Help decide--beef purchase

[chewiegand]

A friend is willing to feed out a steer for me without hormones, etc--grass fed and a lil corn finish at the end. I have to commit to the whole thing, pay separate for the processing and the corn. Looks like it'll cost over $1400 for it which will come out to about $2.47 a pound after it's processed. What do you think? It's a big investment so I'd love some advice.

[Chasintrail]

Sounds like a good price to me as long as you have a freezer (or two). I pay around 3-3.50/lb for grass fed freezer beef around here.

[wcwendy]

It IS a good price!

[BikerAng]

Is there a reason you are having him finish the cow on corn? Corn changes the fat profile of the beef (to more omega 6). I'm getting a 1/4 cow (in the fall, it's so hard waiting!!!!) and they are finishing on alfalfa.

[jem51]

i've been getting completely pastured beef for a number of years now and the last was about $3/#. which is still a good price. so less than that is better. that's a lot of beef. how big is your freezer? i have a good size, front opening and it was pretty full w a half.
i see no reason to finish on corn and it is a myth that grass fed is too lean (may have less fat but still plenty). the difference is that grain fed is more marbled. grass fed has plenty of fat (and still some marbling) and you can request more fat left on or mixed w the ground beef. the processors think that everyone wants lean beef so they cut more off.

[brittone2]

Yeah, if you can avoid the corn finish, I would (JMO).

We pay about 3.50/lb for a half of beef, 100% grassfed, antibiotic/steroid free.

There is a big demand in our area for it, and quite a few places now locally are doing 100% grassfed (thankfully!).

The price for us does include having it all vacuum wrapped, etc. which is nice. Does yours include the vacuum wrap packaging? I have heard some places charge extra for that.

And yes, you may need more than one freezer depending on how much space you have. A half took up a good amount of room for us.

One other consideration with that amount of money invested. DO you have a generator? Do you live in an area prone to hurricanes, bad summer or winter storms, etc.? Just a consideration. Our generator recently croaked. I really didn't want to get a huge quantity of beef in the meantime (we may also be moving in another 6 months-1 year) until we had another generator, but that's not happening currently. But I would advise at least considering that, kwim? They aren't cheap, but if there's any chance you might lose power for a considerable amount of time, it is something to think about.

[Faia]

Originally Posted by brittone2

One other consideration with that amount of money invested. DO you have a generator? Do you live in an area prone to hurricanes, bad summer or winter storms, etc.? Just a consideration. Our generator recently croaked. I really didn't want to get a huge quantity of beef in the meantime (we may also be moving in another 6 months-1 year) until we had another generator, but that's not happening currently. But I would advise at least considering that, kwim? They aren't cheap, but if there's any chance you might lose power for a considerable amount of time, it is something to think about.

It also depends on the type of freezer. Dry ice would last longer in a (dead) chest freezer than in an upright.

[CindyCRNA]

That is a good price but I would skip the corn finish. All of you are paying a lot less than I am. I just bought 1/4 of an organic, grass fed with no corn finish cow and it was close to $6 a pound after processing which is about what WF sells their ground for so it is a little bit better price considering i get steaks and roasts also. There is a break when you buy a half or whole. My quarter is going to be about 90 pounds.

[rene50]

Hi Chewie! I'm from Arkansas too, and we are cattle producers. $2.47 a lb after processing is reasonable.

I know grass-fed is the "thing" these days, but I would recommend finishing on corn for at least 8 weeks for the best quality beef, especially if you want tender steaks and roasts. I would suggest having it packaged with "old time" white freezer paper--double wrapped. You won't have trouble getting this in Arkansas. I know it is not as "snazzy" as the vacuum packed, or plastic wrap, but is is the best for keeping your beef fresh and freezer burn free.

Enjoy! Eat USA BEEF!

[Darkfire]

Originally Posted by BikerAng

Is there a reason you are having him finish the cow on corn? Corn changes the fat profile of the beef (to more omega 6). I'm getting a 1/4 cow (in the fall, it's so hard waiting!!!!) and they are finishing on alfalfa.

