54 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Tri Devi Farms Deependra climbs some sizeable mountains Russell Fredric Moving onto a second farm and being named Waikato Share Farmer of the Year runner-up are the latest milestones in a journey that has taken Deependra Parajuli from rural Nepal to the forefront of Waikato dairy farming. Along the way, he has climbed some sizeable mountains of his own. The latest came this month when the Tri Devi Farms owner expanded his business from a single 60-hectare property to two farms spanning 186 hectares. Today, Deependra is milking about 600 cows across the two properties in Waikato, but his farming story began on a much smaller scale. Growing up in Nepal, he helped his parents milk a small number of cows, buffalo and goats while also working as an accountant. Seeking greater opportunities for his family, he moved to New Zealand in 2006 and began work as a herd manager on an 850-cow dairy farm. “The first few months were really hard because farming in New Zealand and Nepal is completely different. I had to learn everything.” While he arrived with practical farming experience, New Zealand’s dairy systems, technology and scale were unlike anything he had previously encountered. Supported by employers willing to teach him, he spent about 14 years on the same property before taking the next step in his career. In 2020, he entered a 50:50 sharemilking arrangement on a 60-hectare property owned by Jeanette and Trevor Clubb. Starting with around 200 cows and 50 yearlings, Deependra quickly discovered that succeeding as a sharemilker required more than strong farming skills. “On a big farm there are lots of people and everyone has their own job. When I started sharemilking, I had to do everything myself, including the management and accounting.” The 193-cow sharemilking business earned Deependra runner-up honours in the 2026 Waikato Share Farmer of the Year Awards, along with two merit awards for business performance and pasture management. “It was a big surprise. I never expected that result, especially because English is my second language.” Encouraged by Jeanette and Trevor to enter the awards, Deependra was also preparing for a major expansion. Late last year, the Clubbs purchased a second property nearby. From June 1, Deependra expanded onto the additional 126-hectare farm, increasing the business to around 600 cows and creating employment for three staff. Despite the growth, the principles remain simple. Pasture management is his primary focus, followed One of the main reasons Deependra and his wife Hima chose to settle in New Zealand was to create opportunities for their daughters. Together, Creating the Best Soil and Feed on E WE ARE A CHARTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM WHODOESN’T JUST TICK BOXES, WE LOOK OUTSIDE THEM. ENABLING BETTER BUSINESS 0800 888 055 diprosemiller.co.nz by animal health and maintaining a clear understanding of the farm’s financial position. “If cows eat well, they produce well. You also need to find health issues early because they are much easier to treat. Financially, you need to know exactly where you are at all times.” There is another source of pride. One of the main reasons Deependra and his wife Hima chose to settle in New Zealand was to create opportunities for their daughters. Their two oldest daughters are medical professionals, one a graduated doctor and one currently in medical training, while their youngest is currently head girl of her high school. “That makes me proud. Not only have I built a farming career, but my family has also been successful.” Deependra’s next goal is to become a farm owner which would be another significant milestone in a career that has taken him from hand-milking livestock in rural Nepal to building a growing Waikato dairy business.
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