When it comes to buying high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective meat, more and more families are turning to options like buying a side of beef or buying half a cow. This practice not only provides a better value for your money but also supports local farms and ensures you have access to fresh, ethically raised beef. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and considerations of purchasing a side of beef or half a cow, so you can make an informed decision for your household.
The Benefits of Buying a Side of Beef
One of the main advantages of buying a side of beef is the cost savings. When you purchase beef in bulk, the price per pound tends to be lower than if you were buying smaller quantities at a grocery store. Plus, you’ll receive the freshest beef possible, often from local, pasture-raised cows. This means you can enjoy higher-quality beef while supporting small farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with mass production.
How Buying Half a Cow Benefits Your Family
If you’re looking for an even larger supply of beef, buying half a cow might be the perfect solution. A half cow typically yields between 300 to 400 pounds of meat, depending on the size of the animal and how it’s processed. This is ideal for larger families or those who like to host gatherings and need a steady supply of beef throughout the year.
When you buy half a cow, you’ll also experience the same benefits as purchasing a side of beef, such as cost savings and better quality. However, with half a cow, you have even more control over your meat order, as you’ll be able to select exactly how you want the beef butchered and packaged. This means you can ask for more steaks, less ground beef, or any other specific preferences you may have.
Understanding the Process of Buying a Side of Beef or Half a Cow
The process of buying a side of beef or half a cow is straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to find a local farm or butcher that offers these bulk buying options. Many small-scale farms now sell beef directly to consumers, giving you the opportunity to buy directly from the source.
Once you’ve selected your beef supplier, you’ll usually make a deposit to reserve your side or half cow. After the animal is processed, you’ll work with the butcher to decide how you’d like your meat cut and packaged. Most farms offer different processing options, from standard cuts to custom orders. Depending on the farm, you may also be able to arrange delivery or pick-up once your meat is ready.
What to Expect in Terms of Cost
The cost of buying a side of beef or buying half a cow can vary depending on the farm, the breed of cattle, and the processing fees. On average, you can expect to pay around $3 to $6 per pound for beef purchased in bulk. While this might seem like a significant investment upfront, the cost per pound is generally much lower than buying individual cuts at the grocery store. Additionally, because you’re buying a large quantity of beef, you can spread the cost out over several months, making it an economical option in the long run.
It’s important to factor in additional costs such as the processing fee, which typically ranges from $0.50 to $1 per pound of meat. However, even with the processing fees, buying in bulk still offers great value for high-quality, grass-fed beef.
Tips for Storing Your Beef
When you buy a side of beef or half a cow, proper storage is key to ensuring that your investment lasts. Most people find that the meat lasts a year or more when stored properly in a freezer. Be sure to have ample freezer space before making your purchase—consider purchasing a deep freezer if necessary.
The meat will be pre-packaged and frozen when you receive it, but it’s still important to organize it in your freezer for easy access. You can label each package with the date and type of cut for reference, so you always know what you have on hand. Additionally, rotating your stock by using older cuts first can help maintain the quality of the meat.
Conclusion
Buying a side of beef or buying half a cow is not only an economical and sustainable choice, but it also guarantees that you’re getting fresh, high-quality meat. Whether you’re looking to stock up for the year or simply want more control over your beef cuts, purchasing in bulk from a local farm offers a range of benefits. For those interested in making this change, visit Wearefreedomfarms.com to explore your options and learn more about how you can enjoy the finest locally raised beef.