Meet the Farmers: Chris and Kate of Shallow Well Beef
G'day, we're Chris and Kate, the family behind Shallow Well Beef. You might know us from our Beef Bus, the truck we take to markets. We breed and raise our own cattle on our home farm at Calvert, Queensland, between Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley, and bring the beef straight from our paddocks to your fridge.
Where it all started
Chris grew up in beef and bought our home farm at Calvert in 1997. He's been breeding and raising beef cattle on this land ever since. Kate comes from a dairy farming family, so early mornings, hard work and caring for animals have always been part of life for both of us.
Chris out in the paddock at our Calvert farm
We met in 2009, married in 2011, and have been building the farm together ever since.
Our cattle
About five years ago we added Wagyu to our herd, and it's grown into something we're really proud of. Today we breed superior Wagyu bloodlines alongside premium Speckle Park, F1 Wagyu and Charbray cattle.
Our cattle are raised on pasture from birth, right here in our own paddocks. We're there for every stage, from the day they're born to the day the beef is packed for your family. That's the difference when you buy from the people who actually raise it.
Nothing goes to waste
We believe in respecting the animal and making the most of everything our farm produces. That's why we prepare our own Farmer Ma's Farmhouse Kitchen value-added products, like flavoured sausages, rissoles, patties and meatloaf, at our processor's licensed facility, and why we render pure beef tallow for cooking and for our Nature's Reserve skincare.
Our farm is more than just cattle. We also have raw farm honey, and we work alongside other local farming families to bring you free-range eggs and a few extra favourites. Supporting each other is how small farms survive, and we're proud to be part of that community.
Why we started the Beef Bus
We wanted families to know exactly where their beef comes from, and to meet the people who raised it. So we took our beef on the road. You'll find our Beef Bus at local markets across South East Queensland, and you can order online for home delivery or collect from the farm.
Every order, big or small, goes straight back into our farm and our family. Whether it's a half beast to fill the freezer or a pack of sausages for the weekend barbecue, you're supporting real Queensland farmers doing things the honest way.
Quick facts about Shallow Well Beef
- Farmers: Chris and Kate
- Location: Calvert, Queensland 4340, between Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley
- Farming beef since: 1997
- Our cattle: Wagyu, F1 Wagyu, Speckle Park and Charbray, raised on pasture from birth
- What we sell: whole and half beasts, beef boxes, Wagyu cuts, flavoured sausages and other value-added products, beef tallow, Nature's Reserve skincare and farm honey
- Where to buy: online with home delivery across South East Queensland, farm pick-up, or at our Beef Bus at local markets
Where to find the Beef Bus this week
Come and meet us in person. Here's where we'll be from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October:
- Friday 23 October, Rosewood: Anglican Church, John Street, Rosewood, 10am to 12pm
- Saturday 24 October, Burpengary East (new market): Moreton Bay Community Market, corner of Old Bay Road and Maitland Road, 7am to 1pm
- Sunday 25 October, Yarrabilba: Sunday Morning Mingle Markets, Darlington Parklands, Darlington Drive, 7:30am to 12pm
Tip: bring an esky or cooler bag so your beef stays cold on the way home.
Come and say g'day. Find our Beef Bus at your local market, or shop our beef online. We love a yarn about the farm.
From our farm to your family,
Chris & Kate
Shallow Well Beef