Federated Farmers: Looking back on a magical year

Feds' board member Katie Milne will recall 2015 as a year of great achievement and satisfaction.

Federation board member Katie Milne has had magical year. Back in April she was named 2015 Dairy Woman of the Year, and last month followed that triumph becoming the inaugural winner of the Women of Influence rural category. During a break from her busy schedule in Wellington she spoke to The National Farming Review

What an outstanding year

It's been exciting for sure, bit of a whirlwind feeling to be acknowledged first personally and for standing up for farmers. To be honest I was pretty stunned to win not just one but two awards. To receive such recognition just reinforces all those hours of effort and means it's really been worth it. You sometimes wonder if you are making a difference and making inroads but this proves it hasn't gone unnoticed. At the end of the day I just want to express the farmers view and let those not involved in farming become more informed.

How has your family reacted?

They are rapt. They know more than anyone and appreciate the amount of time that is invested in my roles at NAWAC and Feds. My partner Ian and daughter Andrea reckon I probably deserve it more than I do!

Are you comfortable with being seen as a role model for women?

I do, but then it's like stepping outside and looking back. I'm just doing what I'm doing. I think I am a good role model and the awards are testament to that. Also, the profile I've had with Feds through the portfolios I've taken up have helped. I'm nothing special I just enjoy giving things a crack. I had no tertiary education but it hasn't held me back. Sometimes when you follow the conventional path you end up getting categorised and limited because you are inclined to conform and miss out on things.

Would you consider a political career?

I've been asked this a lot and no, I don't have any political aspirations as yet. But then it does appeal to me after the time I had as West Coast provincial president which gave me some insight. I imagine I would get hellishly frustrated as the wheels of central government are notoriously slow and I would struggle with that. The thing is I enjoy going home to the Coast and the farm and I'm not sure I would be able to commit myself to something which interferes with that.

How important is feds role in Wellington?

It's critical. Without it farmers would be forgotten and the consequences crippling with legislation passed without any understanding of the implications. Being able to present submissions to select committees is a significant strength and we hold it dearly. Farmers speaking for farmers gets most traction.

How do you unwind?

I'm actually very eclectic. I like anything with a good beat that's from hip hop to Beethoven to Burt Bacharach.

I enjoy bird watching and bush walks especially alpine crossings.

It's good to wander in the forest and see all the good work we've done on pest control come to fruition. I enjoy skiing and still wake board on Lake Brunner though I guess I'm looking more uncool and less trendy nowadays.

Do you recall your first tractor?

It was a red 674 International. Two wheel drive with loader on front and yes, it had rollover protection. It had no bloody air conditioning though and the hydraulic levers above my left foot leaked oil on my boots. We've still got it too.

If you weren't a dairy farmer?

I wanted to be David Attenborough. I remember those Sunday nights and his show Our World. I imagined being a narrator for animal and nature docos.

Who is the biggest influence on your life?

There's many. Family and friends and I remember grandparents; one was a Wahine survivor and another went on her OE at the age of 78 and did paragliding. Both women were very courageous and inspiring. I remember when we started out [there was] a sharemilker family nearby who opened my thinking around life/balance and working to live rather than living to work. You can always get relief milkers in; you don't have to be tied to the farm all the time. Ian and I always like to try something new every year. It's been a good life lesson to learn

It's been a challenging year for dairy farmers

It has but that is not necessarily all bad. It means getting back to basics, looking after pasture, cows, magnesium.

Being ruthless with mating length to get a compact calving -- don't let slippage happen. It's a case of cutting back the fat that might have crept into our systems during the good times. Some old disciplines will be remembered and learnt that will pay dividends when applied in the good years to come.

Where do you see farming in 2025?

Who knows what it will be like in two months let alone 10 years. Technology undoubtedly will be key.

Drones will be huge for pasture management and looking after animals. You will be able to assess both instantly which will save time and have cost benefits. The potential advancement around nutrients for pasture and animals is very exciting and will ultimately add real value.

How do you intend toasting 2015?

I'll probably be sipping on a Monteiths Original Ale or a DB Citrus.