Murray Thomas
A fourth generation farmer, Murray’s principles of ecologically sustainable management were crystalised by severe drought.
In 2002, he was appalled by the degradation caused by fragile top soil being blown away by wind. Murray realized the importance of balancing business decisions with environmental, livestock and family goals through the implementation of holistic management.
From this grew an ecologically sustainable farm management framework.
Murray opened the farm gate on Kaloola to travellers more than 10 years ago to share his knowledge of sheep handling, property management and eco-sustainable agricultural philosophy. The Thomas family farm enterprise now covers 3643ha of arable and grazing land.
Emma Thomas
Passionate about agriculture and sustainability, Emma found a kindred soul in Murray Thomas whom she met while travelling in Nepal.
She arrived in Australia after knowing Murray for just seven days and moved onto the farm. Three children and three farms later, Emma is involved with industry boards and representative organisations from Grain Growers Ltd policy group to the National Farmers Federation and Landcare.
Emma and Murray drew on their own travelling experiences to add the farm stay and working holiday aspects to their farm business. They aim to share a mutual cultural exchange with the many travellers seeking a different experience in rural Australia. Emma has a passion for nurturing and teaching students to develop work and life skills.