The last few years have been very dry and difficult for some farmers in south west Victoria. However, it’s not dampened the spirits of two determined first-generation dairy farmers in Illowa. Jonathon and Courtney Gleeson purchased their 80-hectare farm in 2022, and their secure groundwater supply, finance experience and agricultural heritage have given them reason to dream big.
The Gleeson’s previous property was a dry land farm in Tarrone that they were looking at securing water for. However, when the Illowa property came on the market they switched their strategy.
Jonathon grew up milking cows in the region and had driven past the property multiple times seeing its potential.
“The reliable bore, good water allocation and free-draining fertile soils were huge selling points, and we realised it would be the perfect next step for us,” he said.
They have a groundwater licence for 401 megalitres and are currently irrigating 55 hectares and running 260 cows in a split carving herd.
Jonathon said the first year on the new property was a bumper one and they didn’t start irrigating until December, which is much later than usual. But then things changed.
“The last few years have been challenging. In 2023, we started irrigating in October and since then we've irrigated every month apart from three, even irrigating last year in June and July,” he said.
The 2024-25 season was a similar story and thanks to their reliable bore Courtney said they’ve been able to manage drier years comfortably and continue to invest in their fledging farm.
“We have three lateral irrigators that make watering quite labour intensive and have recently installed a centre pivot to make things more efficient,” she said.
“Now, with the centre pivot we can irrigate more frequently – saving us around 20 hours a week during summer – and we can grow more grass under the centre pivot,” she said
The Gleeson’s are still learning what their farm is capable of with the different seasons but want to make things more efficient and manage the risks that climate variability brings.
“We’ve recently bought 16 hectares and want to secure more water entitlement to drive further productivity on their farm,” Jonathon said.
“We want to build an additional bore to give us more security in the event our current one goes down, invest in more irrigation infrastructure and buy more permanent water to grow more pasture,” he said.
As first-generation farmers, with no financial support from either of their families, the Gleeson’s have made a leap of faith. However, Courtney’s commerce degree and agri-business banking background means it’s been a well calculated one.
“Before you make any decision, you need to know your sums and if it's going to work,” she said.
“It’s also very important to do your due diligence, account for the highs and the lows, and really get to know those numbers. If you need financial advice, it’s important you find a reputable advisor who can help you,” she said.
While they both admit to a few sleepless nights, they say it is worth it and they’re super proud of their move. Their advice to other first-time farmers hoping to get into the industry is to find good mentors who can help.
“A problem shared is a problem halved and being able to talk with another farmer with years of experience gives you confidence and can help you get to where you want,” Jonathon said.
“Whether it’s good pasture management, good nutrition, animal health or risk management, there are amazing farmers in our community who have the skills and experience and generosity to share it,” he said.
The Gleeson’s believe goal setting is important to keep them focused on making improvements year-on-year.
“This season, we're hoping to irrigate an extra two hectares going forward by just altering a few fences and moving a lateral to a different spot. The little things all add up and they help you learn along the way too,” Jonathon said.
Talking with Jonathon and Courtney is uplifting and it’s clear they’re building the foundations for a successful, long-term farm business they’d like to pass on to the next generation.
“Jonathon is a very passionate dairy farmer and loves breeding cows, so he plans on being here until the day he dies,” Courtney said.
“We love what we do and see a bright future for the Australian dairy industry and it’s an opportunity we’d like our children to have too,” she said.
We’re excited to see where the Gleeson’s farm goes and will continue to support them in managing and accessing the water that powers their dreams.