CATTLE: Square Meaters

Country of Origin

Australia

Australian Status

Uses

Beef

Breed traits

The Square Meater is a medium framed, early maturing, and polled breed of cattle.  The are known for their quiet dispositions, ease of calving, and ability to finish well on grass.  They are silver to grey in colour with dark hoofs and skin reducing the chances of sunburn and cancer. 

The cows have excellent maternal instincts with the calves being born in the 25-30kg range.  Despite their smaller initial size, they are quick to mature to a marketable weight.  Bulls may be up to 130cm at the shoulder and 700-800kg;  cows 125cm at the shoulder and 400-500kg.

They have won many awards at the Royal Shows and in carcass competitions.

History

Mr. Rick Pisaturo of New South Wales developed the breed in the 1990s as he wanted to provide better beef quicker for his customers.  He choose moderate framed Murray Grey cows and bulls with superior muscling and early maturation to achieve a compact size that finished well and early on grass.

Breed Organisation

 Square Meaters Cattle Association of Australia

Australian Population

2022:  Males: 63; Females: 751; Herds: 51

Page by Carol Wormald, June 2025

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_Meater
https://www.squaremeaters.com.au/

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