24 | New, additional farm across the road Eketahuna dairy farmers Alvaro Luzardo and Ximena Puig. Karen Phelps Award-winning Eketahuna dairy farmers Ximena Puig and Alvaro Luzardo are continuing to expand both their business and their influence within the industry, combining growth with a strong commitment to community and professional development. The couple, who were named the 2024 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Share Farmers of the Year, are now preparing for a significant step up in scale as they take on an additional farm directly across the road from their current 50:50 sharemilking position where they milk 480 cows for Geoff Arends and Ester Romp. They will begin lower-order sharemilking on the neighbouring farm, where they also hold an equity stake with Ester and Geoff. The new operation will milk around 620 cows, effectively more than doubling their total herd numbers. “It will be a big challenge as we will have skin in the game but we used to contract milk a 1200 cow farm in Canterbury before,” says Alvaro. The newly acquired farm, a 269ha property with 245ha effective area, is currently producing well but presents opportunities for operational improvements. Formed from the amalgamation of two former dairy units, it includes two herringbone sheds - 32- and 36-aside - each fitted with automatic cup removers. “We plan to run all the cows through the shed they are grazing close to, whichever shed that happens to be,” says Alvaro. He explains that this approach is expected to improve both efficiency and animal welfare by reducing walking distances for stock as well as enhancing health and safety and collaboration by having two people milking together rather than separately. In the longer term the couple intend to further develop infrastructure, including installing a central race between the two blocks, upgrading fencing and eventually constructing a rotary shed. The new farm currently supplies milk to Fonterra and Open Country Dairy so further efficiencies will include moving exclusively to Fonterra. “We are very excited about this new opportunity and to continue growing our business. Geoff and Esther can supply their knowledge and we can supply our young energy and passion so combined we make a great team,” says Alvaro. Production targets are set at 175,000kgMS for the existing farm and 220,000kgMS for the new unit. RURAL PEOPLE » Maitha Holdings Beyond the farm gate, Ximena is playing a key role in strengthening industry connections as regional manager for the Dairy Industry Awards Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Committee. “Networking is a real benefit,” she says. “From our experience you meet a lot of good people on the way. You meet other entrants from your region and see what they are doing and really connect with them. We’ve made friendships that will last for years.” She has been focused on increasing participation and awareness of the awards, highlighting the professional and personal value they offer. “Judges will give feedback and are available to ask questions and will help you if you want to grow on any different aspect. They are available for phone calls and they like to help. The good quality feedback entrants gets is so important,” says Ximena. For the couple, involvement in such initiatives has also driven their own development. “It also helped us to learn about ourselves a lot. When you have to put your business on paper and present it to someone else you can spot things you didn’t realise and see things that could be improved,” says Alvaro. Having emigrated from Uruguay, building networks has been essential. The couple has been shortlisted for the ASB Alumni that recognises previous New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year national/regional winners and entrants who are no longer eligible to enter the competition. “We try to keep getting actively involved in things to progress. Also farming life can be so isolating so the social and networking aspects are important as well,” says Alvaro. “It’s especially important for us as we weren’t born in New Zealand and don’t have family here so we need to build our own network from zero,” says Ximena. The couple remain focused on a clear long-term goal: full farm ownership. RANNOCH CHEVIOT Inspection welcome - SIL recorded Perendale Rams and Angus Bulls also available Andrew & Karen Mackie - 027 225 4777 PH. 06 376 7181 MOB. 0274 778036 Specialising in livestock cartage & general freight transport in the lower North Island region 61 Short Road, Pahiatua, New Zealand, 4982 brandfmurdoch@xtra.co.nz “We try to keep getting actively involved in things to progress. Also farming life can be so isolating so the social and networking aspects are important as well.”
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