50 | The Bray’s going strong four years in Charlotte and Justin with their children. Aimee Wilson Small Farm Services has the Hawke’s Bay covered when it comes to practical advice and help for lifestyle block owners. Justin and Charlotte Bray brought their farming backgrounds into the mix when purchasing the business four years and haven’t looked back. They can help with most things farm related whether it be establishing new fences, animal husbandry, fertiliser or stock procurement. “We are very diverse and we love the variety,” Justin said. “If we can’t offer the service direct we utilise our sub contractors and suppliers to get a solution for our clients. “We’re dealing with people from all walks of life. I just get so much reward from going in and solving people’s problems, and taking their stress away.” Justin and Charlotte purchased their own farm near Porangahau in 2013, but decided to sell this in 2019 to look for a new challenge. “Living close to Havelock North we love what we do and the lifestyle and opportunities it provides for our young family at this stage of our lives.” However they say they wouldn’t hesitate to get back to the land themselves again one day. “Farming is still very much in my blood so I wouldn’t rule it out.” But for now, they are both very happy being busy helping others with their properties and recognise that running a business is another whole way of life. “You are dealing with so many different personalities and expectations and you need to start things with a very open mind. I get a lot of satisfaction from passing on my knowledge and seeing the results of a job well done,” he said. When Cyclone Gabrielle hit in February 2023, Justin and Charlotte were able to step in and help small farm owners re-establish their infrastructure, with the aim being to future proof it. It was an extremely emotional time for everyone involved, and while it has created a lot of work for them, they were very mindful of what others were going through, with the widespread devastation. Fencing makes up a large part of what they do, whether that be building new ones, repairing existing ones or creating inspiring entranceways for properties. RURAL SERVICES » Small Farm Services “Since operating the business we have been lucky to have a great team of people work for us whether it be summer students, sub-contractors, or our casual helpers and we are very grateful for them.” On the livestock side of the business they can take care of it all, from assisting with Mechanical & general engineering Certified welding Repairs & maintenance Bespoke builds Mobile field service 111 Te Mata Mangateretere Road, Hastings 0800 GCW ENG (0800 429 364) | office@gcw.nz | www.gcw.nz purchasing and selling the animals, sorting the transport, carrying out the non-vet required animal health and husbandry tasks including vaccinations, drenching, docking, shearing and feet treatments. “When our clients don’t have yards we can supply portable sheep and cattle yards including a loading ramp.” Justin and Charlotte have a large diverse clientele across the Bay and no two days are the same. “One day I can be fencing in Eskdale and the next docking lambs in Waipawa. I love the variety and utilising a broad skill set to provide timely and quality service to our clients.”
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