From cows to camera: Renae Flett’s journey through dairy and beyond

1.      Most of Renae’s farming life had been spent in the North Island, where she was born and raised. South Otago brought a new climate, new systems and a steep learning curve. Supplied.

Renae Flett did not grow up dreaming of becoming a dairy farmer.

Her career began almost by accident.

“I think it was from a friend who took me to where he was working one day, milking. And from then on I decided cows were fun,” she says.

That was around 18 years ago. Since then, Renae has climbed the dairy ladder, moving through the ranks to farm manager, contract milker and now sharemilker.

After spending her entire career in the North Island, she and husband James moved to South Otago, where they are now in their third season sharemilking on Hamish Anderson’s property.

The move marked a major shift, both professionally and personally.

Most of Renae’s farming life had been spent in the North Island, where she was born and raised. South Otago brought a new climate, new systems and a steep learning curve.

“It’s dry land, so we have to rely very much on mother nature,” she says.

 The couple milk around 250 cows peak on 93 hectares, with approximately 10 hectares acting as a flood spillway when the river rises. The property is run through a 32-bail rotary shed and staffed by Renae, with a relief milker and James helping when he can around his off-farm contracting work.

“I do all the milkings and the animal health,” she says.

Their herd is predominantly Friesian, with a small number of Ayrshires.

Renae uses SmaXtec boluses, which sit inside the cows and provide real-time data to support decisions around herd health and feeding, crucial when Renae is essentially running a one-person operation.

Pasture management sits at the centre of Renae’s farming philosophy.

“Pasture’s a big, big part of our feed system. It’s also our cheapest form of feed,” she says.

Her focus has been on growing quality grass efficiently and sustainably, reducing reliance on fertiliser, and building a system that can last.

“My goal’s always been to learn how to be a good pasture farmer, how to grow grass, and trying to make sure that my business is gonna be sustainable.”

Despite drought in their first two seasons, the couple lifted production from around 93,000kg milksolids to 110,000kg.

“It took a bit of regrassing, but we got there in the end,” she says.

    Renae with husband James and son William (four)

Breaking barriers

Renae says her climb through the industry was slower than it should have been.

“I faced a lot of challenges being a female,” she says.

“When I was starting out, there wasn’t a lot of females in the industry, so it took me a lot longer than probably the average guy to get to where I am.”

One moment still stands out.

“When we were looking for our first 50/50 job, I was pregnant and no one would touch us,” she says.

“We were still capable. We had plans in place.”

She believes things are improving but says women still feel pressure to prove themselves.

 That drive led Renae to enter industry awards, including Manawatū Dairy Manager of the Year and the Primary ITO Power Play Award in 2016.

“I entered because I wanted that challenge,” she says. “I’m a very shy person, so I wanted to showcase what I was doing on farm.”

The process forced her to assess her systems, finances and goals.

“It made me have a look at my business, and the judges’ feedback helped me change a few things to actually achieve what I was trying to do easier.”

Isolation and finding community

Moving south brought isolation, something Renae says many farmers underestimate.

“First year and a bit was really isolating. I didn’t know a lot of people and I didn’t have a lot of time to leave the farm.”

She eventually reconnected through showing cattle, which helped rebuild a support network.

Her advice to others moving farms is simple.

“Go along to community run events. Rock up to your neighbours and introduce yourself. Get into a group or find a hobby.”

“Once you find the people that understand farming hours, it gets easier.”

  Moving South brought the opportunity to photograph the Aurora Australis. Renae Flett.

A camera and a platform

Photography began as a hobby but quickly became a passion.

“I just picked it up one day. I liked taking pictures because pictures make people happy.”

What began as a creative outlet grew into agri-photography, with Renae sharing farm life, livestock and South Otago landscapes, including the Aurora Australis.

“If I can make just one person happy with a memory or a photo, then it’s been worth it.”

Photography also became a way to show the reality of dairying.

“It was a platform to show city folk that dairy farmers aren’t as bad as we’re made out to be. We work day and night for these animals.”

She says the camera changed how she sees the farm.

 “You start to notice things differently. You try to find the beauty in everything.”

While some photography brings in income, much of it is done simply for enjoyment or community events.

“It’s another way for me to get off farm and do something different.”

Renae and James have a son, William, who is nearly four, and she says balancing motherhood with running the dairy operation has been one of her biggest challenges and greatest rewards.

Photo: Renae Flett

Why she keeps going

Asked what motivates her, Renae does not hesitate.

“The cows,” she says.

“They’re my why. They need me.”

Her career highlight is not an award or production milestone.

“To be honest, it’s being a mum on a farm. Being able to share my passion with this little human.

“And I guess that’s been the highlight, showing that I can actually do it as well as being a mum, like all those other incredible mums out there doing it.”