Saving on Meat: How to Buy a Cow :: Southern Savers

Typical hanging weight on a Hayfield Farm half beef is 400lbs. This group of ranchers has streamlined the process to bring local beef direct from their ranch to your table. I initially found buying a cow or even a portion to be overwhelming—however, Shields Valley Ranchers makes the ordering process simple, with free shipping or local pickup. Shields Valley Ranchers is a group of ranchers in Shields Valley near Wilsall (in Southwest Montana) providing premium beef raised in our great state of Montana. It is a ranch-to-table operation with sustainable practices, raising their livestock with compassion and care.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about buying cattle. From finding potential opportunities to carrying out the transaction and more, we’ve got you covered. For example, at the grocery store you’ll see “round” sold as ground beef, round steak, eye of round, tip steak, tip roast, top round and bottom round roasts. But, all of these round cuts come from numerous animals. When you’re talking to the butcher, you’ll need to choose a few ways to have the round cut.

Selecting the Right Cattle Breed

I can’t wait to order my next one – will be getting a whole cow instead of a half next time. Things like fencing, pasture renovation, and water need to be fully considered before you ever put the first cow on the property. For many homesteaders, the animals are the most exciting part, but don’t put the cart before the How to buy a cow horse, or in this case the cow before the pasture. Also, if the idea of a special breed of cow appeals to you, hold off on that dream for a bit, too. Registered cattle are a little more complicated than cross-bred cattle, and they will cost a bit more, too. Crosses will be easier for you to learn on, for starters.

• First things first — if you eat beef, buying an entire grass fed steer is an economical and conscientious way to make the most of mealtime.
• If you need help keeping track of your cattle herd’s health, performance or yield records check out Farmbrite’s all-in-one cattle record keeping and management software.
• It can be more cost-effective to buy beef from a ranch.
• These heavy animals need sturdy fencing and good pasture to gain the weight necessary to command top dollar for their beef.

Here is a quick breakdown to give you an idea of the approximate freezer space you will need. Beef lasts for approximately 1 year in the freezer. You’ll want to be very careful to keep the freezer closed and plugged in to prevent spoilage. Consider having a lock on your freezer to make sure it stays safely closed. Learn more about beef food safety and home storage guidelines here. Their focus is providing healthy food for families while intentionally considering the impact on the land, the environment, and the livestock themselves.

Judd Organic Angus Farms Has Premium Cows For Sale Near Ann Arbor!

At McLaughlin Farm, we aim to produce steers that have a live weight of 1100 pounds. This is a reasonable size for Highland cattle and takes roughly 30 months to accomplish. Our beef is perfect for health-conscious meat lovers who want to eat beef without added preservatives, antibiotics, or growth hormones. All of the cows at Judd Organic Angus Farms are fed organically, eating only grains and grasses. We take exceptional care of our cattle and allow them to free-range, so they grow to the right age when their meat is the most tender.

He then will sell his number 2 females and hold his number 1 females as replacements. Buy his older number 1 females, or any of the number 2’s. This will put you way ahead of the challenges of horror stories listed above. We all use these sites to educate ourselves, and socialize. Price shop, and have a little safe fun ‘tire kicking’. (The farmer version of window shopping) Use the “Search” bar on facebook in a group to see what the seller may not be saying.

We Love to Show Off Our Farm – Bring the Family for a Fun and Educational Tour

SO, not only are you saving a TON overall, and feeding your family healthier cuts of beef, but you’re also supporting a better lifestyle for the cow. We harvest our animals at 30 to 36 months of age, when they weigh 1200 to 1400 pounds. When our friends with a large piece of ranch property were thinking of adding farm animals, we went in on it and they raised two hogs, one for them and one for us. You can check out the cut page to get an idea of what sort of choices you’ll be making, as well as a list of how many packs of each cut would be on an average animal.

Please select the number of pounds you would like in the quantity drop down box. It was attempted to be explained that if you order again, don’t EXPECT your meat to be as marbled. Some customers consider the higher marbling a bonus…I suppose it is perspective. After you place your order we will call to discuss the time line and to get your customer cut instructions.

What about T-Bone Steaks?

The most popular and perhaps most cost-efficient method of purchasing beef cattle is through an auction. The “Large Assorted ” bundle includes the largest selection of cuts and is similar in the types of cuts and total weight of a quarter. The “Medium” and “Small” assorted bundles also have an assortment of cuts similar to a quarter, including steaks, roasts, ground beef. The bundles are priced based on the cuts included in the bundle, their exact weight, and the farm-market price of that cut. The greater the value of the bundle the greater the discount.

For more info, read about my friend’s experience buying a cow. Also watch them to see which animals or lots they avoid. Just as they can spot quality, they can also spot sick animals or those with poor breeding. Buying in Bulk is the most cost effective way to fill your freezer with Safe, Premium, Locally Raised, Dry-Aged Beef…that is when you purchase in bulk from Remington-Lott Farms. When your meat is ready, we’ll let you know, and the balance will be due upon delivery.