| 33 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Bruski Farms Bradley has already made his mark at 22 Richard Loader At just 22 years old, Bradley Ray has already made his mark in the dairy sector, placing third in the 2025 Southland Dairy Trainee of the Year competition. The young 2IC from Bruski Farms in Hedgehope is passionate about the industry, and shaping his career while managing a 1200 cow herd on a 445 hectare property. His career started just after the first Covid lockdown hit, when he decided to finish school early to take on a full time farm assistant position near Whitianga. Fast forward five years, Bradley now calls Southland home where he works at Bruski Farms for Paul and Nicole Roberts. Bradley was originally playing rugby for Paul’s dad, Colin, who was his coach when he first moved to Southland. At the time, he was working for a different employer, but when that farm brought on a contract milker, Colin recommended Bradley to his son at Bruski Farms. “I have now just finished my third season on the farm and started my first season as manager.” Bradley said the job comes with plenty of variety and the opportunity to learn and grow. While no two days are ever the same, some of his key responsibilities are fertilizer application, topping paddocks, general preparation and feed plan for crop, staff management and animal welfare. Bradley said there were a range of reasons why he entered the awards, including the ability to get his name out there and meet like-minded people, while also furthering himself. It also meant proving to himself that he was more than capable and heading in the right direction. While he jokes that it might have been his “blonde hair, blue eyes and pretty face” that won him third place, Bradley believes it was his ability to communicate clearly, show genuine passion for the industry, and take feedback on board that helped him stand out. Confident in what he knows, and open to learning what he doesn’t, Bradley struck a balance between areas he could work on and ambition, traits that Bradley believes it was his ability to communicate clearly, show genuine passion for the industry, and take feedback on board that helped him. likely impressed the judges. Bradley said his latest accolade provided him with the encouragement and motivation to continue doing what he loves. “It lifted my confidence in work and helped me to set bigger goals.” While taking risks and working hard is paying off, it has not been an easy journey. Bradley said the toughest decision so far was moving from the north to the South Island, where he did not know many people. “It was hard trying to place myself in a new community, as well as learning the different aspects of farming compared to back home.”He credits his mum, Delwyn, for introducing him to the industry and his sister, Eden, for being a “massive part” of his support network. Bradley also acknowledges the role Paul and Nicole have played in his development, appreciating their daily guidance and trust. Agricultural Contractor, Winton. Jackson: 027 823 9446 | forbesagriltd@gmail.com Full Baling Service, Muck Spreading Aerating, Tip Trailers & More Baling & Ag Contractors! Baling & Trading - Medium Square Bales - Round Bales - Baleage - Hay - Lucerne - Mini Baleage Cultivation Loader Wagon Silage Tharan Rule - 0274 339 110 Ryal Bush 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 Southland Helicopters delivers precision aerial services across the Southland region - from spraying, fertiliser, bucket lifts, gravelling, fire‑lighting and surveying - all operated with agile, ultra‑quiet MD600NNOTAR helicopters Contact us today for all your aerial agricultural needs office@southlandheli.nz Email 027 432 2227 Hayden Cherry “I couldn’t have asked for better bosses.” Looking ahead, Bradley’s ambitions are firmly set in the industry he has come to love. “I see the dairy industry as my future and plan to hopefully one day go into contract milking, share milking and then one day own a farm of my own,” he said. “I would also enjoy working with youth in ag and encouraging other young people into looking at the dairy industry as a future [career path].”
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