18 | From harvesting ood water to harvesting George and Oscar White riding in the combine harvesting wheat, with yield monitor measuring crop yield. Lou White (bottom) spreading grass seed out to ll the truck right up. Kelly Deeks RURAL PEOPLE » Ludlow farms Having diversi ed their business in order to future proof for the next generational transition, Hawke’s Bay farmers Simon and Lou White looked to employ a sustainable irrigation management system and have now been recognised for their irrigation excellence and environmental stewardship. Simon and Lou were nalists in the 2021 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards, and were awarded the Opportunities and Diversi cation Award sponsored by Vantage NZ. They farm Ludlow Farms, an 835ha mixed arable cropping, sheep, and beef nishing operation in Otane near Waipawa. Simon’s family has farmed in the area for about 150 years, with his great grandfather starting out on the main block now farmed by the Whites, who also run a nearby lease block. Simon says he has been afforded an opportunity from his family’s work in the past, and so he wants to give an opportunity to the next generation, his kids Millie, 8, George, 7, and Oscar, 5. About 12 years ago, Simon and Lou saw the need to diversify into higher value seed crops in place of commodity-type crops, to maximise the use of their land as its capital value increased. “We saw the value in growing these crops, but to be able to grow these crops we needed sustainable water,” Simon says. “We found a lot of the water in this region is all fully allocated, so we thought our best option was to investigate water storage, and we built our rst storage dams 12 years ago. They were successful, and we’ve now built another too. We’re harvesting winter ood water or excess water, storing that and utilising it to irrigate crops between rain events.” With 600,000 cubic metres of storage, the Whites have not only enough water to irrigate their crops, but also enough for the whole family to go waterskiing right there in the backyard. Simon and Lou further diversi ed in 2019 with an off farm investment in partnership with Isaac Beach to establish Kanapu Hemp Food, a business which grows and manufactures premium, artisan hemp food products. “We have been harvesting premium, New Zealand grown hemp seed and making hemp seed oil and hemp seed akes, and now we’ve developed a hemp milk which we are going to launch on to the market this year. It has taken us about two years and we have collaborated with Massey University and got some key scientists involved, because we want to make the best hemp product in the world.” The healthy food alternative has an earthy, nutty avour and a creamy consistency. It provides omegas 3 and 6 as well as a high proportion of easily digestible protein. Unlike other non-dairy alternatives, hemp milk is less intensive to produce as an economic and sustainable crop without the same toll on soil or water resources, and no volatile chemicals required for its manufacture. There is now a bit of competition arising in the hemp industry, but Simon says it’s a good thing as it helps to promote the product. Where it becomes a challenge is with rogue businesses importing low quality products and selling them at a cheap price. Proudly supplying shearing services to Ludlow Farms For prompt and reliable service phone Brendan: 021 423 886 or email: b.j.mahony@xtra.co.nz LudlowFarms Are proud to support [a] 49-51 Takapau Road, Waipukurau [w] www.millshonda.co.nz [p] 06 858 9109 k f Ma ing li e on the farm easier Congratulations to Simon and Lou - Finalists in the Trailblazer Zimatic Irrigation Awards Direct Drilling OR Full Cultivation Phone Mike 021 733 918
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=