Episode 36. Renae Connell

More Than Milk

Renae Connell and husband Scott both came from dairy farming families and were very young when they decided to go into partnership with her in-laws, purchasing the farm, in Dorrigo NSW, via vendor finance with Scott’s parents still owning the machinery and the cows. Initially to complete the succession plan Renae & Scott would buy the calves and machinery after 5 years to transition the business completely, but that's not quite how the plan worked.

After the 9th year without any further developments Scott and Renae hit rock bottom, with the realization no-one was happy, knowing they needed to have a conversation but never actually having it - Renae was angry and Scott was really struggling with his mental health. Just a heads up we do discuss suicidal thoughts, but it was the breaking point that eventually lead to them to finally take over the business.

Add to that a very wet year and a serious injury, Reane has since completely changed her perspective on life, knowing they’ve come close to not being here, so want to be the best they can possibly be, doing what they love with healthy and happy cows and people!

In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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