Anyone here buy beef from a local farm?

forgop · 03-19-2011, 04:40 PM

Thinking about buying beef by the quarter...looks to be around 200# worth of beef with various cuts obviously. Price per lb is $1.85 + the processing fees, which I'm not sure how much that would cost in all. It would be corn fed black angus without the hormones and everything else going into our food.

Any advice about doing this?

Smokin Gator · 03-19-2011, 04:56 PM

If you can buy a half. When you buy a quarter a lot of times you kind if get burned. The other thing is you really have to have faith in the seller and processor. The angus thing makes no difference IMO but the grain fed makes a huge difference in the quality of the meat.

forgop · 03-19-2011, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

If you can buy a half. When you buy a quarter a lot of times you kind if get burned. The other thing is you really have to have faith in the seller and processor. The angus thing makes no difference IMO but the grain fed makes a huge difference in the quality of the meat.

I'm trying to decide if I'll have enough room for that much. I do have a ~ 20 cubic feet freezer and I'm not sure how much space a half would take. I also have a rack with a basket that should slide, but I can't use it because one of the glides on the inside of the freezer kind of gave out and won't support any weight in that basket to speak of. Not really sure how I can reinforce it without doing anything to poke through something that maybe I shouldn't poke a screw through. That loses 3-4 cubic feet I bet. Their website says it'll take up 13-14 cubic feet of space for a half. Maybe I'll mess with it a bit and see if I can figure something out.

GolfNut · 03-19-2011, 05:34 PM

^ +1. If you can Duane, get references from the place. I used to buy beef & pork in bulk but have been reamed so many times I gave up. You really have to look hard to find a reputable processor sometimes.

RevSmoke · 03-19-2011, 06:32 PM

Buy my beef and pork from local farmers and have it processed at a local butcher - always excellent. In fact, was just talking about getting a half.

Find out if you are tlaking live weight price or what?

Peace of the Lord be with you.

forgop · 03-19-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

Buy my beef and pork from local farmers and have it processed at a local butcher - always excellent. In fact, was just talking about getting a half.

Find out if you are tlaking live weight price or what?

Peace of the Lord be with you.

I'd think by saying what a quarter/half/whole weight is around 200#/400#/800#, they're talking actual processed weight.

timj219 · 03-19-2011, 07:02 PM

I buy local beef pork lamb and chicken. Plus the occasional duck rabbit or turkey. If possible buy individual cuts from some local farmers that participate in farmers markets. You'll get a chance that way to compare grain fed vs grass fed vs grass finished beef. IMO It's the only way to be sure you'll get what you like best.

RevSmoke · 03-19-2011, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forgop

I'd think by saying what a quarter/half/whole weight is around 200#/400#/800#, they're talking actual processed weight.

I'd think so too, but ask to be sure. Better safe than sorry.

Peac eof the Lord be with you.

RevSmoke · 03-19-2011, 07:29 PM

Just so you know, I am looking at about $800 for a 1/2 and about $400 for a quarter. I would be looking at $1.02 a pound (live weight) and $0.42 a lb for processing.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

forgop · 03-19-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevSmoke

Just so you know, I am looking at about $800 for a 1/2 and about $400 for a quarter. I would be looking at $1.02 a pound (live weight) and $0.42 a lb for processing.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

This is their price structure:

Beef Price Breakdown
Amount Price Per Pound Approximate Cost*
Whole $1.75 $1400
Half $1.80 $750
Quarter $1.85 $370
*Approximate Cost does not include processing fees.

Slaughter Fee: $7.50-30.00
Processing of Beef: $0.40/lb
Patties (optional): $0.50/lb

68TriShield · 03-19-2011, 09:02 PM

See if you have a local place like this.You should be able to find beef in the burbs...
http://www.wagnersmeats.com/

forgop · 03-19-2011, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

See if you have a local place like this.You should be able to find beef in the burbs...
http://www.wagnersmeats.com/

My issue buying direct from the processor is that you're paying a mark up on the beef. Buying straight from the farmer, I know my price is $1.80/lb and know how I'll be charged by the processor and pay them directly for the butchering. Your odds of getting it at the price they paid are slim to none.

