We have compiled a list of our ten most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please use the contact us form and we’ll be happy to answer your question.
Q1: How do I place an order?
A: There are three options available. The simplest is to order online. Alternatively you can download a Manual Order Form and Order Confirmation and fax, email or post them to us. Our third ordering option is to take advantage of our Interest Free Lay-By Plan. Simply download the Lay-By Agreement and Cut Selection Sheet and fax, email or post them to us.
Q2: How much will I have to pay?
A: You pay only $12.50 per kg for our Premium Quality Beef, processed and packaged to your specifications and delivered to your door.
o For a half side of beef, you can expect to pay from $410 - $470.
o For a side of beef, you can expect to pay from $825 - $940.
o For a whole beef, you can expect to pay from $1650 - $1875.
Q3 Half a side seems a lot of meat, do you have smaller packs?
A: Our smallest order size is currently half a side. This will last an average family who eat three to four beef meals a week approximately five months.
Q4: What happens once I place an order?
A: Once your order is received, our team will select the best of our yearlings to be processed for your order.
o The yearling is then killed at Cassino Abbottoir in Casino and delivered to Holiday Coast Meats and Smallgoods in Grafton.
o It is then hung for 10 to 14 days to allow the meat to mature, ensuring optimum tenderness and taste.
o Our butchers then cuts your meat and packages it onto freezer trays ready to go straight into your freezer, according to your choices (either from our online selection or the Cut Selection Sheet).
o During this time you should prepare your freezer for delivery of your order. As a guide, a side of beef will approximately fill a 150litre chest freezer.
o Once packaged the total weight is measured and your invoice is prepared.
o One of out team will contact you at this point to arrange delivery.
o The entire process from receipt of your order to delivery is approximately 21 days.
Q5: How much meat will I get?
A: The total weight of packaged beef for a side of beef is approximately 65 - 75kg, excluding Pet Pack and trimmed fat.
Q6: I've bought bulk beef before and the the butcher charged me for more meat than I received. Why was that?
A: Traditionally, bulk beef has been charged on carcass weight. That is, the weight of the carcass before removal of most of the bones and excess fat. At Big River Beef, we weigh your beef after it has been cut to your specifications and packaged ready for your freezer, so what you get is what you pay for.
Q7: When I've bought bulk beef before, it arrived in big bags and I had to repack it into manageable servings. Will I have to do this if I buy Big River Beef?
A: No! We package your order on freezer trays ready to go straight into your freezer. Each tray will be packed with your choice of serving size. So whether you are a single person or a large family, our meal sized packs are perfect!
Q8: What breed of cattle do you run?
A: What's in a breed? We select the best quality yearlings from our herds across the Clarence Valley and surrounding areas. We run a variety of breeds and focus on quality stock who produce tender, tasty beef every time. There are good and bad stock in all breeds, but the key is in selecting the best and ensuring that our customers get consistent high quality beef every time.
Q9: Does Big River Beef contain synthetic hormones or antibiotics?
A: No. Big River Beef is hormone and antibiotic free! We follow careful animal husbandry practices. Of course if one of our animals requires veterinary care for some reason, it will receive it, but that animal will then no longer be available for processing as Big River Beef.
Q10: What is MSA?
A: MSA stands for Meat Standards Australia, a grading system introduced by Meat and Livestock Australia to ensure tender, tasty beef.