Valentino and Ashleigh Schimmelpfennig

From Germany to Rakaia, Valentino’s journey reflects what Pāmu’s sharemilking pathway is all about: dedication, growth, and a future in farm ownership.

Valentino’s journey to contract milking began a world away in Germany, where he first trained in freight forwarding and logistics. But it was a different kind of challenge that ultimately called him: New Zealand dairy farming. Since arriving in 2012, Valentino has fully immersed himself in the industry, climbing the ranks from Farm Assistant to 2IC at Pāmu’s Eyrewell Dairy Farm, and now leading operations as a Contract Milker.

Alongside him is Ashleigh, a born-and-bred Kiwi with a strong background in calf rearing and hands-on farming. The pair met through work, and together they’ve built a life around the land, combining practical experience, perseverance, and a shared passion for dairying.

Valentino is recognised for his calm, considered leadership and focus on what really counts: animal health, pasture performance, and building a safe, supportive team culture. That clarity of purpose has paid off. During the 2023/24 season, the couple set a new production record, achieved a six-week in-calf rate of 78%, and maintained a somatic cell count of just 103,000—placing them in the top 10% across Dairy Holdings operations.

Behind these standout results is a methodical, learning-led approach. Valentino brings together years of hands-on experience with continuous professional development, holding certifications from AgITO and DairyNZ in milk quality, pasture management, and hoof care. It’s this fusion of knowledge and day-to-day nous that keeps the operation thriving.

While Valentino oversees the dairy shed and paddocks, Ashleigh plays an equally vital role behind the scenes. Her expertise with young stock, alongside her coordination of farm logistics, keeps things running smoothly, especially important while raising their two young children, aged five and seven.

Life on-farm with a young family has its challenges, but also its rewards: space to roam, animals to care for, and a lifestyle rooted in hard work, routine, and connection to nature.

When they do manage time off-farm, the Schimmelpfennigs embrace the outdoors. Valentino recharges through hunting, fishing, and snowboarding—pursuits that bring balance to the demands of farm life.

Together, Valentino and Ashleigh reflect the values that underpin New Zealand’s dairy sector: respect for the land, care for their animals and people, and a strong sense of purpose. They’re a great example of what Pāmu’s pathways to farm ownership are all about—global perspective, local heart, and a future grounded in opportunity. Watch this space.

If you're considering a pathway to farm ownership, visit our Sharemilking and Contract Milking page.