Simon and Lou White of Ludlow Farms

2025 East Coast Finalists: Simon and Lou White of Ludlow Farms – Arable, Sheep and Beef

The family behind this Hawke’s Bay arable, sheep and beef finishing farm are successfully balancing profitability with environmental stewardship.  

Ludlow Farms spans 1,015ha (900ha effective), with the business’s resilience and success built on a foundation of diversification and innovation.  

Five generations of the White family have farmed on land around Ōtāne, with Simon and wife Lou taking over the running of Ludlow Farms in 2007. Simon manages day-to-day operations with the help of three other fulltime team members. In addition to Ludlow Farms, the Whites also lease two cropping properties at Onga Onga. 

They grow vegetables, vegetable seeds, stockfeed and malting barley, along with hemp which is processed at their co-founded hempery. In addition, they finish prime lamb and beef and have just built a state-of-the-art seed-drying complex. 

The couple strives to balance profit with environmental responsibility, ensuring the land remains productive for generations to come. 

A key to their success is a commitment to continuous improvement. They have invested in cutting-edge technology, including the seed drying complex that serves both their needs and those of other growers in the region. 

Productivity is boosted by innovative practices such as strip-tilling, using liquid fertilisers and bio-stimulants, and using advanced crop management software. 

Soil health is a priority, with a focus on minimising bare ground and optimising nutrient management – ultimately leading to impressive lamb and bull weights. The farm also prioritises water conservation, with a large on-farm dam ensuring water security and providing recreational opportunities for staff. 

To limit the amount of contaminants leaving the property, the Whites have fenced and planted waterways, installed sediment traps, and carefully manage the use of chemical inputs. 

Ludlow Farms serves as a model for sustainable and profitable agriculture, demonstrating that innovation, a diverse business model, and a commitment to environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.