Jason and Deena Tharle’s transition from the cabinet-making industry to dairy farming came from a desire for change and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Disheartened by the shrinking market for Australian-made furniture, Jason re-evaluated his career.
After taking an agriculture course, his passion for farming grew, and Deena soon shared in that enthusiasm. With no prior experience, they dove headfirst into dairy farming, eager to learn and grow.
Their dedication paid off quickly, advancing from novices to partners in a share-farming operation with 1500 cows and a team of 10 staff. This life change wasn’t just about business—it was about creating a new identity and a thriving space for their Nambrok family.
Their biggest challenge came on New Year’s Day when their rotary dairy platform, with a full complement of cows, collapsed.
“I walked into the dairy. I didn’t know whether to cry or…I just turned around and we rang the other owners, and said, ‘This is what’s happened.’”
In one day, they relocated 1450 cows, minimizing downtime to just a week.
Unfortunately, the platform collapsed a second time, leading to another massive relocation effort.
“It was a rough year from January when the platform first fell. I can’t even explain to anybody that doesn’t know…how hard it is to move that many animals.”
The stress from these crises led Jason to suffer a minor heart attack, but their resolve didn’t waver. Deena took the reins, managing the farm and supporting Jason through his recovery.
Now, a decade into their dairy farming venture, Jason and Deena look back with no regrets — only wishing they had started sooner.
“People say you’re born to do something, and I reckon this was it for me. All of it. It’s stressful, but I love it.”
Their journey shows that passion and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges. Despite collapsed platforms, staffing issues, and health scares, Jason and Deena have kept their love for the farm—and each other—strong, proving that together, they can face any obstacle.
Each year, Gippsland Jersey publishes a much-anticipated calendar featuring 12 Gippsland dairy farmers, sharing their stories of life on the land. As part of this passion project, they are now on the hunt for new stories for the 2025 calendar, which will be distributed to dairy farmers across Gippsland via its milk tankers this December.
If you know any dairy farmers with a unique, inspiring, or challenging story to share, Gippsland Jersey is encouraging them to get in touch. Applications are open until October 15, and submissions can be sent to: hello@gippslandjersey.com.au
Mental health conversation in the farming community has evolved over the past eight years. Storytelling has proven to be a powerful way to break the stigma, and Gippsland Jersey believes that every story shared through this project helps create a stronger, more connected community.
