64 | Years of camaraderie and connection The 31-year-old has enjoyed many years of camaraderie and connection in local young farmers clubs. Aimee Wilson Stephen Brunskill won second place in the final year of the Young Farmer of the Year competition for the Waikato Bay of Plenty region. The 31-year-old has enjoyed many years of camaraderie and connection in local young farmers clubs, and the competition is a natural progression of that. First joining a group in 2016 while at University, some of his closest friends have come from Young Farmers and his father also joined back in the day. Stephen wants to encourage more young folks to get involved as only about 3,000 out of 15,000 people farming below 34 are members, not to mention the associated industries,” “so there is more room to grow.” “it’s a really social thing and about creating space for meeting people, having a good time and coming away with some great memories.” Stephen and wife Hayley both farm together fulltime in the Central Waikato’s Whitehall district, after resigning from his job in rural finance a year ago. The couple originally leased the 185ha property and then in May 2022 were able to get a succession purchase completed. May 2025 expanded to a 170ha lease block next door. “We were very lucky to find a block so close and for it to work in so well,” he said. May 2026, an additional 117ha neighbouring block happened to come up for sale – once owned by his great-grandfather from 1910- c.1960, “we could make it work and it makes sense to utilise existing assets in a bigger way.” The transition from a traditional working model of employment to being self employed initially took some adjustment, but so far it has all gone well. “The stress is different, you’re forced to hold yourself accountable.” AWARDS » Hayley and Stephen Brunskill PHONE 07 827 7066 MOB 027 493 2076 WEB www.blackwoodyamaha.co.nz ADDRESS 33 Albert Street Cambridge EMAIL sales@blackwoodyamaha.co.nz $12,999 NO BULL, REAL WORLD PRICING. THE SMART FARM CHOI CE. THE SMART FARM CHOICE • Maize &Grass Silage • Round Baling 022 638 9385 TALK TO US rd3contracting@yahoo.co.nz Reliable Cambridge Agricultural Services. rd3contracting.co.nz
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