Resilience in a dry season: a conversation with Sarah Crosthwaite from The Hermitage Dairy

At SEAOAK, we’re privileged to work alongside farmers who meet uncertainty and adversity with pragmatism, honesty, and resilience. Recently, we spoke with Sarah Crosthwaite from The Hermitage Dairy about what it's been like managing the farm through an exceptionally dry season—not drought-declared, but stressful and testing all the same.

Green pastures at The Hermitage Dairy during previous seasons

While The Hermitage Dairy isn’t technically located in a drought-declared area, the dry conditions in the Kiewa Valley and surrounding areas have undoubtedly stretched people, families, systems, and emotions thin. Sarah notes, “We do have irrigation, so in many ways we are luckier than some. But running irrigation this late into the season brings its own stress—extra power costs, time moving water, and locking up paddocks that we’d otherwise be using.”

There’s also a quiet erosion of the everyday things that help keep a farm family running: “Jobs like maintenance get scrutinised more, small mistakes cause bigger frustrations, and physical and emotional exhaustion starts to show up in relationships. You might be physically present, but too tired to connect. Family members start pulling away because they know they’re not the priority.”

Support services: a mixed bag

Sarah shared her experience with government support systems—and the barriers to accessing them. “We haven’t been eligible for any grants this time, and to be honest, in the past the paperwork for things like the Farm Household Allowance was more stressful than helpful. If I had to go through that again, I’m not sure I would.” She also questioned the real-world utility of some grants: “The 50/50 grants don’t mean much if you don’t have your 50%. And the amounts on offer wouldn’t even cover a load of hay.”

What's missing? flexibility and realism

Despite strong planning and significant investment in infrastructure, the rising cost of finance weighs heavily. “We’re in a good position overall, but our interest bills each month are large. An exemption or relief on that would make a real difference—though we know it’s unlikely.”

Sarah also pointed out that lack of available quality feed is a growing stress, and additional costs such as the emergency services levy feel like a kick in the guts at a time when Victorian farmers need more support than ever. “We pay $15,000 in rates to the local shire, and if we’re lucky, the road gets graded once a year. The levy is just another cost, and one where we’re unlikely to see any return.”

Calves feeding at The Hermitage Dairy during previous seasons

What gets you through the day?

“We’ve built a strong business through hard work and asking questions. I get through the day knowing we’re doing everything within our control. That’s all you can do.” Small moments of joy matter, too. “A game of tennis, a bike ride, a call to an old friend—it won’t change the situation, but it gives your mind something else to focus on.”

What gives you hope?

Sarah finds strength in their past decisions: “We made good business choices early on, and we trust our plan. Family and friends help too. Even just planning a future holiday—on paper for now—gives us something to look forward to. It reminds us this won’t last forever.”

Advice for other farmers

Sarah wears two hats—farmer and mental health counsellor. She knows the weight of stress that builds in quiet ways.

“I hear often that the office is the most dreaded room in the house because of the pile of bills. My message is: face the dread. Build a plan. Use services such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service. Talk to your bank manager early and often. You’ve got to see your business through a financial lens—not just an emotional one.” “And above all, stay connected. Talk to someone—anyone. You are not your farm. You are not a failure. You’re going through a tough time. Reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness.”

Sarah's message for the rest of Australia

Sarah’s closing words are simple and important: “Without farmers, we have no food. This dry spell affects all of us. Be kind. Be caring to those on the land.”

On the Emergency Services Levy: "I'm just really sad". Sarah’s final thoughts echo the frustration of many Victorian farmers and regional/rural communities: “This levy shows a real lack of understanding from government. It feels like farmers, a small part of the population, are being asked to shoulder more and more. I worry we won’t see the full consequences until another Black Summer. Volunteers might walk away. And we’ll all lose—farmland, native animals, national parks. I’m just really sad.”

As SEAOAK's CEO drives home along the Kiewa Valley Highway, she also notes that the presence of farmer's CFA uniforms hanging on fences and posts is hard to miss.

At SEAOAK, we listen closely to these lived experiences to help shape more grounded, responsive sustainability and resilience strategies. Our work is only meaningful if it reflects the reality of life on farms such as The Hermitage Dairy.

If you’d like to share your own story or speak with someone about resilience planning, please get in touch, or email ebony@seaoakconsulting.com.au