Two Melbourne friends, Ben Borg and Matt Hall, have discovered significant savings and improved quality in their meat consumption by purchasing in bulk directly from farmers. The pair recently divided half a cow between their households, leading to a dramatic reduction in grocery bills and a notable enhancement in the quality of their meals.
With a growing number of Australians interested in sourcing their meat directly from producers, Borg, a nutritionist and gym owner, initially contemplated trading supermarket options for premium butcher cuts. However, the cost factor posed a challenge. Nonetheless, Hall, who has a rural upbringing and is familiar with bulk meat purchases, was keen to join Borg in this venture.
The duo’s joint purchase of half a cow not only allowed them to economise but also ensured they received high-quality meat directly from Farmstead Meats, a growing paddock-to-plate business co-founded by butcher Jeff Renfrew. Renfrew has reported impressive growth in his venture, witnessing a 200 per cent increase in revenue month-on-month, as consumers seek more transparency about their food sources and desire better quality offerings.
Despite rising beef and lamb prices—up 13 per cent compared to last year—Borg and Hall’s investment in bulk meat has proven financially beneficial. They saved approximately $800 in comparison to supermarket prices for similar quality cuts, with the cost for half a cow being around $1,699. This price stands in stark contrast to approximately $2,500 needed to purchase equivalent cuts at major retailers like Woolworths or Coles.
Aside from the financial advantages, both men noted an immediate improvement in flavour. Borg described the taste as “unbelievable” and felt the quality was remarkably superior to regular supermarket options. Additionally, Hall reported their weekly grocery expenses dropped from about $350 to between $280 and $300 thanks to having an ample supply of meat at home.
The collaborative approach has not only helped with affordability; it has also fostered a community aspect, as they plan to share meals at gatherings. Working with a friend to split the bulk meat purchase has been both practical and enjoyable.
In summary, this experience highlights a growing trend among Australians towards direct purchasing from farmers, resulting in economic savings, superior quality, and a closer relationship to one’s food source. The success of Borg and Hall’s initiative exemplifies the potential benefits of buying in bulk from local producers.