The Sunnybank Family

A husband and wife duo of James and Jasmine Walton and Terry, Jasmine's father are the driving force behind the daily tasks that bring Sunnybank to life.

James's parents Wayne and Jenny also farm's the land and whose guidance and support have what made our regenerative journey possible.

It's certainly a whole family affair, with the unwavering support of the generations of Walton's, who have all grown up on and loved the land we are so lucky to live on.

Meet The Team

Jasmine

James

Terry

Our Begining

Sunnybank Farm is a multi-generational 600-acre farm near Ballarat, owned by the Walton Family. Over the generations the land has produced a wide variety of produce, currently including beef, lamb, wool, oats, wheat and canola.

The world of agriculture is ever changing and smaller farms like ours need to look outside the box in order to survive and be a viable, working farm into the future. The likes of regenerative farming practices that not only sustainably produce food, but actually improves soil health gave us the opportunity farm with a nature first mentality.

Initially in 2020, our focus was to produce as much of our own food as we can and being able to consistently eat our own fresh eggs, fruit, vegetables, lamb, beef and honey has been a huge success. A large part of our diet is now homegrown.

On the back of that in 2021, we have started to expand production and connect the local community with naturally grown, quality, ethical produce. This includes our pasture-raised eggs, grass-fed lamb boxes, fresh honey and chemical-free fruit and vegetables.

Everything we produce is done so on the foundation of natural and ethical farm practices that focuses on the wellbeing of the animals and that allows them to live as close to their natural behaviours as possible.

Maximum life, minimum stress and a fast end is all part of ethical animal management and the best quality and healthiest food for consumption.

These practices not only benefit the animals but allow us to improve our soils, to sequester more carbon and to develop biodiversity into our landscape. These benefits ultimately increase production per acre and we hope give us the ability to grow and support our family and the generations to come.

Now & Beyond

Presently, across Ballarat and surrounds we sell up to 7000 pasture-raised eggs per week with 1300 happy ladies strutting their stuff around our pastures each day.

Our custom order, grass-fed lamb boxes are delivered on a bi-monthly basis with hundreds being sold across each calendar year.

In the appropriate seasons, a significant portion of our diet is still sourced from our little market garden. Surplus produce makes its way to our family, friends, neighbours and local stores and cafes.

Our on-farm beehives have been maxed out to eight, yielding a delectable mixed honey. This unique blend is crafted from the diverse pollens within a 3km radius around the farm.

At the core of our values lies a commitment to community engagement and a recognition of the essential role education will play in the future of our food system. Jasmine currently serves as the President of the Central Victorian Regenerative Farmer's Inc., a group focused on empowering farmer's and landholders towards a regenerative future.

Terry is a member of the Ballarat Local Food Coalition, contributing to the local dialogue on food sustainability.

Collectively the three of us, host various schools, groups, and organizations, fostering educational experiences that forge a deeper connection with the land and the food they eat. Open days and increased educational tours are in the works, with current infrastructure upgrades in construction and planning stages.

The future is very bright, with a new fourth member of the team due in mid February. The next generation of Walton to grow up on the farm and maybe one day a future farmer.