Quarter or Half a Cow? Here’s Why It’s Worth It

At Arrawatta Station, we’ve always believed in making the most of every animal. Our cattle play a vital role in thriving grassland ecosystems, and when the time comes, we honour that life by using every cut.

Humans have always relied on animal protein as part of a balanced diet, and we carry that history with respect for the cattle we raise. At Native Angus Beef, that means we use not just the premium cuts, but also the secondary cuts, bones, offal and tallow that are equally valuable for nutrition and flavour. Every box we sell is thoughtfully curated to reflect this whole-animal approach, giving you a variety of cuts that support both good eating and our values of respect and sustainability.

Buying a quarter (40 kg) or half (80 kg) of a Native Angus carcass is one of the best ways to experience this whole-animal philosophy for yourself. It gives you more choice, better value, and the satisfaction of filling your freezer with nutrient-rich, grass-fed beef for months to come.

Native Angus steers at Arrawatta Station check out Porthos (our house dog) as he strolls past!


The value of buying in bulk

When you buy beef in bulk, you’re getting more than just a large quantity of meat. You’re investing in quality protein that’s raised naturally, packaged in meal-sized portions, and delivered straight to your door.

Because our pricing is based on “table-ready kilos of beef” (the cuts you’ll actually cook and eat), you’re not paying for trim, waste, or excess fat. Trimmings like bones, tallow and offal come at no extra cost. Shipping is included too.

To put it into perspective:

  • A conventional half carcass might be priced at $18/kg based on hot standard carcass weight (HSCW), which includes fat, bones and waste. Out of 130 kg HSCW, you’ll end up with about 80 kg of usable beef. At this weight and per kilo cost, including trim weight, you could expect to pay about $2,340 for a conventional half carcass.

  • With Native Angus Beef, a half carcass gives you around 80 kg of table-ready beef, but it’s priced at $27/kg and includes all the extras (trimmings, offal, bones) at no charge, plus free shipping to your door. That equals $2,160 total, for pre-portioned, table-ready beef including trimmings and shipping.

With Native Angus Beef, what you pay for is what you actually receive, neatly packaged and ready for your fridge or freezer.

Choice and custom cuts

Ordering a quarter or half carcass means you can tailor the cuts to suit how your household cooks and eats. Want extra sausages? More soup bones? A brisket for the smoker or a rack of ribs for a weekend feast? Our artisan butcher Nathan and Native Angus cattle & packaging expert Tamara will help you create a personalised cut sheet that’s designed for your family.

You can also share an order with family or friends. Splitting a bulk purchase makes it affordable and ensures everyone gets the cuts they love most.

Nutrition that keeps in the freezer

Some people may worry that freezing beef means it will lose flavour or nutritional value. The truth is, freezing locks in freshness at its peak. Our beef is cryovac-packed in meal-sized portions, which protects it from freezer burn and keeps nutrients intact. Whether you cook it the week after delivery or a few months later, you’re getting the same rich taste and nutritional benefits.

Plan Once, Eat for Months

Buying in bulk does mean a little planning. You’ll need enough freezer space, and it helps to have a system for keeping track of what you’ve got. That’s why every order comes with a detailed, itemised list of weights and pack counts, so you can stay organised and make the most of your beef over time.

Beef That’s Good for You and the Land

At the end of the day, bulk buying is simply a way to enjoy beef you can feel good about. Our Native Angus cattle grow on open pastures, grazing a diverse mix of grasses, and we support the land with regenerative practices that build soil health and keep the farm thriving.

Because the animals are given time to mature naturally, the result is beef that’s full of flavour and naturally rich in nutrients.

If you value quality food and want to fill your freezer with beef you can trust, buying in bulk is the smart choice.

Explore our Native Angus Beef quarter and half carcass options, or get in touch with us directly to discuss your needs:

 

By Susan Hendry, Co-Founder, Native Angus Beef

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