WyoBob · 03-19-2011, 10:09 PM

Some odds and ends:

As an example, with a live weight of 1,200 lbs., a steer at $1.10/lb with yield of 63% (average yield, at least in the old days) would give you a hanging carcass weight of 756 lbs. for a cost, before any processing (with attendant bone wt. loss) of $1.75/lb.

If buying quarters, the rear half has higher quality cuts.

After processing a quarter or half, you'll end up with way less meat than you were expecting and you'll have lots of hamburger.

If you get a bad one, it will be a long way to the bottom of your freezer!!!

I was in the cattle business for 35 years and we fed around 20-25,000 head per year. I rode into a pen of fats and cut out a nice fat one every once-in-awhile for various family member's and employee's so got to pick the best finished animals in the pen. Most of these animals graded prime with a few high choice (this was before the grading standards were "dumbed down") and they were exceptional eating but I do have vivid recollections of one steer that just wasn't very good. Don't have any idea why but it was a long way to the bottom of the freezer, that's for sure. BTW, we always aged our beef for 21 days.

There's a lot of trust involved when buying cattle from locals, on the hoof.

The "organic" label means nothing.

Grass fed beef doesn't taste very good. (That is, to say, it sucks when compared to corn fed beef.)

We eat very little beef, anymore. I never could get used to supermarket beef, especially around here. We eat lost of chicken and pork. When we buy good beef, we buy it in Valentine, NE (wife is from there and we go back to visit her dad) and freeze it and haul it back here.

I think you're better off to find a good meat market and establish a relationship with them than to buy from an unknown, especially on the hoof unless you have recommendations from friends. (And, if they're good friends, you'll have a chance to eat their beef before you "buy in".) A good meat market will stand behind their product if you get some bad cuts and make some "adjustments".

WyoBob

timj219 · 03-19-2011, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoBob

The "organic" label means nothing.

Grass fed beef doesn't taste very good. (That is, to say, it sucks when compared to corn fed beef.)

I'm not sure what standards have to be met to put "organic" on the label. But IMO eating meat with no hormones and minimal antibiotics is just common sense. I have to respectfully disagree on the taste. Grass fed and grain fed taste different and it may not be for everyone but I like the grass fed flavor just as much as the grain fed. And I think the evidence shows that it's healthier with more omega-3 and beta carotene and CLA and less saturated fat.

14holestogie · 03-20-2011, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyoBob

If buying quarters, the rear half has higher quality cuts.

After processing a quarter or half, you'll end up with way less meat than you were expecting and you'll have lots of hamburger.

If you get a bad one, it will be a long way to the bottom of your freezer!!!

There's a lot of trust involved when buying cattle from locals, on the hoof.

I think you're better off to find a good meat market and establish a relationship with them than to buy from an unknown, especially on the hoof unless you have recommendations from friends.
WyoBob

Bob is wise. I've lived through all of these. Got a bowling buddy I buy from now who I know will stand behind the deal.

BigFrank · 03-19-2011, 09:53 PM

Years ago I used to live near a Bison Farm and would buy from them. I saved a ton of money and the quality was so much better than anything I could buy in the store. Make sure you have a good deep freezers and get a battery backup on that thing.

Bill86 · 03-19-2011, 11:52 PM

I've often thought about this as well....but meat is meat and I'll eat a cow anywhere they will sell it. I find there the local bumf**k city grocery store carries some damn good meat at a cheap price. Maybe like $4-5 bucks a pound but hey I get to see the cut of meat I'm getting every time. I'd pay double for that hands down. I figure when they give you a whole cow or quarter you might not get as good of quality cuts depending on what part of the cow they give you. Certainly not ALL of the meat you get will be good either.

It also looks that by the time you're done with it you're paying like $2.50 a pound anyways.....and that's for whatever the cow yields that they give you. I think seeing before you buy beats the hell out of random meat.

Either way I'd season it up and eat it. It's also noted that $4 at the grocery store for a good cut of meat beats paying $15 at a steak house for a bland $hit steak. I haven't had a decent steak at a restaurant in a good long time.

safariguy · 03-20-2011, 06:47 AM

We have had good success with buying both beef and pork around the time of the county fair from families we know who's kids raised the animals for 4H projects. We don't buy beef any more because all of our red meat is wild game, mostly bison.

