How do I find a reputable herd butcher in my area of Ireland
Taking the entire herd in a single hunt is known as This can be done using a variety of methods, including stalking, ambush, or simply taking the herd out with a large group of hunters. This approach offers a more straightforward and open route to healthful food as an alternative to traditional meat sourcing. The relationship between humans, animals, and the land is celebrated through this process. Customers who adopt this strategy can obtain premium meat while also assisting local communities and sustainable farming methods.
On the farm, where the animals are raised as a cohesive unit, herd butchery starts. This is in contrast to traditional butchering, where animals are frequently chosen one at a time according to their size, age, and other characteristics. The whole herd is handled collectively when processing time comes, guaranteeing uniformity in flavor, texture, and quality. Herd butchery strengthens ties between farmers, processors, and consumers by emphasizing a group rather than a single person.
The diets, living conditions, and genetic makeup of these animals are usually comparable. Asking a friend about a local tradesman who has done them good work is the best way to give it a try. For many things, you can spend a lot of money, but there's always someone who's willing to do it for less money and might even be more skilled at it. Lists of the best things in farming, dining, lodging, and other areas can be found on the Irish Farmers Journal, Farming Life, Bord Bia, and NFU websites.
Some of the herd butchers on this website were referred to us by other farmers. The cost may differ, and some may be better than others. These traditional values are combined with contemporary food safety and hygiene standards in today's herd butchery services. This practice fostered self-sufficiency and reduced waste, as virtually every part of the animal would be utilized. Traditionally, farmers would raise animals and then have them processed for their extended family's consumption throughout the year.
Before sending your cattle out, you must take measurements, record their weights, and send the butcher high-quality photos of your animals because each one will differ in weight, fat cover, MB percent, and muscle quality. As each animal will vary in weight, fat cover, MB% and muscle quality, it's essential that you send the butcher high quality photos of your cattle in addition to taking measurements and recording the weights of the animal before you dispatch them.
As of March 2025, the amount being added or subtracted is 5p per kilo.