Jacqui Suares might describe herself as an accidental farmer, but like all farmers she’s faced a lot of challenges over the years.

From battling fires, back surgery, raising a child with a disability and confronting cancer, Jacqui has had to deal with more than the usual weather conditions and price concerns.

Throughout the journey she has shown determination to step through the challenges and shared her story of resilience at the Herd 25 conference in March.

In 2020 Jacqui received an OAM for her service to the community, particularly as an advocate for people with disabilities. She also served as WestVic Dairy director and chairman, and four years as a board member of Holstein Australia before retiring from the industry in 2024 as her husband Ross battled with his own cancer diagnosis.

Jacqui’s talk at Herd 25 showed how  physical activity, connection and a proactive mindset can empower people to achieve their goals and transform into a happier, healthier person.

She recalled the aftermath of a bushfire while sharefarming at Bungador. “We were at the end of a dead-end road surrounded by bush so we always had a plan,” she said. “We both knew what jobs we had to do. Mine was to get the gather important documents together, the precious things and the pets and leave.”

After three days of tireless community work, Jacqui realised it was time to reflect. “We invited all the locals to our shed for a barbecue. As the night went on , one by one the men started talking about what they went through. It stuck me how important it is when we have catastrophic events to get people to stop and talk.”

The community decided to continue holding regular pot luck dinners. “They became a great opportunity to get together and get to know each other better and welcome new people to the community.

“We learnt out of disaster comes opportunity. The things that make you strong include planning early, communicating the plan, regrouping and debriefing.”

Jacqui trained and worked as a nurse in the Wimmera before becoming an accidental farmer alongside Ross and switching to disability work after learning of their daughter Mia’s condition.

Together the long-term Genetics Australia shareholders share farmed and built assets before buying their farm at Larpent, achieving Holstein  Master Breeder status in 2019.   Jacqui went on to serve 26 years as CEO of Colac Otway Disability Accommodation, guiding it through expansion and the transition to the NDIS.

The dual careers of nursing and dairy farming were bad for Jacqui’s back which led to surgery.

“It was a success but I was anxious to make sure I was fit enough to prune the rose garden. The surgeon advised me to put my shoes on and walk.  That really stuck with me.  When we talk about health and fitness, we sometimes overcomplicate it. It was the best advice I ever had.”

She later had surgery to remove a lump in her throat, resulting in the loss of her singing voice. “That was an important part of who I was. I wasn’t prepared for that. The lesson was how quickly things that are precious to us can be taken away.”

Concerns about blood pressure later forced her to reevaluate her lifestyle and she encouraged farmers to check their health data.

The family was told that Mia wouldn’t walk or talk but she defied those predictions. “She was treated the same as all our children,” Jacqui said. “Like the others, she sat on a chair at the end of the pit while we milked.”

Raising and supporting a child with a disability brings many joys and challenges. “It taught me a huge lesson about what we can’t control. There are some things we can’t fix or change so we have to move past them and concentrate on the things we can change and fix.”

Jacqui learnt to play several musical instruments and she would turn to music to manage difficult times. “It’s important for mental health to think about the things that distract you from the worries that we all carry, whether that be walking, playing sport, exercise, craftwork or like me playing music.

“Try to stay connected, get regular exercise, focus on the things you can control; and let go of the things you can’t; and take time out to do what gives you joy”