| 27 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Luke and Sunny Oud Call or email Glen Lugtigheid 021 439 748 glenlugtigheid@gmail.com Stack Silage 2x Strautmann Loader Wagons 6m Horsch Drill Discing & Power Harrowing with air seeder Effluent Umbilical System 1000m lay flat hose & reel with pump & splash plate 10,000l Nevada Effluent Tanker Digger, Scoop & Trailer Work Lime & Fert Spreading 15m Boom Spraying & 2x Electric Hand Guns Mow, Rake, Bale & Wrap The couple has four children who are also involved in the farm: Max (16), Willem (13), Lilah (8) and Jack (2). Photo: Hannah Baker Photography. movement and setting up fencing,” says Sunny. “It gives us more time to concentrate on bigger business decisions and to spend with family.” Investment has also been made in feed pads, effluent storage, calf barns, drainage and pasture renewal. The herd is milked through two herringbone sheds, a 26-aside and a 30-aside, with the larger shed set for an upgrade including an expansion, automatic cup removers and auto-drafting gates to drive further efficiencies. Sustainable for the couple also includes helping to foster sustainable communities. “Our values include to demonstrate sustainable farming practice that focuses on growth and provides opportunities for others in the industry. We are heavily involved in our local community,” explains Sunny. “Luke is on Ruawai College board and I sit on the Ruawai Primary School board and coach netball. We also sit on sporting club and boating club committees.” The couple has four children who are also involved in the farm: Max (16), Willem (13), Lilah (8) and Jack (2). Recognition through awards such as the Ballance programme is important, Sunny believes. “There are so many hard-working farmers across New Zealand doing great things quietly. Being recognised helps share those stories and encourages others to see that sustainable farming can also be profitable. As first time entrants it’s been a chance to reflect on what we’ve done and see where we’re heading in the future.”
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