Women in Butchery

The butchery trade has traditionally been men's business. The stereotypical notion of butchers is one of jolly men in white shirts, blue aprons and sheaths filled with knives—but that image is starting to change as women join the industry.

 

Nevertheless, women are still the surprise behind the counter, at the abattoir or in the farming sector. From field to fork, men continue to outnumber women across all facets of the industry.

 

We think this needs to change, and that's why we created this website to show women of all ages that a career in butchery is not only rewarding, but can provide a high level of employability and career satisfaction. Butchery combines culinary skill, customer service, visual artistry and a dedication to quality.

 

Contemporary consumer habits are drawing women to the industry

In Australia, a preference for rearing meat well and using every part of an animal is being driven by evolving consumer attitudes to animal welfare and sustainability. As a society, many of us see ourselves as gourmet home cooks, choosing to use an ever more adventurous array of cuts and animal types. It is increasingly common for us to want to know where our food comes from, whether it was grass or grain-fed and what additives it contains.

And of course we also want to know how to cook it—perfectly, every time—and this is where the product knowledge and advice provided by your local butcher will always have an advantage over pre-packaged meat products with generic cooking instructions on a tiny label.

Butchers are an important part of the farm to table experience. As well as traditional meat products, your local butcher shop is likely to produce small goods, marinaded meats, stir fries, pies and exciting ranges of charcuterie. Changes in customer tastes and preferences is making a career in butchery more attractive to women.