The Real World

Reaping the rewards!

“To get extra pay you have to perform.”

Brad Lewis grew up on an asparagus farm and after doing a bit of relief milking during his school years, he decided to study further.

Brad completed his degree at Lincoln University, where he qualified for a New Zealand Dairy Industry Undergraduate Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students with a particular interest in dairying and are completing an agriculture or agricultural-related degree. 

Today Brad works as a herd manager on a farm with 1380 cows. August and September are the busiest times on the farm and he usually works around 11 hours a day. 

Brad is willing to work hard to achieve his goals. He aims to progress through the system and eventually own his own farm. 

“The best part about working on a farm is the lifestyle and the variety. Every day is different."

“Sometimes the long hours can be quite negative on your social life and when the weather’s rubbish, you still have to get out there and do it. But it’s great to see the calves grow and the results of your hard work.” 

Brad enjoys working with the equipment used on the farm. 

“Motorbikes, four wheelers, tractors, chainsaws... every day you learn something new.”

Like most farm employees, Brad lives on-farm and believes a good working relationship with your employer is important. 

“My colleagues and I have dinner with my boss about once a week. They keep an eye on you - they look out for you and you look out for them.”

To find a new job, he recommends checking the papers and fencepost.com

“Make sure you find the right boss, negotiate your working hours and if you want to get extra pay, you have to perform.”