Sally Downie's teachers knew she had a bright future, but the school dux's move to take on her family's dairy farm was unexpected by some.
The 19-year-old has overcome some big challenges, including illness and starting a university degree by distance education.
But the Forbes Showgirl has shown she is a force to be reckoned with, choosing to take over the dairy farm at Jemalong in the central-west of New South Wales despite the pressures of drought, and giving up extra time to help other farmers.
Her father, Allan 'Paul' Downie, said he and his wife were proud of what their daughter had achieved and were glad to see generations of farming continue.
"To see they are continuing on is quite nice to see," Mr Downie said.
"She has really battled it out. She must be a really great achiever to do the things she has done."
The 19-year-old said it had always been her goal to one day run the dairy, surprising some of her teachers.
"Not to say they were not supportive, but a lot of them were just like 'Why don't you go to uni or try something else and then go back to the farm?'" Ms Downie said.
"I love the cows, being able to work with them every day and the breeding side of it, to be able to breed up and see them produce, and I like how things are constantly changing."
Worth the hard slog
Ms Downie said it had not been easy, but it was worth it.
"Buying in feed is very difficult, the prices are very high, so it is putting a lot of pressure on that," she said.
"If we don't, as the younger generation, step up and start to take this over it might not be here in the future."
And she said the state of the dairy industry still was not optimal for producers, adding the deal with Canadian-based dairy giant Saputo was not ideal.
"It is a bit disappointing and there always is that constant pressure of low prices and not getting what we deserve," she said.
But the drought and pricing woes have not stopped the farmer from offering what little time she has to others, organising regular events for producers to check in on their health.
Ms Downie founded the Grassroots Blueprint initiative, designed to bring the needs of farmers to social gatherings around western New South Wales.
"It is just a good time for people to get off the farm and talk with a variety of people and just connect," she said.
"They do need those chances to get off farm and look after themselves."
Optimism among future farmers
Despite gruelling dry conditions, the Future Farmers Network is hopeful young people like Ms Downie will consider opportunities in farming.
The group has been travelling throughout New South Wales, hosting networking sessions for those interested in getting a start in agriculture.
The group's executive officer Toby Lock said there was a good feeling despite the season's challenges.
"It is not the best season, so have a laugh, have a beer together," he said.
"It may be hard to say and sad to say, but there are still opportunities."
