A convenient 24/7 butcher shop has opened at Hunchy and since its launch in November last year, owners Tamara and Shane Bennett, have been blown away by the community support.

“Since we opened our doors on the 22nd of November last year, I have issued 648 PIN codes for people to buy our meat,” Tamara said. “We are so grateful that people have gotten behind the concept so quickly.”

Shane and Tamara purchased Rangeview Farm eight years ago from long-time grocers, Harry and Ruby Rann.

“So many people remember Rann’s Fruit and we are very proud that we have been able to use the space to supply locals with our own pasture-raised beef,” she said.

Tamara and Shane run Angus cattle on their 80 acre property and were inspired to sell it direct to the public using a model pioneered by Wolki Farm in NSW.

“I toyed with the concept for some time, and when I reached out to Wolki Farm, they were so supportive, we have gone on to take part in their mentoring program,” Tamara said.

The business allows customers to buy their meat directly from the farm where it was produced at any time of day or night.

“People have to supply us with their contact information, we issue a PIN for them to access the shop, and from there, they can shop speciality cuts of beef and checkout and pay via an app. It’s basically a glorified honesty box and I think our customers appreciate our trust.”

As farming and food production methods are becoming increasingly important to consumers, the couple are fielding more questions about the farming methods they employ to raise their cattle.

“People ask great questions because they want to know that we are raising our animals holistically and with their welfare at the heart of our practices. Our cattle are pasture fed until the final 120 days, when we offer them supplementary feed as well. We can’t be fully organic in our farming because we have to be able to protect our livestock from ticks and parasites. However, they will not be fed Bovaer or hormones. We also have goats and donkeys on the property, and they keep the weeds down, minimising our use of herbicides,” she said.

The cattle are processed at Nolan Meats in Gympie, a highly reputable business that has operated since 1958 then processed locally in Cutters Ridge.

“The way our animals are handled at the end of their lives is extremely important to us, and our customers too,” said Tamara.

Offerings available include beef rump steak, porterhouse, rib fillet, eye fillet, beef mince, preservative free sausages, carnivore sausages, brisket, osso bucco, soup bones, marrow bones & pet bones/mince.

“We have had other local producers reach out to us since the shop has opened, and we are excited to explore opportunities to support and collaborate with other local producers, moving forward.”

To find out more about Rangeview Farm, go to www.rangeviewfarm.com.au