Woolvie Beef has been able to expand its reach due to the support and cold chain solutions provided by Scully RSV.
Scully RSV, specialists in refrigerated trucks and trailers, specialises in crafting high-quality vehicles, including vans, utes, trucks up to 14 pallets in size, and a premium selection of trailers, for hire.
Customers can choose from various fleet options, including short- and long-term hire solutions, as well as new and used truck sales.
An example of Scully RSV’s expert solutions is its partnership with Woolvie Beef in Southwest Victoria.
The family-owned business, with approximately 600 cows across 1300 acres in the Camperdown district, is a dairy farm that also supplies beef products across the region.
It is committed to sustainable and ethical farming practices, ensuring that its beef is produced with minimal environmental impact and high animal welfare standards.
“We’re predominantly a dairy farm, but we diversified into paddock-to-plate beef about six years ago,” said Carlie Barry, founder, and owner of Woolvie Beef.
“I had previously worked with paddock to-plate beef about 20 years ago, back when farmers’ markets were just beginning to take off, and the direct-to-consumer model wasn’t as prevalent.”
Woolvie Beef emphasises the direct-to-consumer model, which allows it to control pricing and quality by managing the process – from raising cattle to delivering the finished product to customers
“I really enjoy the direct-to-consumer contact and promoting our product,” said Carlie.
“By cutting out the middleman, we are better positioned to control pricing, rather than just sending cattle to the yards and being a price taker.”
Catering to both local markets and larger co-ops, Woolvie Beef focuses on providing a product free from antibiotics and chemicals, aligning with growing consumer demands for safe and natural food options.
With this direct-to-consumer model in mind, Carlie knew Woolvie Beef required reliable cold chain transportation.
The company started with just a small trailer, but as the business expanded, a larger and more reliable solution was needed.
“That’s when our partnership with Scully RSV really started,” said Carlie.
“As the company kept growing, I needed to keep upgrading my transport, but at the time I wasn’t in the position to afford a brand-new model.
“With Scully RSV, I avoided the large up front cost and the need for a loan, and I have an affordable monthly repayment that is easy to budget for.”
And on top of this, Scully RSV also provides around the clock support for its customers.
“They provide 24/7 support for breakdowns and handle servicing payments, which simplifies everything,” said Carlie.
“Previously, upgrading vehicles meant searching state-wide for a suitable one and selling the old one. Scully RSV removes that worry and financial pressure, which has been a great relief.
“If I need to downscale or upscale in the future, I just call Scully RSV, and they can provide a different truck, even on short notice.”
This level of support allows Carlie to concentrate her efforts on continuing to provide premium beef products for her customer base.
“Scully RSV has been integral to our business,” said Carlie.
“Without them, we would have been quite limited. I’ve been surprised that, despite their size, Scully RSV always has time for me and treats me the same as their larger clients.”
Carlie said she has already experienced this treatment firsthand, and on several occasions.
“My account manager from Scully RSV, Dean, goes above and beyond for us,” she said.
“When we called for help, he contacted nearby mechanics, and when none were available, arranged for a brand-new truck to be driven from Melbourne to me three hours away.”
Carlie said this is just one example of the type of customer service and logistical expertise offered by the Scully RSV team.
That specific delivery is the most recent cold chain solution Carlie has purchased from Scully RSV. The company’s six-pallet refrigerated truck.
The truck offers a string of features including:
- Premium fabricated SCULLY Refrigerated Special Vehicle (RSV).
- Isuzu or Hino turbo diesel truck Cab.
- Manual or automatic transmission truck.
- Refrigerated freezer or chiller.
- Fitted with the latest model SCULLY RSV premium fibreglass body.
- Carrier refrigeration unit.
- Capable of carrying products from 20 to -20˚C.
- State-of-the-art fibreglass technology.
- Tailgate loader (optional)
- Refrigerated body side door (optional).
- Electric standby (optional).
- Carlie said the reliability and affordability provided by Scully RSV and its solutions has also helped her reduce travel costs when delivering orders to customers, especially as far away as Melbourne.
“People appreciate being able to meet the farmer directly and I’ve had people in Melbourne contacting me about my beef, but I couldn’t justify travelling all that way for just half a beast,” she said.
“Now I only need to make four trips to Melbourne a month, rather than lots of little trips with a little truck.”
As well as the improvements around city orders, Carlie credits the growth of Woolvie Beef to several factors, including the changing attitudes of consumers and current market trends.
“My biggest customers are now co-ops formed in response to recent events, seeking to source produce directly from farmers,” said Carlie.
“They are also increasingly aware of what’s in their food, such as chemicals and antibiotics. Organic produce guarantees that animals have never been given antibiotics.
“The growing demand for safe produce and relationships with farmers reflects this shift.”
Woolvie Beef has adapted to changing market dynamics, leveraging word of mouth and repeat customers rather than advertising.
Its focus on community groups and buying co-ops has helped it expand its reach and maintain a strong customer base.
Carlie said support for family-owned businesses was continuing to grow, which was valuable to the continued growth of Woolvie Beef.
“My goal is to eventually implement paddock-to-plate with milk as well,”
she said.
And as Woolvie Beef continues to diversify its offerings to a tight knit and loyal customer base, having Scully RSV on hand to cover any cold chain logistics needs remains a valuable part of the brand’s growth.
To learn more about how Scully RSV can help you with you cold chain logistical needs, visit www.scullyrsv.com.au.