised farm management.

At the same time, expectations around documentation, salary conditions, onboarding quality, and responsible recruitment continue increasing.

Professional preparation is becoming an important competitive advantage for farms that rely on international labour.

Better onboarding and training often lead to:

faster integration
lower turnover
fewer misunderstandings
stronger cooperation between employees and management
improved workplace stability

Bixter Academy is part of a broader movement toward more transparent, ethical, and professional international recruitment in Europe.

Conclusion

The new salary levels for herdsmen and farm managers introduce clearer expectations for agricultural employers working with international recruitment in Denmark.

For farms, compliance with salary standards is essential — but long-term success also depends on preparation, onboarding, communication, and creating stable working environments for international employees.

As Danish agriculture continues evolving, professional recruitment and structured training are becoming increasingly important parts of running a stable and productive farm operation.

Bixter Academy supports this development by helping employers and international workers build stronger cooperation from day one.

Source: Information based on updates published by Nyidanmark.dk.

New Salary Level for Herdsmen and Farm Managers in Denmark (2026)