John Walker is living proof that farmers can be successful by growing sustainably and selling direct to the public.
Story By Robyn Rosenfeldt
John Walker’s passion for sustainably grown food is contagious. If you stop in at any of the markets he attends around the New South Wales southeast, look for his trademark bowler hat and bushy beard, buy some meat and have a yarn. You’re sure to come away having learnt a bit about his many passions for native grasses, sustainable farming and local food.
John was born and bred on his 1273-hectare property, ‘Palarang’, on the Southern Monaro, 17 kilometres from Bombala, NSW. He now shares the same home with his own family, his wife and the youngest of his three children whom he home schools.
He runs 2000 head of Merino sheep and over 300 head of poll hereford cattle and since taking over the farm after his father’s death, he’s converted to being certified organic, has increased plant bio-diversity and done away with the need to sow pasture.
This story excerpt is from Issue #91
Outback Magazine: Oct/Nov 2013
