The Farmers Fast five: Delilah Flavell

The Farmers Fast Five: where we ask a farmer five quick questions about farming, and what agriculture means to them. Today we talk to Otaua dairy farmer Delilah Flavell.

1.      What did your journey into farming look like?

I grew up in Otaua around dairy farming, so being on a farm has always felt like home. My first jobs as a kid were teat spraying and helping feed the calves and I quickly learned that I loved being outdoors and working with the cows. After finishing college, I went dairy farming full-time for a few years. I then moved into a role as a large animal vet technician while still relief milking over the last couple of years. I always knew I’d return to farming at some point; it was never a matter of if, just when. Now I’m back where I feel I belong, recently returning to dairy farming full-time here in Otaua.

2.      Tell us a little bit about your farming operation.

I’m currently involved in a split calving operation, running around 140 autumn calving cows on one farm and approximately 200 spring calving cows on another. Each shed is set up with an in-shed feeding system and we also feed out maize or silage on a feed pad as part of the system. This setup helps us manage feed effectively across the different calving groups and seasons.

3.      What challenges have you faced in your farming business, and how have you tackled those challenges?

 Like most farming operations, weather and seasonal variability have been some of the biggest challenges. Running a split calving system also requires careful planning to meet the different demands of autumn and spring calving herds at the same time. To manage this, paying close attention to cow health, feed management and day to day observations has been key, along with being willing to adapt and adjust plans as conditions change.

4.      What has been a major highlight for you in your farming journey?

 Becoming an ambassador for Kaiwaka Clothing is definitely one of the biggest highlights of my farming journey. I’ve worn their gear since I first started farming, so to now be supported by a brand I genuinely trust and use every day has been incredibly rewarding. Another major highlight has been seeing how far my Instagram has grown. I love sharing photos of the cows and snippets of daily farm life and it’s been really special to see how popular it’s become and that others genuinely enjoy and connect with that side of farming.

5.      What advice would you have for the next generation of farmers?

Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom and take every opportunity to learn. Ask questions, listen to those with experience and get hands on wherever you can. Farming isn’t always easy, but if you genuinely enjoy the work and care about your animals, that passion will carry you a long way!