James and Sheryl Derrick own and operate Karoola Station, a 2050ha mixed farming enterprise in Mundarlo in the Riverina region of NSW. James is a fourth-generation farmer, with a focus on breeding quality poll merinos as well as providing essential farm contracting services.


James and Sheryl have been long-term clients of Achmea Australia. After making the switch in 2015, James and Sheryl found themselves on the claims side of insurance when vital equipment malfunctioned during harvest. With Achmea Australia’s support, Karoola Station got back up and running, with James and Sheryl stating our Farming Services and Claims Teams were “easy to deal with, straight forward and no-nonsense.”

“Easy to deal with, straight forward and no-nonsense”

– James and Sheryl Derrick

For over 45 years, Karoola Station has produced prime merinos with an average micron of 18.5, as well as offering top quality lucerne and clover baled hay for sale. Along with other farmers across NSW, James and Sheryl have faced the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on agriculture. Through their farm contracting business, they assist other local farmers to protect their livelihoods with essential services including spraying, baling, carting and harvesting activities.


Recently spending some time on-farm at Karoola Station, local Farm Insurance Specialist Matthew Gould says Karoola Station has a multi-generation history of farming and dedication to the future of farming in the Riverina.


“To have a job where I can spend time with truly kind and genuine people is a blessing. James and Sheryl are hardworking farmers who have dedicated themselves to agriculture. By helping other farmers protect their livelihoods, their approach echoes Achmea Australia purpose of keeping farmers farming,” Matthew said.