| 129 nzdairy Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Stolte Ag Elise and Clarence Stolte. Rosa Watson Wairarapa farmers Elise and Clarence Stolte have spent 18 years progressing from farm management to farm ownership, and are now recognised leaders in the dairy industry. The couple milk 500 cows on their 387ha (360ha effective) property, with a team of three staff - farm manager Rene ten Bolscher, 2IC Matt Sio, and herd manager AJ Meijers. This year they were named Greater Wellington regional supreme winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. They were also the recipients of the DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award and Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award. The couple started their farming journey sharemilking on the property in the West Taratahi region of the Wairarapa from 2008 – 2025, and began buying equity in the farm in 2018. In July 2025 they were able to buy it outright. They also had a second sharemilking business, Riverslea, just north of Masterton that they ran for six years from 2015 to 2021 that they sold in 2021 to their farm manager at the time. As the award winners, the couple hosted a field day in May that Elise says had a fantastic turn out of around 100 people, despite the cold weather. She says many people were interested in the composting barn that was built in 2023, and how that has impacted production, feed efficiency, animal health, winter milking constraints and staff working conditions. Production results have been impressive, and through a combination of Rene’s strong management, and the addition of the barn and introduction of cow collars (Afimilk), the year-on-year target production has jumped from 220,000kgMS to 250,000kgMS. “Because we are quite early in our farm ownership journey, we also wanted to show how it’s okay to be making first steps with environmental restoration, so that others can go back to their property and make a start too,” Elise says. Fantastic turn out of around 100 people In 2019 they partnered with Greater Wellington Regional Council to fence off and re-create a 1.5ha wetland. “Since then, we have annual plans to continue planting all of our waterways (that are all fenced off).” To help speed up the work and bring the cost down, they created an on-farm plant nursery that now grows 1500 plants per year - all eco-sourced natives appropriate to the catchment. “Both the nursery and the planting projects have opened up great opportunities for us to bring people on farm. We have had students from local schools come on farm to do learning modules on native plants, where they help plant seeds, manage weeds, or plant trees,” Elise says. “We have also run many fundraisers for school or sports groups to come in and plant a section of waterway in return for a donation for their cause.” They have also become active members of the local catchment group. “We believe, if individuals do environmental work, there is some impact, but if it is done together as a community, there is broad and lasting impact.” Elise says profitability has always been a key driver for the couple. “When we began sharemilking in 2008, the payout at the time dropped significantly and we learned the hard way that cost-control is a key driver of business success. “We’re thankful for that hard year, because ever since then we’ve had tight control and understanding of our costs and our budgets.” They have been part of a benchmarkinggroup - Dairy Systems Monitoring through Baker Ag - that has provided data and insights to make continuous improvements. “Our business motto is ‘applying knowledge’. We are always aiming to understand, to learn, and to use that to make a difference.” She says it was an honour to win the award. “We see the awards as such a valuable way that New Zealand primary industries can showcase our amazing farmers - their dedication, hard mahi and innovation. “The amazing, good quality, high nutrient food that we all produce for the world is something to be so proud of. And we can keep each other sharp, keep learning, keep adapting by hearing each other’s stories.” She says it is a privilege to live and work in such a beautiful environment, adding it is a wonderful place to raise kids. “Our whole team get to enjoy this property. The view of the Tararuas is stunning every single day and we are so grateful to be here.” Providing professional, independent service for success in agribusiness. 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