Chainsaw13 · 03-20-2011, 09:15 AM

A few years ago, my friends and I used to all split a whole cow. Two of us would split each half. We used to get a sheet showing the cuts where you'd specify what you wanted, how thick to cut the steaks, how much burger, etc. Worked out quite well as you got stuff from both the front/back.

Another thing to look into is farms that sell "shares". You get a quarter of the cow per share, but they give you a mix of cuts.

I now buy from a farmer who does all grass fed, for $4.50/lb, with no other fees.

forgop · 03-20-2011, 12:15 PM

One thing I'm most interested is hopefully being able to specify the hamburger to be 90%+ lean. I know for 400# of meat, that's a lot of hamburger, but if I can keep the hamburger lean, I'll be happy. I did see the site mentioned it's an extra $0.50/lb for processing if you want them made into patties, so I may opt to do that for some of it.

You can buy direct from the farm itself, so I think I'll go down and check out what their beef looks like and maybe get a few samples to try before buying the entire half.

03-19-2011, 04:40 PM	#1
forgop Not a puffer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Duane Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2,869 Trading: (40)	Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? Thinking about buying beef by the quarter...looks to be around 200# worth of beef with various cuts obviously. Price per lb is $1.85 + the processing fees, which I'm not sure how much that would cost in all. It would be corn fed black angus without the hormones and everything else going into our food. Any advice about doing this?

03-19-2011, 04:56 PM	#2
Smokin Gator Just plain insane! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Swamp Posts: 6,237 Trading: (106)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? If you can buy a half. When you buy a quarter a lot of times you kind if get burned. The other thing is you really have to have faith in the seller and processor. The angus thing makes no difference IMO but the grain fed makes a huge difference in the quality of the meat. __________________ Check out the Cigar Asylum Newbie Sampler Trade

03-19-2011, 05:34 PM	#4
GolfNut Back in the woodshop! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Forrest Location: Living room Posts: 1,361 Trading: (38)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? ^ +1. If you can Duane, get references from the place. I used to buy beef & pork in bulk but have been reamed so many times I gave up. You really have to look hard to find a reputable processor sometimes. __________________ www.wineadors.com

03-19-2011, 06:32 PM	#5
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,844 Trading: (51)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? Buy my beef and pork from local farmers and have it processed at a local butcher - always excellent. In fact, was just talking about getting a half. Find out if you are tlaking live weight price or what? Peace of the Lord be with you. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

03-19-2011, 07:02 PM	#7
timj219 Feeling at Home Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Tim Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 699 Trading: (15)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? I buy local beef pork lamb and chicken. Plus the occasional duck rabbit or turkey. If possible buy individual cuts from some local farmers that participate in farmers markets. You'll get a chance that way to compare grain fed vs grass fed vs grass finished beef. IMO It's the only way to be sure you'll get what you like best. __________________ "All this of Pot and Potter - Tell me then, Who is the Potter, pray, and who the Pot?" Omar Khayyam

03-19-2011, 07:29 PM	#9
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,844 Trading: (51)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? Just so you know, I am looking at about $800 for a 1/2 and about $400 for a quarter. I would be looking at $1.02 a pound (live weight) and $0.42 a lb for processing. Peace of the Lord be with you. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

03-19-2011, 09:02 PM	#11
68TriShield Got Torque? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Maryland Posts: 7,194 Trading: (40)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? See if you have a local place like this.You should be able to find beef in the burbs... http://www.wagnersmeats.com/

