From Paddock to Plate
A transparent look at our process, from your order to your freezer
The Journey
From order to collection in 5 transparent phases
Place Order
Same day
Batching
1-4 weeks
Harvest Day
1 day
Processing
10-14 days
Collection
Same day
Place Order
Same day
Batching
1-4 weeks
Harvest Day
1 day
Processing
10-14 days
Collection
Same day
Phase by Phase
Place Your Order
Select your cut size and complete your order in one simple step. Tell us exactly how you want your beef prepared.
- Choose Quarter, Half, or Whole beef
- Enter your contact details
- Complete your cut sheet preferences (takes 15-20 minutes)
Your cut sheet includes:
Note: Quarter orders use a simplified cut sheet, while half and whole orders have full customisation options.
Payment at this stage:
$500 deposit is due when you submit your order. This secures your place in the batch.
Batching & Scheduling
This is the key waiting period
Why do we batch?
The mobile abattoir requires a minimum of 4 animals to make an on-farm visit viable. Your order joins a batch queue and waits until we have enough orders to meet this requirement.
How batching works:
- 1 whole beef = 4 quarters
- 1 half beef = 2 quarters
- Target: 16 quarters (4 whole animals)
- Wait time: 1-4 weeks depending on current batch fill level
Batch Progress Visual
When 16 quarters are ordered, we schedule harvest
During this stage:
- • Your $500 deposit (paid with cut sheet) holds your place
- • We'll notify you once the batch is full and harvest is scheduled
- • Animal cost ($15/kg) will be due on harvest date
Harvest Day
Once the batch is full, we schedule the on-farm harvest with Earth First Foods, our licensed mobile abattoir service.
- Processing happens on-farm in a stress-free environment
- No transport stress for animals - they remain in familiar surroundings
- Carcass is weighed (this determines your final price)
- Immediately transported to De Bauchery (Tikipunga Fresh Foods) for processing
- You'll be notified of the actual weight and your final balance
Why on-farm matters: Lower stress results in better meat quality - improved tenderness, texture, and flavour.
Payment at this stage:
Animal cost (balance after deposit) is due on harvest date, calculated at $15/kg based on actual carcass weight.
Butcher Processing
At De Bauchery (Tikipunga Fresh Foods), your beef goes through professional processing according to your cut sheet specifications.
Processing timeline:
Week 1: Hanging & Aging
The carcass hangs for approximately 10 days. This aging process enhances tenderness and develops flavour.
Week 2: Cutting & Packaging
Butcher cuts according to your cut sheet, vacuum seals, and labels all packages.
Processing fees (paid to butcher at pickup):
- • Standard processing: ~$2/kg
- • Sausage making: ~$7.50/kg
- • All cuts vacuum sealed and clearly labelled
Collection
Your beef is ready! De Bauchery will call you when your order is ready for collection.
- Bring cooler bags or chilly bins (a quarter typically fills 2-3 large cooler bags)
- Pay the butcher directly for processing fees
- Receive all your vacuum-sealed, labelled cuts
- Store in your freezer and enjoy premium grass-fed beef for months!
Collection location: De Bauchery (Tikipunga Fresh Foods), Tikipunga, Whangārei
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freezer space do I need?
A quarter beef requires approximately 2-3 cubic feet of freezer space (about 2-3 large cooler bags). A half requires 4-6 cubic feet, and a whole requires 8-12 cubic feet. A standard chest freezer (7 cubic feet) comfortably holds a half beef.
What if the batch takes too long to fill?
We keep you updated on batch progress via email. If a batch is taking longer than expected (over 4 weeks), we'll contact you directly to discuss options. You can always request a refund of your deposit if you need to withdraw from the queue.
Can I change my cut sheet after submission?
Yes, you can modify your cut sheet any time before the harvest date. Once the animal has been harvested, changes are no longer possible. Contact us at info@backyardbeef.co.nz if you need to make changes.
Do you deliver?
Currently, collection is from De Bauchery in Tikipunga, Whangārei only. We don't offer delivery at this time, but this may change as we grow. Collection ensures your beef stays frozen and you can inspect your order immediately.
Ready to Get Started?
Join the next batch and fill your freezer with premium grass-fed beef
Questions? 027 327 6269 or info@backyardbeef.co.nz