Sam Whitelock Returns to Family Dairy Farming

Whitelock played 153 tests for New Zealand between 2010 and 2023 and became the youngest New Zealander to reach 100 international appearances. After his All Blacks career, he also played in Japan and France before returning to the farm, about 15 minutes south of Palmerston North.

He told Dairy News that the change had felt unusual after nearly two decades away. “I left home almost 20 years ago to tackle the world, and coming back two decades later with a few stories, a few scars, a wife, and three kids is a wholesome moment,” he said. He added that raising his children in the rural setting he experienced himself was “pretty special”.

The operation milks twice daily. Whitelock’s heifers are milked once a day, and the farm buys supplementary feed and uses a feed pad when required. The farm adjusts its practices to animal needs and pasture conditions. Whitelock’s brother runs the neighbouring property, allowing the families to share information about farm methods.

Seven full-time employees work on the farm. Whitelock said he was currently learning the operation from staff with longer experience there, a contrast with his former position in rugby, where he helped develop younger players. His weekly duties include washing down the milking shed, managing pasture, assisting with calving and collecting calves.

Whitelock has compared the organisation of farming with professional sport, citing the importance of teamwork and gradual improvement. “Whether it is a two-person operation or a large-scale enterprise, farming is never just one person out there, it is always a team effort, exactly like footy,” he said.

Work on farmer wellbeing

Whitelock has been involved with Farmstrong for ten years. He joined after seeing the effect of a salmonella outbreak on his parents’ dairy herd. A veterinarian advised the family to cull heavily to contain the disease, and Whitelock said the pressure left his mother unable to leave the house for three weeks. Relatives and neighbours provided support during the crisis.

As a Farmstrong ambassador, Whitelock promotes practical approaches to maintaining wellbeing among farmers and growers. He said everyday contact could help people avoid isolation: stopping at a fence line or visiting a neighbour for tea could provide support without requiring a formal discussion about mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week, scheduled for October 12th to 18th, has “Belonging Matters” as its theme this year.