Simon and Alex Ferguson

At Waimakariri Farm in Canterbury, Pāmu is partnering with two progressive operators driving performance through precision, innovation, and care. 

Simon and Alex Ferguson, our new Variable Order Sharemilkers, are known for their ability to blend strong business acumen with practical on-farm leadership, lifting production while improving environmental and animal welfare outcomes. With a track record of turning insight into action, the Fergusons focus on doing the basics brilliantly while making targeted improvements that build long-term farm resilience. From winter feed efficiency and water use to animal health and infrastructure, their results speak volumes. Simon says:

Previously based at Ferguson Dairies Ltd in Dunsandel, they were contract milking 1,250 cows across 312ha. Under their leadership, the farm achieved:

• An 18% lift in EBITDA through better feed efficiency, proactive maintenance, and reduced reliance on contractors.
• A 74% in-calf rate and just 17% empty rate, reflecting a strong focus on animal health.
• A 40% increase in water efficiency, backed by smart irrigation upgrades and land development.

These results reflect a hands-on, systems-driven approach—qualities they now bring to their work with Pāmu.

Simon’s background includes leadership roles as Operations Manager at Cumberland Dairy Farm Ltd and as a Farm Investment Manager and Consultant at FarmRight Ltd. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University.

Alex brings agronomic and practical on-farm expertise from her time as an Agri Manager with Ravensdown and experience in calf rearing. She holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from Lincoln University.

Together, they bring strong technical knowledge and real-world experience in animal health, irrigation management, staff development, and system-wide optimisation.

The Fergusons are well-known in their farming community. Both Simon and Alex were regional finalists in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition—Simon placing 3rd in 2018 and Alex a finalist in 2019. Their wider contributions include:

• Volunteer firefighting (Simon)
• Leadership roles in their local Young Farmers Club, with Alex serving as Chair and Simon as Treasurer
• Completion of the Outward Bound Classic Course (Alex)

Their story reflects a strong foundation in leadership, resilience, and sector involvement.

Now based at Waimakariri Farm, with their two young children (aged four and nine months), Simon and Alex are looking forward to contributing to a values-led farming business. Alex says:

Simon and Alex’s journey reflects the values that underpin New Zealand’s dairy sector: a deep respect for the land, a strong commitment to animal welfare, and a focus on developing people and performance. Their move to Waimakariri is not just a step forward in their career—it’s part of a broader pathway to farm business ownership, built on real-world experience, financial performance, and leadership.

As Variable Order Sharemilkers, they represent exactly what Pāmu’s sharemilking model is designed to support—ambitious, values-led farming professionals with a vision for the future and the capability to grow towards long-term farm equity. Alex says: 

If you're exploring your own path toward farm ownership, visit our Sharemilking and Contract Milking page to learn more.