| 37 Age is no barrier for Bradley Ray For Bradley, the farm manager role requires balance between hands-on farm work and administration duties. Alexia Anderson DAIRY PEOPLE » Bruski Farms 2001 Ltd At just 22, Bradley Ray is proving age is no barrier as he prepares to compete for the Dairy Southland/Otago Dairy Manager of the Year title. Bradley welcomed the opportunity to step into the management position in an acting capacity last season and is now officially Bruski Farms’ dairy manager in Hedgehope, Southland. He joined the farm four seasons ago, initially working as a farm hand before taking on his latest role, which has allowed him to take on more responsibility and new challenges. Bradley oversees a team of three staff, supported by a full-time diesel mechanic and tractor driver, as well as a part-time tractor driver. The scale of the operation is significant, spanning 445 effective hectares and milking 1200 cows at peak. In addition, three support blocks totalling 600 hectares play a vital role in the farm’s operations, including wintering and silage. Future-proofing is firmly on the radar at Bruski Farms, with ongoing investment including the addition of an effluent pond and concrete silage pads. For Bradley, the farm manager role requires balance between hands-on farm work and administration duties that keeps the business running efficiently. It is a balance he enjoys, particularly the technology side of the operation. The farm utilises Halter technology, allowing Bradley to virtually monitor herd performance and production, and quickly identify changes in cow health and behaviour. “I like to see the cows doing well and producing well and being happy,” he says. Close attention is also paid to grazing management and rest times to support herd performance. Bradley admits stepping into the management role took some adjusting, but approaches the role less as a traditional manager and more as a leader who supports the team. He describes himself as a captain, someone staff can talk to openly, and then take those concerns or ideas to the farm’s owners, Paul and Nicole Roberts. To further support his development in the role, Bradley is about to begin a leadership programme. THE EXTRA HANDS YOUR FARM CAN COUNT ON. The Gofer provides experienced relief staff for farms across Southland — short-term cover, long-term support, and everything in between. OUR SERVICES: Relief Milking Farm Minding Calf Rearing General Farm Labour Sheep & Beef Farming Winter Breaks Skidsteer Operations 2.5 Ton Digger Contact us today: 03 263 4044 Operations@thegofer.co.nz Providing expert farmmaintenance, hedge cutting and excavation services across Southland for over 20years. Proudly Supporting Bruski Farms 2001 Ltd Contact Us 027 444 9577 deanmoore.excavation@gmail.com He ventured into farming straight out of school, following in the footsteps of his mother, a devoted and passionate dairy farmer. He credits her, along with colleagues and employers, as key mentors who have helped shape his confidence and approach to leadership, which he was looking forward to building on at Bruski Farms. The farm is one he describes as an evolving, modern operation. “We value our workers and animals, and making things work better,” he says. The farm culture is social and supportive, with regular team dinners, a farm social club, and an emphasis on enjoying the work while still meeting targets. “We like to have banter and have a laugh while still hitting those expectations.” Bradley placed third in the trainee category at last year’s New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and is now gearing up to compete in the manager category. The process has encouraged him to think differently about the business and identify changes that could positively impact both the farm and team. He welcomes the new round of challenges and opportunities it will bring, while ultimately reflecting how far he has come and providing him with growth for the future.
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