Farming demands practical decisions and every so often, one becomes personal.
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Mine involved a cow I'd raised from an orphan. Her prognosis was poor, and I understood the likely outcome, but I still wanted to know I'd done everything possible.
That search for answers led me to Ag Warehouse, where I met a young woman named Lauren McIlilven, whose knowledge and empathy made me keen to know more about her story.
When I later asked Lauren whether she would be willing to share her story, her first reaction was surprise.
“I told Mum and Dad I wasn't a very interesting person,” she laughed.
“I was brought up to be humble.”
For just over a year Lauren has been part of the Ag Warehouse team in Cobram and to most customers she is the young woman behind the counter, ready with practical advice and a friendly smile.
Few would realise that before turning 24, Lauren had already worked in the United States and begun developing her own Holstein breeding program.
When asked what matters most about her job, Lauren’s answer is more than products and sales.
“I try to find out what's important to people first, once you know that you can help them find the right solution,” she said.
Lauren grew up on her family's 180-cow dairy farm in Strathmerton, where the Elermore Vale Holstein stud has become a familiar name on the dairy show circuit.
One of her earliest memories is learning to milk an old family favourite named Topsy.
"She was about 10 years old and the quietest cow in the herd," Lauren said, smiling.
By her early teenage years she was showing cattle alongside her father, while her mother's background with horses taught her the importance of patience, presentation and pride in well-presented stock.
Showing cattle opened doors she never imagined, leading to an internship with Budjon Farms in the United States, followed by work with Holbrook Breeders, broadening her experience in embryo transfer and IVF programs.
Lauren also helped prepare elite cattle for some of America's most prestigious dairy shows.
“It was an amazing opportunity, I learnt something everywhere I went,” she said.
Today, her role at Ag Warehouse is broadening that experience even further.
Ag Warehouse store manager Chris Geisler said Lauren arrived with a strong dairy background, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
“She's a good fit for the team and enjoys working alongside people who continue to build her knowledge and experience,” he said.
Lauren said every customer has a different story and everyone has something that's important to them.
“It's about finding that through the conversation ― I don't want to change people's minds, I just want to help them find a solution,” she said.
Most mornings begin about 5.30am with milking before Lauren heads to work in Cobram, and after work there are usually more jobs waiting back on the farm.
“It's a family farm ― Dad's on the farm, Mum works off the farm and my younger brother helps as well,” she said.
For Lauren, the long days are simply part of life, she accepts them as they come and genuinely enjoys the work.
Showing dairy cattle at International Dairy Week and local agricultural shows remains one of her greatest passions, and just as important are the friendships and sense of community the industry provides.
One exciting highlight came when Lauren and a group of friends invested in a show cow together.
“She was a fair investment, but she was worth it, she won her class at International Dairy Week this year,” Lauren said.
Lauren is also building her own small stud, Estelle Genetics.
“I want quality, functional cows that put milk in the vat, have a long life and get back in calf every year and if we get a show cow along the way, that's a bonus,” she said.
Lauren also co-ordinates the dairy section of the Cobram Show and enjoys mentoring students involved in Finley High School's dairy program, passing on the knowledge and encouragement she has received along the way.
Lauren said agriculture offered opportunities for young people prepared to work hard, ask questions and keep learning.
“You don't have to come from a farm, if you're interested, introduce yourself, ask questions and be willing to learn. I was nervous doing that once, too,” she said.
Lauren’s long-term ambition of taking over the family farm has never changed, and she is quick to acknowledge the people who have helped her along the way.
“Ever since I was little, I've wanted to take over the family farm, whether that's in five years or 20 years, it's still the dream,” she said.
“Mum and Dad have always taught me to work hard and never forget the people who gave you a start.”
For a young woman whose dream has always been to one day lead the family dairy, the journey is only just beginning.