Interested in buying a “beef share”? This means buying a portion of a cow directly from a local farm or ranch. It’s a great way to get high-quality beef in bulk, and it supports local agriculture.
More and more folks are looking for sustainable and cost-effective ways to source their meat, so buying beef shares is becoming super popular.
This article will guide you through finding beef shares near you and understanding exactly how the process works.
Understanding beef share options
If you’re thinking about buying a beef share, it’s good to know the lingo and what your options are.
Share sizes and types
- Whole share: This is the whole processed cow, which is about 400 pounds of meat. It’s a good choice for big families with lots of freezer space.
- Half share (side share): This is half of the processed cow, or around 200 to 350 pounds of meat. It’s a good choice for mid-sized families.
- Quarter share: This is a quarter of the cow, which will give you about 100 pounds of meat. It’s ideal for individuals or smaller families.
- Pre-packaged quarter share: With this option, you get a pre-selected assortment of cuts, usually around 90 pounds. This is a convenient choice if you don’t want to customize your order.
Customization options
Many farms let you decide how your share is butchered. You may be able to choose the thickness of your steaks, the size of your roasts, and how the ground beef is packaged.
Some farms will give you a custom cut sheet to help you make your choices.
How to find beef shares near you
Ready to find a local farmer and buy a share of their beef? Here are some ways to find what you’re looking for:
- Online search: Use search engines with keywords like “beef shares near me,” “local beef,” or “grass-fed beef” and include your city or region.
- Local farmers markets: Many farmers markets have ranchers who sell beef shares or know other local farmers who do.
- Direct contact: Call your local farms and ranches to ask about their programs. Be sure to ask about their farming practices, how they process the meat, and their prices.
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs: Many CSAs sell shares of produce as well as shares of meat.
Pricing and Ordering
The price of a beef share can depend on several factors, including the breed of cattle, the farm’s practices, and where you live.
Pricing Structures
- Live weight pricing: The price is based on the animal’s weight before it’s processed. For example, you might see a price of $2.25 per pound of live weight.
- Hanging weight pricing: The price is based on the carcass weight after initial processing. For example, you might see a price of $6.75 per pound of hanging weight.
- Total cost estimation: Remember to factor in processing fees for slaughter, cutting, and wrapping. These can add another $1.05 per pound to the carcass weight. So, the final price per pound of processed meat could be around $8.25.
Ordering Process
- Deposit: Most farms will require a deposit to reserve your share. For example, you might pay $200 to reserve a side share.
- Processing time: In general, the beef will be hung, cut, and packaged within 3 to 5 weeks of harvest.
- Delivery/pickup: Talk with the farm about delivery options. Some farms offer home delivery; others will require you to pick up your share at the farm or butcher shop.
- Availability: Check with the farm periodically to find out when butchered beef shares are available.
In Summary
Buying a beef share gets you high-quality meat while supporting local farmers and saving money. To find the best beef share program for you, research the options near you and compare them. Be sure you understand how the pricing works and how the meat will be processed before you commit to a purchase.