Agreed no corn.

[vli1127]

I am just learning about this stuff. What is wrong with finishing out with corn and Omega 6?

Also, is there a problem with untrasound testing of beef to test quality?

[sbarr]

Hi Vicki - while not an expert here, my preference is grass-fed the entire time because that's what cows are meant to eat. One of the downsides of adding grains is the risk of infection and needing to supplement with antibiotics, etc. - Michael Pollen's: Omnivore's Dilemma was an interesting read on this topic.

That being said - grain-finished will have more of the sought after marbling, but I don't eat a lot of steak.

I'm not familiar with ultrasound testing - I doubt the small farmers or processors I've bought from would have that. What is the purpose?

[vli1127]

Thanks sbarr, I found the answer while reading Jonny Bowden's 150 Healthiest Foods. Omega 6's, in abundance, can cause inflammation.

[vli1127]

Any comments about the following info from a community college that has beef and pork for sale would be greatly appreciated. I see that both are finished out on grain though.

BEEF FAQ: Feed and Environment

These animals have been treated with a preventative vaccine early in life to prevent common sicknesses later in life. They were born and raised on pasture and for the past 5 months they have been fed a diet of corn silage, corn, hay and supplements with vitamins and minerals as recommended for optimum health.

PORK FAQ: Feed and Hormones

These pigs have not been given hormones. These pigs have been treated with a preventative vaccine at 10 days old and 3 weeks old to prevent common swine sicknesses later in life. They have been fed a diet of corn and soybean meal with vitamins and minerals as recommended for optimum health.

[lighterbeing]

Brittone2, did I see in the other thread about beef you live in NC? My daughter lives in Raleigh, we visit and to to the farmers market for organic, grass fed ground beef but I think it is around 6.00 a lb, a bit pricey. We are trying to feed our grandson organic food, and I wonder if there are farms in NC to get it less expensive. Thanks, if you know any.

[Low-Carb Chicklady]

I'd skip the corn too.....and what a great price! We buy only grass fed, and find the flavor and fat content just fine!!

[sbarr]

Ummmm, I just think - what causes the cow to need a preventative vaccine. If a cow is raised in an open field, not over-croweded, then probably no vaccine needed. I would want to know the conditions of the last 5 months - is it home with the family and the rest of the cow-types, perhaps eating an extra bit of corn or is it stuffed into a feedlot and being fed corn to "fatten it up".

I know I sound a bit like a militant zealot, but based on what I've read and the fact that I'm feeding a growing child, I'm forming stronger personal posiitons on this very topic and feel absolutely morally bound to feed her food that is in the best interest of her health and development as a normal human being.

On the pig side, not sure how many porcine types evolved eating soy beans.

Find out the conditions that the animals are "finished" and make your own choices.



Overall, I'd say better than the grocery store, but if you can - find grass-fed, naturally raised small operation animals that spend the entire time under the care of the farmer who raised it from the beginning.

Originally Posted by vli1127

Any comments about the following info from a community college that has beef and pork for sale would be greatly appreciated. I see that both are finished out on grain though.

BEEF FAQ: Feed and Environment

These animals have been treated with a preventative vaccine early in life to prevent common sicknesses later in life. They were born and raised on pasture and for the past 5 months they have been fed a diet of corn silage, corn, hay and supplements with vitamins and minerals as recommended for optimum health.

PORK FAQ: Feed and Hormones

These pigs have not been given hormones. These pigs have been treated with a preventative vaccine at 10 days old and 3 weeks old to prevent common swine sicknesses later in life. They have been fed a diet of corn and soybean meal with vitamins and minerals as recommended for optimum health.

