Click here for Biodynamic Beef Order Form

INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS OF ORGANIC BEEF FROM CERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC CALVES

So, you are thinking about ordering some biodynamic beef.  Here are some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) which may help you in making your decision.

What is Biodynamic Beef?
Biodynamic beef is from cattle reared using organic and biodynamic farming and animal rearing practices. This means that the farm, the feed and the health of the animals are monitored frequently, paddocks are not over grazed and pests are controlled without the use of chemicals.  No growth hormones, strong drenches, artificial chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used on the farm.  The animals have been raised on their mother’s milk and pasture on the farm.  The animals are kept separate at the abbatoir and are hung for a week at the butchers making the meat even more tender.    

Why can organically certified beef cost slightly more than conventional beef?
Because chemicals are not used on the animals or the pasture, rearing our animals involves more regular care and handling.  The farm practices are audited, records checked and the animals inspected on an annual basis by an inspector from the accreditation association.  There is a substantial cost for this accreditation which is only partially recovered in the cost of the beef.  

To maintain the tenderness of the meat, all our animals are "vealers", that is aged about 9 - 10 months old when processed, and only recently weaned off their mothers’ milk.  The dressed weight is in the order of 160 - 180Kg, compared with fully-grown older animals that could be at least twice that weight. So you can pay less but not for this quality meat!

What will my order cost?

If you buy a quarter animal the cost will be in the order of $7.99 X 42Kg dressed weight = $335 a half would cost $7.49 X 85Kg dressed weight = $635 and a whole would cost $6.99 X 170Kg dressed weight = $1,190, Out of a 42Kg quarter you would expect to get about 16Kg of meat cuts, 10Kg of sausages and mince and the rest would be offal, bones and fat. The exact amount you pay will only be known once the carcass of your animal is weighted at the abbatoir.

Does organic meat keep for less time, as there are no preservatives used?

According to the butcher, no meat should be stored, even in a freezer, for longer than six months. 

How do I complete the order form?

• Decide whether you want a half, quarter or whole animal.  In the event of ordering a quarter some items, such as a roast boneless blade, may be in one order only as there are only two in the animal. In that case the weight will be made up by another item to produce a mixed quarter.
• Decide how many servings you want per pack, e.g. two / four.  This is the quantity your meat will be packaged for and each package is labelled for identification.     
• As you go down the different cuts of meat, choose one item against each heading. For example, rump can be prepared as sliced or whole, but not both!
• All orders include sausages that are gluten free and preservative free.
• In the event of choosing ‘none’, such as offal, the dressed weight remains unchanged.
• Don’t forget to say how you want the bones cut, or if you want any at all.

When will I know that my order is ready for collection?

We will contact you when the meat will be ready for collection and advise you of the weight and cost.  The butcher is open Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturdays 7am to 12.30pm.  However the meat will always be ready on a Wednesday and must be collected the same day to ensure you get it in its prime condition.  The butcher does not have room to store orders once they are ready.  It should be taken straight home for freezing.  A quarter contains about 27Kg of meat which fits in our household fridge freezer (fairly large freezer section).  Would you please bring with you a large esky and/or cardboard boxes to transport your meat home.

What do I do now? 

If you have no further questions and would like to place an order, click here: We will collate orders and send to the butcher.

Is that it?

Almost!  We would really appreciate feedback on this product, either good or bad, so that we can continue to improve our service.  If you are unhappy, tell us, if you are happy, tell your friends!

Enjoy!