Episode 18. Jacqui Suares

More Than Milk

Jacqui Suares is a dairy farmer at Calderbrae Holsteins, in Larpent where she and husband Ross milk around 165 Registered Holsteins. Whilst at Ross’s family farm in Hordern Vale, their eldest daughter was diagnosed with a disability and so they made the move closer to Colac for the best opportunities for her. Jacqui began her working life as a nurse, but it soon became clear the services on offer for their daughter Mia, weren’t what they wanted so she made the move into the disability sector where she has had quite a career.

In this chat we discuss the move into farming and how it’s changed over the years, their progress through share farming and leasing before ownership of the current farm. We also discuss the aim to keep the farm at a manageable level that allowed for Jacqui & Ross to juggle off farm work, raise their family all whilst managing the cows well, feeding them adequately and have a level of comfort.

She is also admits, isn’t the best at sitting still and is currently the Chair of WestVic Dairy Board and sits on the Holstein Australia Board.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP

Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, with an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Although the 2023 conference is over, planning is underway for the 2024 event and it's going to be wonderful.

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