Putting her animals first may be second-nature to Megan dairy farmer, Renae Connell (nee Walker), but her dedication clearly puts her herds 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 said 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.
"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.
"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 one. It is a more natural way to feed them and we can make sure the calves get the exactly what they need plus it keeps them clean and safe from 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 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 - 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 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.
