Small-scale beef producers have been left reeling after Hardwicks abattoir at Kyneton announced it would no longer process small consignments of animals from next year.
Kilcoy Global Foods, which owns the abattoir, said it wouldn’t take orders below 15 head of beef or 50 head of lambs.
A letter sent by the company to existing clients said the decision was made after a “detailed review of existing arrangements”.
“Our updated arrangements will help us and our customers remain competitive in this tough market,” the letter said.
The move has shocked farmers who previously relied on the abatoir to process smaller consignments. They may have to travel as far as Swan Hill or Colac instead.
One such producer is Courtney Hazeldene who operates Ganado Greys Cattle Stud just outside of Bendigo.
Ms Hazeldene runs about 60 head of cattle and only has about five or six processed a year.
“Just enough to keep things ticking over for my local customers,” she said.
“I started doing it when the supermarkets ran out of beef at the beginning of covid, selling direct to the consumer.
“I can still feed my own family with home kills but I’m more concerned about the broader community and getting regular good beef on the table.”
Ms Hazeldene said she simply didn’t have the number of steers ready at the one time to meet Hardwicks’ minimum order.
“Even if I did, selling near on 200 beef packs at once is unrealistic,” she said.
“Finding local butchers with the space and staff to handle 15 bodies of beef at once? Not happening.
“As a result, I’m devastated that I can no longer supply beef packs and must cancel all future orders.”
Ms Hazeldene said the decision by Hardwicks had left her, and many other small-scale farmers, bitterly disappointed.
“The lack of notice and consideration for family farms, small businesses like me and my amazing partner butcher Meats On Mitchell, food security and loyal customers is staggering,” she said.
“At a time when cost-of-living pressures are soaring, people need access to affordable, high-quality local produce more than ever. But once again, the big business and supermarkets come out on top.
“For me, this cuts off a crucial income stream. And with Bendigo saleyard also closed, I’m left wondering: where do I send my steers now? I can see why so many farmers are throwing in the towel.”
– Hardwicks was contacted for comment.
