History

Sundale Farm was established in 1963 by Frank and Anne Aarts in partnership with Bert Aarts. A 30 acre property was purchased in Pukekawa and they began cropping potatoes, cabbages and cauliflower. Approximately 7 years later an adjoining 80 acres was purchased, and this is now the site from which the company is now based. In the early seventies Bert Aarts’ shares were purchased when he left to pursue new ventures. Frank and Anne continued to run the company, introducing onions and pumpkins into the crop mix.

In the early eighties Murray and Peter Aarts left school to work at home on the farm and eventually took over full time management of the company in 1998.

Sundale Farm ploughs approximately 1000 acres annually and employs around 12 full-time staff and up to 16 casual staff in the height of the season.

Focus has shifted over the years and the main crops grown are potatoes, broccoli and barley.

Barley is grown as a cover crop with the grain and straw being harvested separately for stock feed.

We also have an open rotation policy and annually swap land for rotational purposes with other farmers and croppers who specialise in crops such as lettuce, onions, cauliflower, carrots and maize.

Peter and Murray

Potatoes are grown for the processing industry, with specific varieties grown for both crisping and french fry.

Broccoli is also a very important crop for Sundale Farms. This is marketed locally into supermarket chains, Turners & Growers and a portion is exported fresh also.