[Low-Carb Chicklady]

Having raised pigs, they will eat soybeans on their own accord.....and anything else they can get their little snouts into However, a pig in the wild is unlikely to find a field of soybean, so the fact that such a large portion of their diet is soy would bother me. We haven't raised piggies for a few years now, 'cause my city slicker husband became too attached to the last two (which he, despite my warning, named Laverne and Shirley) We now get our pork from Slankers in TX, and my goodness are they ever lean. I'm almost ashamed to say I like a fatty pig!

[JunkInMyTrunk]

Originally Posted by vli1127

Any comments about the following info from a community college that has beef and pork for sale would be greatly appreciated. I see that both are finished out on grain though.

BEEF FAQ: Feed and Environment

These animals have been treated with a preventative vaccine early in life to prevent common sicknesses later in life. They were born and raised on pasture and for the past 5 months they have been fed a diet of corn silage, corn, hay and supplements with vitamins and minerals as recommended for optimum health.

PORK FAQ: Feed and Hormones

These pigs have not been given hormones. These pigs have been treated with a preventative vaccine at 10 days old and 3 weeks old to prevent common swine sicknesses later in life. They have been fed a diet of corn and soybean meal with vitamins and minerals as recommended for optimum health.

Personally, I would steer clear of anything that has been given soybean.

[vli1127]

Thanks, I am still deciding where to purchase grass-fed beef in my area. It is so darned expensive!!!! I guess that would help reduce portion sizes.

[sbarr]

Vicki - have you checked out craigslist? That's where I got my grassfed for $4 per pound (everything from ground beef to filet mignon).

[suzanneyea]

I just placed my order! It was a little under $4 a pound, counting the vacume sealing and all the little extras. He brings them to be slaughtered in September, so I will have to wait a bit. It was also a bit cheaper if you keep the bone in your steaks. And we do like the bone in!
Here is my farmer!
RefordBeef.ca | FAQs

[vli1127]

Originally Posted by sbarr

Vicki - have you checked out craigslist? That's where I got my grassfed for $4 per pound (everything from ground beef to filet mignon).

Yes, I finally did and the cost is $1 to $2 live weight. Then I pay for the processing. So, I guess live weight is per pound before processing I expect. Now, I wonder what processing costs. The three farms I found are within 50-80 miles of me, so it would be a bit of a distance. The smallest order would be 1/4. I read somewhere else on these boards that it would be nice to split the 1/4 between top and bottom or front and back instead of all coming from one or the other.

[suzanneyea]

My farmer said that a quarter will contain all the same parts as a half cow, just ha;lf the potion sizes, so you get all the different cuts of meat. But, I am leaning towards buying a half cow, what do you guys think?

[sbarr]

Vicki - most that I've seen sells by hanging weight, including processing.

This will give you an idea of the yield:

Yield on Beef Carcass - The cuts of beef and their average weights on whole, sides and hind and front quarters of beef.

Your sources should be able to give you an estimate of the processing costs.

Should be mixed quarter - either you get very lucky or very unlucky otherwise.

[sbarr]

Suzanne - If you have high beef consumption - I'd go for the half (frozen can last a year or more - esp. if you deep freeze). You can always split it up with friends if you want less.

One of the things I've found (speaking from personal experience) - once you get used to good, free range meat - you don't want to go back. I get a bit squeamish at the thought of mass produced meat now that I've been on the good stuff for a year. Granted, we still go to restaurants, etc., but home is 100% clean beef.

[stews]

ok, so what do you guys thing of this offer: I have an opportunity to buy 1/2 beef. details following:



$2.00 per pound (hanging weight) the half is just shy of 300#
You would then pay Bolar's $0.45 per pound for the cut and wrap and $22.50 for the butcher fee. Total cost to you would be around 750.00.

It is registered black angus beef. Organically raised - no hormones, no abx. Grass fed, finished off with apples, corn, pea hay, and grain.

[Low-Carb Chicklady]

I prefer grass finished, but I think you have a great buy there for an organically raised, humanely treated hunk of beef.

[wcwendy]

Originally Posted by Low-Carb Chicklady

...hunk of beef.

[wcwendy]

Why did that make me laugh?