David Miller, Athlone - January // 2025 Mental Health Calendar

David Miller: A farmers heart   

David Miller from Athlone runs a large dairy operation, milking 1,700 cows across two sheds on 2,000 acres. Managing a family farm of this size comes with its challenges, and during COVID, David began to experience unusual chest pains that had him concerned. 

After long days on the farm, his heart would start racing at night, followed by anxiety about not being able to sleep. This exhaustion built up day by day. With a gentle nudge from his wife, Courtney, David finally saw a doctor. What he thought were heart problems turned out to be anxiety. The doctor's recommendation was surprisingly simple: exercise. 

Returning to training with the Ellinbank Football Club made all the difference. Whether it was the 1.5 hours of physical exertion or just spending time with others away from the farm, David found relief. The balance of regular exercise and socializing helped him sleep better and manage the stresses that come with farming. 

As a father of three young children, David may not get much time to relax in the caravan he keeps in his shed, but each February, he and his family take a week-long caravan trip to celebrate their anniversary — a tradition he treasures.

Beyond the daily demands of the dairy, the Miller family grows grain in northern Victoria to feed their herd back at Athlone. While managing such a large operation is no small task, David’s story is a reminder of the importance of balance — whether it’s through exercise, quality family time, or taking that yearly break — to stay healthy and keep the farm running strong.