Putting her animals first may be second-nature to Megan dairy farmer, Renae Connell, but her dedication clearly puts her herds (pun intended) and shoulders above others, as the winner of the NSW Young Farmer of the Year award.
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Still coming to terms with the unexpected accolade, Renae told the Courier Sun, winning never entered her head and it was only with the encouragement of her husband Scott, that she actually completed her application, having received the news that she had been nominated back in August.
"For a long time I thought I just can't do this, it's too big - but Scott supported me through the process ... plus I really wanted to honour the person who nominated me - that meant so much in itself," the 29-year-old said.
Last Wednesday was the big day and Renae said she felt like she was living someone else's life as the couple were flown to Sydney and put up in a 'fancy' hotel.
"When it came to the ceremony, just being there was enough, I felt relaxed because I really didn't think I'd win ... the look on Scott's face when I did was so beautiful. The amount of support from people has been really touching."
Born in Bowraville, Renae is on home turf when she starts talking about the dairy, Valley Rose Jerseys, she runs with Scott and their two daughters aged 11 and 8.
"We have recently installed an automatic calf feeding machine, which allows the calves to access what they want when they want it. The calves have ear tags, which are read by the machine and feed information to the computer so I can set up an individual feeding plan for each animal.
"It is a more natural way to feed them and saves me a lot of time. We can make sure the calves get the exactly what they need plus it keeps them clean and safe from disease and the dangers of herd life."
Concrete laneways and creek crossings are another addition for the well-being of the cows.
"We usually have high rainfall here, so the laneways keep their feet out of the mud, reducing infections and sores and stone bruises. It also keeps them out of the creeks."
For Renae, if the animals are happy and healthy, then they will perform at their best.
"That's how I was raised - we are carrying on that legacy. If you take on the responsibility of keeping animals, you must do your best, otherwise what's the point."
But there is another important aspect to how this young couple lead their lives ... and that is how they care for each other and their mental health.
"Out here it is pretty remote and you can feel very alone but I have learnt that if you say something, then it is amazing the support you can find," Renae said.
"Both of us are learning techniques and tricks to bring us up out of depressive states.
"We are changing the way we live and it is working, lots of positive things are happening. Making the decision to turn to technology to help care for the herd frees us up to do other things, not least to spend time as a family."
Mental health is one of the many things Renae will champion with her new-found voice as our Young Farmer of the Year.
Also making the news:
Ute Schulenberg
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
