Soil Health at the Heart of Ludlow Farms' Sustainable Journey

Added 4 days ago

In the heart of Hawke’s Bay, Simon and Lou White have cultivated more than just crops at Ludlow Farms—they've nurtured a philosophy centered on soil health as the cornerstone of sustainable and resilient farming. Their 1,015-hectare mixed arable cropping, sheep, and beef finishing operation near Otane reflects a deep commitment to practices that ensure the land's vitality for future generations.

"Our soil health is the key to how sustainable our operation will be for generations to come," says Simon White. This belief drives their adoption of precision agriculture technologies, such as electromagnetic soil mapping and variable rate irrigation, allowing them to tailor inputs to specific soil types and conditions. These practices have led to significant reductions in nutrient inputs and improved crop yields, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and profitability can go hand in hand.

The Whites' approach also includes strategic crop rotation and diversification, growing a range of crops from processed vegetables for McCain to hemp, and integrating livestock to enhance nutrient cycling. By matching crops to soil types and staggering planting schedules, they optimize resource use and mitigate risks associated with climate variability.

Their dedication to sustainable irrigation and soil management has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Simon and Lou were named Regional Supreme Winners at the East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards, also receiving accolades such as the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award and the NZFET Innovation Award. Just nine days later, they were honoured with the Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year title at the Napier Port Primary Sector Awards.

Through their work, the Whites exemplify the principles championed by the Hawke's Bay Future Farming Trust: that focusing on soil health is not only beneficial for the environment but is also a viable path to a resilient and prosperous farming future.