Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Whole Beef Direct from a Farmer
Are you interested in buying a whole beef directly from a farmer but don't know where to start? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a whole beef, from how much meat you'll get to where to find local farmers, and how to store the meat once you've brought it home.This blog will explain the ins and outs of buying a half a cow or what is also known as a beef share or buying direct from the farmer or rancher.
This is an incredibly cost effective way to fill your freezer with local healthy meat. There is an upfront investment. The big plus is you are getting ground beef and filet for the same price.
Here are some of the most common FAQs about buying a whole beef direct from a farmer:
What cuts of meat will I receive?
This will depend on your preferences and how you have the animal is butchered. Typically, you'll receive a mix of steaks, roasts, ground beef, and other cuts.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes we require a deposit upfront to reserve your animal.
How do I get the meat after it's butchered?
You'll coordinate with me the farmer to pick up your meat or have it delivered.
How much meat will I get from a whole beef?
A whole beef typically yields around 400 to 600 pounds of meat, depending on the size of the animal and the cuts of meat requested. You can expect closer to 300 lbs on a whole dexter beef as they are smaller animals. This can also vary depending on the weight of the animal and how it's butchered.
How much does it cost to buy a whole beef?
The cost of a whole beef varies depending on the size of the animal, the cuts of meat requested, and the region where you live. It is generally purchased on the hanging weight ex $5 an lb hanging weight plus processing fees. The price can vary depending on a number of factors, including the weight of the animal, the breed, and the local market.
How do I find a farmer/ranchers who sells whole beeves or beef shares?
You can start by asking us. If we don’t have any unstuck we can get you in touch with our network of friends and ranchers. Also checking with local farmers' markets, food co-ops, or contacting local agricultural extension offices. You can also support 4-H or FFA kiddos by purchasing their market animals. You can search online for local farmers who sell whole beef, or you can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have purchased beef this way.
Do I need special equipment to store the meat?
No, it is recommended to have a large freezer or deep freezer to store the meat, as a whole beef will require a significant amount of space, but a half a hog or hal a beef could easily fit in an empty freezer of a home freezer. You'll need a large freezer to store all the meat. A chest freezer is ideal, but you can also use a regular freezer with a lot of space.
How do I choose the cuts of meat I want?
We will go over the cut sheet with you. Each one of our butchers have a different cut she we will go through the cut sheet with you. We will ask questions about how you like to cook, what you like to cook, and help you pick your cuts off that.
Do I need to have experience in butchering to buy a whole beef?
NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT! , you do not need to have experience in butchering to buy a whole beef. We will handle the processing and butchering of the animal. We will provide you a cut sheet to use and go over it before the animal goes to harvest.
How long will the meat stay fresh in the freezer?
All of our meat is vacuum sealed if properly stored, the meat can stay fresh in the freezer for up to a year. It is important to follow proper storage and thawing procedures to ensure the meat stays fresh and safe to eat. DO NOT roughly handle your vacuum sealed packages, they will break the seal or create micro tears, it will lose the seal and cause the meat to possibly get freezer burn.
Do you have another questions about buying meat in bulk?