Yep, we’ve just received our very first quarter of a cow!
After initially looking into another farm, we finally decided to go with
D & R Ranch up in Mora. They were nice, fast and fairly priced. Turn around time was just a couple of weeks and I do believe that this beef is, hands down, the best beef I’ve ever tasted. While they are not certified organic, their cows are all grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free. What more could you ask for, right?
Now, at first we thought we were getting a screaming deal because the beef is advertised at $3.85/pound. But (and this is very important), that is the hanging weight, which is the entire cow after it’s been slaughtered, not just the weight of meat you’ll actually eat.
So, how did it all really break down? Well, we went in on a half a cow with some friends of ours, which gave us each a quarter of a cow. So, our family paid a total of $404.50 for our quarter. This bought us approximately 64 pounds of beef. That factors out to $6.35 per pound (including the slaughtering, butchering and packing). We also paid an additional $12.50 for them to deliver the beef to us (we would’ve spent at least that much on gas to get to them and back).
Now, a pound of grass fed, organic beef at the Farmer’s Market costs (on average) $6/pound. Stew meat, steaks and other cuts range from about $8/pound to $20/pound. So, all in all, we got a good deal. Not as good of a deal as we initially thought we were getting, but a good deal none-the-less. And, of course, in addition to stocking our freezer with some super yummy beef, we’re also supporting local ranchers, which is a big plus in my book.
The question is, was this a novice mistake on our part (buying into that $3.85/pound price tag), smart advertising on their part or something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
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Congrats on buy your first 1/4 of beef! You made a typical rookie mistake but now you know… and everyone makes them! I think its a bit expensive but prices vary depending on where you live. Enjoy your beef!
Congratulations on your first 1/4 cow! It really does more than pay for itself, and the quality you can get this way can’t be beat. We love bulk buying… and our chest freezer 🙂
Thank you for all of your comments, everyone! It’s great to hear all of your feedback! Yay for local ranchers and yummy beef!
I think that’s a great deal, and very similar in price to a place I researched close to us awhile back. The cheapest I’ve ever seen pastured/grass-fed local beef at the store is $5 per pound on sale (and that was for ground beef). The cheapest steaks are over $10/ lb. You did good, and supporting a local, ethical farm is priceless 🙂
-Jaime
Yes, it was a rookie mistake. 🙂 All whole/part animals are advertised as costing ‘hanging’ weight, since no one knows what the animal is going to weight at time of slaughter. Of course, the producer should mention that it is hanging weight and what the butcher fees, etc., are.
I was thinking about getting a 1/4 beef, too, since they reported that horrible news about hogs and some sort of steriods that aren’t allowed for human consumption in MSNBC news a few days back. Scary stuff. http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/23/10220221-dispute-over-drug-in-feed-limiting-us-meat-exports
So, no matter what your price, you saved yourself from this. (Down deep in the article it says that a percentage of beef and turkey are also treated with these drugs.)
oooh…good headsup on the hanging weight price! Just about ready to get 1/4 beef too. Now I know!
thank you for sharing that story! 2nd Man and I were shopping some 1/4 beef places. We found one that was actually near our farm, just waiting to hear back from them (apparently there is a WAITING list). I had no idea about the hanging weight. Still, looks like you got a great deal. Can’t wait to hear some great beef recipes! 🙂
Lovely! We had one a few months ago, as well, and är enjoying the great meat once every week!
Take care,
Charlotta
We just got a chest freezer in November and so now I’ve been thinking about this same thing. I wasn’t sure if you could only buy them a certain time of year (fall slaughter time?) so I’ll have to look more into our local options.
I’ve always wanted to do this, it must be so satisfying to have so much local food at the ready…I imagine it feeling the way it feels to look at a fully stocked pantry at the end of a long summer of canning.
I don’t think it was your fault, just lack of education! I wouldn’t have no any differently either but I am glad I know now 🙂 I hope to purchase half a cow when we get a deep chest in the next few months! Enjoy your beef.
I’m glad you were able to find the ranch and also someone to share the steer with you. Those things alone are not easy, let alone finding the best price. I don’t think you were taken by an advertizing ploy at all. The demographic this rancher serves is probably very small. If most of the people who buy from them are regulars, then they would know that “per pound” meant hanging weight. Now your family knows too. Enjoy!
I wouldn’t have realised about the hanging weight but when I think about it, it isn’t just done with meat. When you buy whole fish they weigh it before removing the guts and scales and things, well they do in Australia anyway.