Bec Jessop, Boolarra South - September // 2025 Mental Health Calendar

For Bec Jessop, farming in Boolarra South is more than just work; it’s a lifestyle. Bec’s ability to not take things too seriously, but rather her mindset of just getting on with it, is one of her many strengths. Despite her body having a few things that make it hard to be a mountain goat running up and down the big, beautiful rolling hills of her farm, she keeps pushing forward. Her resilience is inspiring, and her approach to self-care is simple yet effective. Whether it’s finding time to pause and stretch after a long day of work or carving out moments to enjoy her favorite hobbies, Bec prioritizes staying active and mentally balanced. She believes in listening to her body and knowing when to rest, ensuring that she’s always ready for the challenges farming brings. 

Bec and her partner, Glenn Smith, run a dairy across two properties, milking 270 cows between two sheds. Glenn grew up on the farm, and they expanded in 2017, right after the dairy crisis, by leasing a second property. But they quickly discovered that their new land was a challenge: high aluminum levels had left the soil barren, struggling to grow even weeds. The reality of the investment hit hard—overwhelming at times, especially with the financial strain. 

Droughts, storms, and nonstop repairs became part of daily life. During the milk crisis, things got so tight they actually had to pay Fonterra $350 to come collect their milk—while still covering the cost of milking. But the support of people like Phil Johnstone, their milk supply manager, helped Glenn keep going when the weight of it all was almost too much. 

Each year, Bec keeps the AFL Grand Final tradition alive by painting one of her cows in footy colors, much to the delight of her neighbors. What started as a bit of a laugh has become a beloved tradition, as everyone waits to see her work of art stenciling her chosen cow in the grand final playing teams. However, she refuses to paint any cow in the Collingwood colors (despite the fact that she does milk freshen cows)—she says it would be animal abuse. Her beloved cats (Geelong) would be her preference each year to paint. Hot tip for any dairy farmer wanting to do this, Bec says it’s best to use a cardboard stencil—she’s tried many other ways without success. 

Bec’s commitment to her cows is undeniable. She treasures many of them, from the “Old Girl,” who once became an online star as the “Twitter cow,” to “Joan the Jersey,” who has a special place in her heart. Even though Glenn has occasionally toyed with the idea of switching to beef, Bec’s attachment to her herd and her commitment to dairy life have kept them on the same path. 

With three kids who aren’t planning on following in their footsteps, Bec and Glenn stay dedicated to the life they’ve built. Despite the challenges, their passion for farming remains steadfast. Each September, they cheer themselves on from a “field” far bigger than the MCG. 

Bec’s involvement in the CFA adds another layer to her busy life. As an active member, she plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of her community, balancing her work on the farm with her responsibilities as a volunteer firefighter. This connection to the community reflects Bec’s overall approach to life—giving, caring, and showing up when needed, no matter the personal sacrifices. 

With a property spanning (insert acres), Bec and Glenn continue to find ways to nurture their farm, their animals, and each other, knowing that their work is never done but always meaningful.