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Just as 300 brave souls prepared to take the icy plunge at Lakes Entrance, something magical happened that stopped the crowd in its tracks. Here’s why everyone is still talking about Saturday’s Winter Dip.

This ISN'T JUST A TAX. IT'S THE LAST STRAW

Dive into an invigorating experience this winter solstice, where mental clarity meets community spirit.

Trev Stammers - From Beef to Dairy, in just one year! 🐄🥛💪 

This month marks exactly a year since Trev’s first jersey cow was milked in his brand-new shiny dairy shed. In just 12 months, Trev has become a true cow-cocky and is loving every minute of it.

We’re beyond proud to have Trev as a Gippsland Jersey supplier. His golden girls are happy, living the high life in green rolling hills of Neerim East, thanks to his passion for growing top-notch grass. 🌾

Cheers to a year of hard work and incredible results Trev...& thanks for opening up in this months Gippsland Jersey calendar about coming back to the family farm after the tragic loss of your dad.

#Gippslandjerseycalendar #dairyfarming #farmerstory #familystrength #resilience #septemberspotlight #supportlocal

With 1175 cows and a 21-member staff, Tim's farm is a bustling hive of activity. But it's not just about the numbers; it's about the way Tim and his team manage it all.

Their secret? A finely tuned work-life balance. Staff enjoy a rotating schedule that ensures they get both weekdays and weekends off, maintaining a healthy equilibrium. 🐄🌞

Tim, as a director and general manager, handles budgeting, strategy, planning, and risk management. His approach focuses on making the farm self-sustainable, so it can keep running smoothly even if he's not around.

But it's not just about the farm's success. Tim's journey is inspiring, he left his career as a valuer in Sydney to support his family. From managing the business end of things to fostering a positive work culture, Tim and his team have created something special. They even have their own branded shirts and jumpers! 

Tim's story is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the importance of work-life balance in the farming world. Check out the blog to read the full interview 🐮👨‍🌾 #FarmLife #SuccessStory #WorkLifeBalance

Nicola and Matt, both from dairy farming backgrounds, entered the dairy industry through their families and a shared love for showing cattle. Originally from Queensland, Nicola's parents managed a predominantly Jersey herd of 350 cows, while Matt's family owned a dairy farm in Nar Nar Goon, Victoria. Matt pursued a unique career as a full-time cattle fitter, traveling worldwide to prepare show and sale cattle, making him one of Australia's pioneers in this field.

Their paths crossed through cattle shows, and they decided to take over Matt's family farm, despite its challenges. Support from both sides of their families proved invaluable. Before settling in Tarwin, the couple worked together in Northern Victoria, testing their compatibility as both life and business partners. Their love for the industry and the friendships they formed within the dairy community kept them motivated and dedicated.

Their journey took an unexpected turn when Matt experienced a car accident, leading to a series of health challenges. Despite initial misdiagnoses, Matt's perseverance and the support of friends and family led him through aggressive cancer treatment. Nicola stood by her husband's side while managing the farm and supporting him through his health battles.

 The couple found strength in the unwavering support of their loved ones, and their passion for dairy farming kept them going. Events like International Dairy Week provided a sense of normalcy and inspiration for Matt to continue pursuing his love for the industry. Their story is a testament to the resilience of those in the dairy farming community and the power of love and friendship during life's most challenging moments.

"You know, it's maybe not everyone’s cup of tea but it works for us. Every farm
is different. We take pride knowing we provide premium milk for Australians and we stand by what we do as being environmentally friendly and sustainable. One of the biggest motivations for this was that we would spend up to $700,000 in fertiliser every year, but we didn't want to put future financial stress on our children. If it won't grow here, we won't try and grow it. 

Many dairy farmers can relate to the relentless, all consuming nature that is dairy farming, and many other farming practices for that matter! Getting off the farm can sometimes feel impossible 'there's too much to do!', but it's so important in regenerating tired batteries and shifting your perspective on life and farming in general, so you can come back better than ever! 

In this months Farming Conversations Calendar Belinda & Stu chat about how they make getting off the farm possible, innovations in dairy farming, the importance of your team, protecting their family time and how to stay married through the calving season! #AnyFarmerCanRelate