Customers and fans of popular Margaret River Farmers Market stall Leeuwin Grass-Fed Beef have just a couple of weeks to make the most of their presence at the Saturday morning market after owners Ashley and Kristy Edgar announced they were calling time on their stall.
The pair expressed gratitude for the opportunities that the market had provided to the family-owned and operated business.
“The farmers market has been so amazing for both our business and us personally,” said Kristy Edgar.
“It has been a great way to develop relationships with our clients, have face to face time with them and share cooking techniques and recipes.”
The duo welcomed their third baby, Livvy, last year and said the success of the business and the market stall had made juggling family and work commitments a struggle.
“There is so much work behind the scenes to get to the markets. A lot more hours than people realise and it is for this reason we need to give it away for the time being.”
Mrs Edgar said the staff – including Ashley’s parents Ian and Denise and employees Danny Jennings and Debbie Orr – would miss the interaction with clients that the market brings.
“The market has been the best way to market our business.
“Having a personal conversation with the farmer outweighs all other avenues of marketing by far and we really enjoy having conversations with people who are so passionate about food, animal welfare and health.”
Margaret River Farmers Market Coordinator Katrina Lombardo said the Edgar’s story was “what the market is all about”.
“A farmers market really is an incubator to a small business and Leeuwin Grass-Fed Beef has been an incredible staple in our market, and hugely popular with shoppers,” she said.
“The wonderful thing about this story is that their success means there is a space for another business to move into the market and potentially have similar successes.
“We will miss them a lot, the quality of their product is outstanding and it’s definitely a key to why the business has been so successful.”
Mrs Edgar said the South West beef often flew as hand luggage alongside overseas visitors, keen to take home a delicious souvenir.
“We get lots of pre orders from people overseas who pick the beef up from the markets and take in home on the plane.
“That makes us feel pretty special that people go to such an effort to get a hold of it.”
Business hours and some downsizing has meant cuts to staff hours, and Mrs Edgar said the family was grateful for the understanding of their employees.
“They have been fantastic and they see us juggling life and kids and know it is no easy task. Being that we are a small business and our staff are only employed part time they all have other jobs and other things on the go, as well.”
“The business will now focus on bulk beef which was what we originally set out to do before we got word of the amazing farmers market.
“We will home deliver custom cut quarter and half animals to families around the region and beyond.
“The bulk beef presents exactly the same as the market beef there is just more of it which makes it more cost effective.”
Leeuwin Grass-Fed Beef bulk beef and $200 boxes will be available on a monthly basis via their website, and single cuts of beef will now only be found at Blue Ginger in Margaret River.
“We often have elderly people tell us this is what beef used to taste like when I was a kid. That is a pretty powerful statement,” Mrs Edgar said.
“We do very little advertising when it comes to our beef. Once people have tried it they continue to come back.
“A combination of techniques such as low stress stock handling and 14 day hanging period ensure the beef is tender while the 100 per cent grass fed diet of the animals produces an amazing flavour.”
“Regular bulk clients enjoy being creative with cooking and using every cut of beef from the animal. We have many families who go halves in a bulk order too.”
With just two dates left before the market stall closes on March 31, the Edgars said they were “blessed” to live in a supportive community.
“We really can't thank the community enough for supporting us and sharing the passion for the last five years.
“We look forward to a few slow Saturday mornings and we’ll continue to shop at the markets and enjoy the amazing products our local farmers have to offer.”
Leeuwin Grass-Fed Beef is available online at www.leeuwingrassfedbeef.com.au, where delivery dates for bulk beef are listed. $200 boxes can be pre ordered by email info@leeuwingrassfedbeef.com.au or phone 9758 4410 and are distributed monthly.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
