After devastating floods hit her property near Taree in 2021, Rachel Nicholson knew she needed to take decisive action to protect her farm.

The Jones Island local led a conversation at a recent Women in Dairy conference that focused on how small changes could lead to a brighter and more secure future.

For her young family, that meant investing in a large feed pad that allowed her to feed the herd while keeping it off flooded paddocks.

"It paid for itself overnight when it came to this [May 2025] flood, it meant that all our milkers were safe," she said.

Despite the security of her herd, ongoing periods of wet weather have complicated the recovery process.

"After the floods, many of our staff didn't return, so the increased workload on everyone we do have has been extensive," she said.

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