In 1991, Ian and partner Marilyn purchased a forty-hectare block outside The Rock, around a 30-minute drive southwest of Wagga Wagga. When it became apparent that the small holding wasn't viable for conventional grazing or cropping, Ian looked for an alternative that could be profitable as well as sustainable.
Thanks to a previous career in the military, Ian saw an opportunity to supply emu feathers to the Australian Army Armoured Corps, who proudly wear the distinctive plumes in their slouch hats. After much research, Ian's first 50 emus were delivered in 1994 and Marrocka Emus was born.
In the decades since, Ian has seen the emu industry go from boom to bust, and, after licking its wounds, once more show signs of enormous potential. With no established practice methods to follow, Ian has learned the art of emu farming the hard way. A true pioneer, Ian's unwavering faith in the industry has seen him become one of Australia's leading emu farming experts and advocates.
Today Marrocka processes over 300 birds each year, with products supplied to the domestic and international markets. Marrocka also hosts educational farm visits for families and school children, which he hopes will inspire the next generation of emu farmers.
