Farmers are being urged to attend a meeting of the South Coast Beef Producers Association this month to discover the benefits of selling direct from the paddock to the local abattoir, local butcher shops or local families.

Association secretary Janelle Wallace said most beef farmers in the area traditionally sold their stock at cattle sales, however more were discovering the benefits of selling directly to consumers.

“Selling through the sale yards is the easiest way, but we have found that selling direct to the consumer is more profitable,” she said.

“It’s hard work, but we are finding that more people want local beef.

“There’s a rising consciousness about eating local produce and definitely a niche market for it.”

Ms Wallace said a meeting on Friday, August 28 at the Shoalhaven City Council chambers would outline alternative marketing options for farmers, including selling meat online.

“This will be a great opportunity for new farmers as well as those that have been farming beef for many years,” she said.

Guest speakers at the meeting will include Frank Schnoor from Milton District Meats who will outline the requirements for selling beasts to the abattoir.

Ms Wallace, who has operated her 300 acre share farm at Little Forest Road with her husband Greg for six years, will talk about selling direct to the butcher, while Glenn Findley from the Brooman Farm Co will reveal the benefits of selling meat directly to the public via the internet.

As times change, Ms Wallace said, farmers were keen to keep up-to-date with issues such as marketing and slow food, as well as climate adaptation, biosecurity and weed control.

The association has recently conducted pasture trials in the area and a newsletter keeps members up to date with the latest news and trends from around the world.

With beef prices on the rise, she said farmers in the area, who often struggled to make ends meet, were reaping the rewards.

“Beef prices are really good this year because Australian herds are at a low point and the export market is strong,” she said.

“The American herds are also at a low point and they are buying up a lot of grinding beef.

“This, combined with a lower Australian dollar, has pushed beef prices up, which is good for local farmers.”

The association has about 19 members from throughout the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and Southern Highlands region, however Mrs Wallace said an effort was being made to boost the numbers.

“We need more members so we can share information and network,” she said.

“Some of our members are new to farming and we’d like to have more experienced producers on board.

“They can provide tips for the new farmers and we can introduce them to new research and ideas that could help their business.”

Ms Wallace said the association meets every two months, with regular guest speakers, workshops and fields trips.

The meeting will be held from 9.15am until 12.15pm at a cost of $20 for non-members and is open to all beef and dairy farmers.

For more information about the association or to book phone: 8007 5466.