The Koorana Crocodile Farm

This case describes how 'ecological entrepreneur' John Lever came to start a crocodile farm in Queensland, Australia and how his personal values and ambitions have affected the development. The major customer for Lever's crocodile skins is an Italian tannery owned by Gucci - which is willing to take more skins than he can supply every year. The skins are used to make expensive branded products such as handbags and belts. Koorana also has its own merchandise produced which Lever sells at the farm and on-line. Some people see such activity as undesirable but Lever defends his practices. Crocodile meat is a key secondary product. Koorana is also a tourist attraction and the revenue from visitors is an important hedge against the uncertainties of the farming activity. The annual success of the breeding and harvesting activities is dependent upon a number of variables, including the weather. But primarily the farm is a working farm. Family succession is a critical issue for John Lever, who has two of his four sons working with him at present. The farm is successful and growing, but net earnings are not yet sufficient for Lever to believe he is in a position to hand over the reins. Lever has some critical decisions to make about future growth and direction.