Alister Stewart and his wife Kylie have recently realized a long-held aspiration by purchasing their first dairy farm in the Waikato region, fulfilling a personal and familial milestone. The couple took over the 78-hectare property on June 1 after securing it at $3.25 million, amid a competitive market with multiple interested parties. The farm, which they have named Ridgeway Natural Farms in tribute to Stewart’s late father’s original property, accommodates 226 Jersey cows and features a 30-a-side herringbone milking shed alongside a five-bedroom house.
For Stewart, 35, the acquisition represents not only a professional achievement but also a tribute to his late parents, who had planned to enter a farming partnership with him and Kylie before their passing. Raised on his father’s farm and later working on an uncle’s dairy operation, Stewart had long intended to return to farming. After inheriting his parents’ home, the couple sold both this and their Hamilton residence to finance what Stewart describes as a “monster mortgage” for the farm purchase. Despite the financial commitment, Stewart said the experience has been positive, likening it to “skipping through a field of tulips.”
The couple took a non-traditional path to farm ownership, bypassing contract milking and sharemilking arrangements that often require relocating families. Stewart previously studied social sciences and worked in kiwifruit orchards before becoming a farm assistant in his early 20s, with a clear goal of eventually owning a farm.
Looking ahead, Stewart plans to focus on ecological stewardship, describing himself as a “landscape ecologist” aiming to run the farm without chemical sprays by improving soil health, boosting biodiversity, and controlling weeds. Key initiatives for the coming year include fencing improvements, native tree planting along waterways, and weed management to restore the property’s condition.
Kylie Stewart characterized the purchase as both “exciting but daunting,” but emphasized the benefits of owning their own farm. She highlighted the flexibility it offers, allowing greater control over their time and family life. “The ability to make my own schedule is massive,” she said.
The current wave of enthusiasm in dairy farm sales across the Waikato reflects broader market dynamics. Real estate agent Dave Kilbride noted a marked increase in serious buyers compared to previous years, with open day attendance and inquiries rising. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand reported a 34.4% increase in Waikato dairy farm sales—rising from 61 to 82 in the year ending March 2026. The median price per hectare also rose by 2.1%, reaching $45,550.
Stewart expressed confidence in the farm’s long-term prospects, noting its “beautiful” condition with room for improvement and underscoring his commitment to staying there for decades. With a focus on sustainability and land restoration, the couple’s entry into farm ownership exemplifies both personal ambition and a broader trend of renewed interest in dairy farming in the region.