26 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Luke and Sunny Oud Sustainability has benefited their bottom line Karen Phelps Finalists in the Northland region of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards Sunny and Luke Oud say focusing on sustainability has benefited their bottom line as well. “Making changes to our system has actually helped us produce more milk solids,” says Sunny. “This shows environmental stewardship and profitability are not opposing forces but complementary drivers of long-term success.” Since becoming equity partners in the Oud family farming operation near Ruawai with Luke’s parents, Tony and Sue in 2022, the couple have overseen a major expansion. The dairy platform has grown from 80 hectares to 240 hectares (225ha effective) and cow numbers have increased from 200 to 600. Sunny and Luke own another 30ha block used for dairy platform. The farms are supported with a 66-hectare runoff 15 kilometres away that is used for young stock and growing supplement. Production has lifted accordingly, rising from 162,000kg of milk solids in the 2023/24 season to 194,000kg in 2024/25. Growth, however, has been carefully managed, says Sunny. Robust systems, clear checks and balances and targeted investment in infrastructure and technology have ensured production milestones are met while reducing environmental impact. A key challenge has been farming on heavy Kaipara clay soils prone to pugging. “When we started sharemilking here in 2019 the herd was big Friesians and it’s now predominantly KiwiCross. They’re more efficient and better suited to our environment.” The transition is still underway, particularly following the purchase of a neighbouring farm · Ground Spreading · Bulk Cartage · Limestone Supply John Dreadon Contracting: Proudly supporting Luke and Sunny Oud Contact John 021 273 2571 jjdreadon@xtra.co.nz Proudly supporting Luke and Sunny Oud For accounting services contact us 0800 438 393 sumpters.co.nz Your success Our business Heifers with collars. that included Ayrshire cows. Around 30 Ayrshires remain, with the balance progressively being bred to KiwiCross genetics using LIC’s Minda system. To further protect soil health, the farm has invested in a large covered herd home, integrated into a winter grazing system that includes on-off grazing. Cows are sent to pasture for a few hours before returning under cover, reducing soil damage during wetter months. The introduction of Halter collars has further streamlined pasture management and animal movement. “Halter allows us to hand over the daily running of the farms to staff and saves time with animal New & Used Farm Machinery, Delivered with Expertise Proudly Supporting Luke and Sunny Oud With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Northland Machinery supplies quality equipment, parts, and service to farmers and contractors across the North. New & Used Farm Machinery Spare Parts | Servicing & Delivery 228 Victoria Street, Dargaville, Northland 021 872 483 sales@northlandmach.co.nz northlandmachinery.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=