We are the Guys, and The Beef Guys is an evolution of our farming business, our family and our love of good food.
The kids have all flown the coop for the big smoke, but they will always be country kids, with a strong connection to the land and our animals.
Food has been the centrepiece of every event in our lives, not to mention most other nights. And that is how it has always been.
Where Farming Meets Food
Paul grew up in the Latrobe Valley, not that fancy, and was lucky enough to have the Palermo family as next-door neighbours.
Mrs Palermo didn't speak a word of English, but there was no misunderstanding her love when you ate her food, enjoyed her family's company or needed a shoulder to cry on. She taught Paul that food is an expression of love.
Paul's mum came from a mixed farm in Offaly, Ireland, with horses, sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, geese and turkeys.
Paul started breeding cattle as a teenager, studied Agricultural Science at La Trobe University and won the Stock and Land Cattle Judging in 1991.
He then spent 25 years as an international bloodstock agent, selecting and trading racehorses and breeding stock across six continents, until family demands clipped his wings.
That life came with the privilege of eating in great restaurants all over the world. Remarkable cuisine and produce showed him that food is a celebration, but also incredibly grounding.
A decade ago, Paul established Te Mooi Speckle Park to breed cattle for eating quality and sustainability. A bloodstock agent uses skill, knowledge and time to find horses that bring clients joy and success. When he could no longer travel as that trade demands, he put the same skills to work breeding exceptional cattle.
Now, through The Beef Guys, he produces beef to bring you and your family great joy and unforgettable moments.
Then Came The Fire
Rykie is from South Africa, and the first thing she did when she arrived in Australia was get rid of our gas barbecue.
A South African braai is cooked over fire and coals, and it was a revelation. It changed the game for our barbecues and opened our eyes to a host of other cuisines and cooking methods. Brazil and Argentina cook over coals, California cooks over flame, and suddenly we were thinking hard about the whole process.
Rykie grew up in the Karoo, where her family farmed with Merinos. Her grandmother used everything the farm produced. Wasting food was a great sin, and preparing wonderful meals for the family was a driving force.
Rykie carries that with her today, along with plenty of memories of fun-filled braais surrounded by family. Her braaibroodjies, biltong and Mrs Ball's chutney have become staples in our house.
The Next Generation
Ethan is about to finish a Bachelor of Business and Commerce at RMIT, and integral to The Beef Guys, looking after supply chain, fulfilment and marketing.
Mackenzie is studying Environmental Engineering and Climate Science and Emily is studying Journalism and Politics. Mack and Em are always available to lend a hand and have great recipe ideas, as they love trying new cuisines and sharing their discoveries with the rest of us.
More Than Beef
If you have read this far, thank you.
The Beef Guys is the next leg of our family's journey, and we hope you will join us. It is about everything our family values: the land, our animals, each other and joy.
Stupid dad jokes, sibling squabbles (especially over board games), being there when it counts, and enjoying each other's company over food - some of which we produced and some of which comes from the bounty of other farming families.
Thank you for sharing our family's produce.
