| 29 nzdairy DAIRY AWARDS » Luke Feisst: RVS Farming Ltd Luke Feisst goes back to his roots Luke grew up around share-milking parents, but yearned to explore other pastures. Luke would like to be involved in the larger picture of dairying in the future, on a regional industry level. A twist in the tale led Luke Feisst back to his dairying roots, with fresh skills and ambitious insights. Achieving the 2024 Trainee Dairy Farmer of the Year Award for the Bay of Plenty Region, he also won the DairyNZ Practical skills Award and I.S Dam Lining Farming Knowledge Award, recognising the allrounder’s applied and technical knowhow. “I’m still trying to get used to the attention,” the 26-year-old says. “I’m usually going up to people at events, and now they’re coming up to me.” Luke is Assistant Manager to Share Milkers Richard and Vicky Stuart of RVS Farming Ltd in Te Puke, owned by Doug Paul. The farm milks 350 Friesian/Jersey cows - aka KiwiCross. He works an 11-day/3-days-off roaster in the 40-aside herringbone shed, on the Spring calving farm’s 114ha milking platform. Luke grew up around share-milking parents, but yearned to explore other pastures. With creative interests, he first studied Media Arts, then returned to help on his parents farm for three months due to their injuries. A stint in building and property management followed, before starting a business suppling cut foliage to the florist industry. Only three months after registering the successful company, Covid hit, and it was an 18 month futile salvage attempt. Amid also battling personal issues, he had to move in temporarily with his brother in Reporoa - a return to the dairy farm. “Every career I’ve had is hands on, where I have something to show for my work and can apply myself. I always see multiple sides to a situation - basically the opposite to narrow-mindedness. Learning from my mistakes, I don’t let them get me down. We learn something from every life event, good or bad, and grow on a personal level. I found out what goes into running an entire company.” Also studying for his Primary ITO, he lives on the farm’s original 70s quirky hunter’s cabin, with two cats, Maise and Turnip, so named after the crops they were found in. “The land here is steep to rolling, with some flat areas. The complexity of the contours are subject to erosion, so there are more challenges than a flat farm. For example, its only safe to walk cows up a steep races when its cooler. From the original farm, 73ha of rugged terrain has been removed, and allocated to pine, natives, Kiwifruit and avocados. This gives the surroundings the feel as how nature intended, and helps mitigate nitrates leaching.” Luke would like to be involved in the larger picture of dairying in the future, on a regional industry level. “I enjoy the community side of farming, and join in DairyNZ discussion groups. Our local young farming group has mental health talks such as inspirational speaker Tangaroa Walker and Farm4Life. Tracey Edwardes 027 312 5082 or 07 307 0704 11 Te Tahi St, Whakatane office@milkingandwater.co.nz We are able to stir ponds, empty lined ponds, bladders, klip tanks, irrigation ponds over a variety of terrains with 1100 metres of lay at hose. Proudly Supporting RVS Farming Ltd Servicing the greater BOP area. James and CarlaWilton 021 303 620 www.jcslurryspreading.co.nz In a collaborative effort with the Rural Support Trust, we reach out to local farms and cover stacks and other general jobs, helping out when needed. It raises funds for the club and gets young farmers off their farms and to connect with other like minded people.” Since getting involved with other young farmers, Luke says he has a much clearer understanding of the challenges. “Talking and encouraging each other is important. Farming is only as isolating as you make it. You can put yourself out there in the community, which always welcomes with open arms.”
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