03-19-2011, 10:09 PM	#13
WyoBob Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bob Location: Buffalo, WY Posts: 155 Trading: (1)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? Some odds and ends: As an example, with a live weight of 1,200 lbs., a steer at $1.10/lb with yield of 63% (average yield, at least in the old days) would give you a hanging carcass weight of 756 lbs. for a cost, before any processing (with attendant bone wt. loss) of $1.75/lb. If buying quarters, the rear half has higher quality cuts. After processing a quarter or half, you'll end up with way less meat than you were expecting and you'll have lots of hamburger. If you get a bad one, it will be a long way to the bottom of your freezer!!! I was in the cattle business for 35 years and we fed around 20-25,000 head per year. I rode into a pen of fats and cut out a nice fat one every once-in-awhile for various family member's and employee's so got to pick the best finished animals in the pen. Most of these animals graded prime with a few high choice (this was before the grading standards were "dumbed down") and they were exceptional eating but I do have vivid recollections of one steer that just wasn't very good. Don't have any idea why but it was a long way to the bottom of the freezer, that's for sure. BTW, we always aged our beef for 21 days. There's a lot of trust involved when buying cattle from locals, on the hoof. The "organic" label means nothing. Grass fed beef doesn't taste very good. (That is, to say, it sucks when compared to corn fed beef.) We eat very little beef, anymore. I never could get used to supermarket beef, especially around here. We eat lost of chicken and pork. When we buy good beef, we buy it in Valentine, NE (wife is from there and we go back to visit her dad) and freeze it and haul it back here. I think you're better off to find a good meat market and establish a relationship with them than to buy from an unknown, especially on the hoof unless you have recommendations from friends. (And, if they're good friends, you'll have a chance to eat their beef before you "buy in".) A good meat market will stand behind their product if you get some bad cuts and make some "adjustments". WyoBob

03-19-2011, 09:53 PM	#16
BigFrank 5 3 1 Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Frank Location: Gym or Sofa. Posts: 1,896 Trading: (25)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? Years ago I used to live near a Bison Farm and would buy from them. I saved a ton of money and the quality was so much better than anything I could buy in the store. Make sure you have a good deep freezers and get a battery backup on that thing. __________________ " Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment. "

03-19-2011, 11:52 PM	#17
Bill86 Snob Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Bill Posts: 6,704 Trading: (67)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? I've often thought about this as well....but meat is meat and I'll eat a cow anywhere they will sell it. I find there the local bumf**k city grocery store carries some damn good meat at a cheap price. Maybe like $4-5 bucks a pound but hey I get to see the cut of meat I'm getting every time. I'd pay double for that hands down. I figure when they give you a whole cow or quarter you might not get as good of quality cuts depending on what part of the cow they give you. Certainly not ALL of the meat you get will be good either. It also looks that by the time you're done with it you're paying like $2.50 a pound anyways.....and that's for whatever the cow yields that they give you. I think seeing before you buy beats the hell out of random meat. Either way I'd season it up and eat it. It's also noted that $4 at the grocery store for a good cut of meat beats paying $15 at a steak house for a bland $hit steak. I haven't had a decent steak at a restaurant in a good long time.

03-20-2011, 06:47 AM	#18
safariguy There's one. Set for stun Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Ryan Location: Michigan Posts: 336 Trading: (7)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? We have had good success with buying both beef and pork around the time of the county fair from families we know who's kids raised the animals for 4H projects. We don't buy beef any more because all of our red meat is wild game, mostly bison.

03-20-2011, 09:15 AM	#19
Chainsaw13 Møøse bites can be nasty Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Bob Location: The Enchanted Mitten Posts: 7,177 Trading: (96)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? A few years ago, my friends and I used to all split a whole cow. Two of us would split each half. We used to get a sheet showing the cuts where you'd specify what you wanted, how thick to cut the steaks, how much burger, etc. Worked out quite well as you got stuff from both the front/back. Another thing to look into is farms that sell "shares". You get a quarter of the cow per share, but they give you a mix of cuts. I now buy from a farmer who does all grass fed, for $4.50/lb, with no other fees. __________________ My neighbor came by my house this morning at 2AM, pounding on the door. Good thing I was still up playing the drums.

03-20-2011, 12:15 PM	#20
forgop Not a puffer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Duane Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2,869 Trading: (40)	Re: Anyone here buy beef from a local farm? One thing I'm most interested is hopefully being able to specify the hamburger to be 90%+ lean. I know for 400# of meat, that's a lot of hamburger, but if I can keep the hamburger lean, I'll be happy. I did see the site mentioned it's an extra $0.50/lb for processing if you want them made into patties, so I may opt to do that for some of it. You can buy direct from the farm itself, so I think I'll go down and check out what their beef looks like and maybe get a few samples to try before buying the entire half.