Wakefield Grange, South Australia’s Only PCAS-certified Farmgate Butchery

Wakefield Grange, located on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, has achieved the distinction of being recognised as the state’s first—and to date, only—PCAS-certified butcher. In addition the family business, owned and operated by Nathen and Sophie Wakefield, is also South Australia’s only on-farm butcher shop, and as such can offer its customers full lifetime traceability of all its meat.

The Pasturefed Cattle Accreditation Scheme (PCAS) is an initiative of the Cattle Council of Australia and enables suppliers to offer Certified Pasturefed cattle, meaning Australian and international consumers can have greater knowledge and understanding of the feeding and handling methods involved in the beef they buy.

“We are extremely proud to be the first and only South Australian butcher to meet the demanding PCAS standards,” said Sophie Wakefield, “as this means public recognition of our unique product—locally reared beef that is free range, pasturefed, completely traceable and 100% HGP and antibiotic free.”

The requirements of PCAS accreditation chime perfectly with the Wakefield Grange paddock-to-plate philosophy and practices. In order to achieve certification, Wakefield Grange have demonstrated that their cattle have had access to graze pasture for their entire life and have not been confined for intensive feeding, are fully traceable, are guaranteed to eat well and are free from hormone growth promotants (HGP) and antibiotics.

Sophie Wakefield added, “It’s becoming increasingly important for discerning consumers to know the background of the meat they buy. They want to be sure that it’s produced sustainably and is genuinely free range. But they are also looking for a superior quality product too, meat that is flavoursome and healthy at the same time.”

Numerous health benefits have been shown to come from eating grass-fed beef, not least because of its high concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally found compound that can help to reduce body fat, fight clogged arteries and prevent the onset of diabetes. It has also been shown to be a good source of omega 3.

“The consumer response to our beef has been extremely enthusiastic,” said Sophie Wakefield, “and the demand both online and at farmers’ markets has been overwhelming. Adelaide consumers are demanding in terms of quality and taste, and as South Australia’s only farmgate butchery we naturally set ourselves high standards too. So far, we’ve been able to meet our customers’ expectations for unique, healthy and great testing beef, and this PCAS accreditation means that people buying and eating our meat can also be completely sure as to the rearing and feeding methods we use.”

Customers can purchase Wakefield Grange PCAS-certified beef by the side or full body, with two options of cuts available. Wholesale enquiries are welcome and they also offer a commercial butchering service for local farmers.