Bulk Purchase Questions
Since Natural Acres was featured on an episode of Jon & Kate plus 8, we have received many inquiries about purchasing a half or quarter of a beef. While it may sound like a great idea, before you take this step we hope you have considered all the following questions: Do you have adequate freezer space?
Many people are not prepared for the amount of freezer space they will need to store half a beef. Do you have a chest freezer? How big is it? How full is it? Keep in mind that when you place this meat in the freezer it will likely be there several months so you may not have the space available you are accustomed to for the bread, french fries, pies, and all the other goodies you usually keep in your freezer. Perhaps a smaller value package would work better considering the storage space you have available.
Have you ever had grass-fed beef? Do you like the taste of it? Are you aware that cooking methods you currently use may not work the same with grass-fed beef?
Animals raised using grass-fed or organic standards fatten a little different than conventionally fed feedlot beef. Of course there are many reasons why you would want to eat grass-fed beef, however, before committing to the large financial investment of a half a beef you will want to be sure you really do like it. We would suggest you try a smaller variety pack before making a larger investment.
Do you understand the difference between hanging weight and dressed weight?
When you purchase a side of meat (half) or a quarter of beef, it is generally sold by the hanging weight. This is the total weight of the side before removal of the bones, gristle and excess fat. The price per pound may sound attractive, however many people do not realize there is a considerable amount of waste during the cutting process. The pounds of meat you end up putting in your freezer will be less than the hanging weight that the cost was calculated with. Be sure you understand the terms referred to by wholesalers and meat processors before you buy.
Are you familiar with the variety of cuts on a half of beef?
Most people have favorite cuts of beef - favorite steaks, favorite roasts, ground beef, etc. A half of beef includes many cuts of meat that you may not usually buy. It may be fun to try a different cut once in awhile, but you should make yourself familiar with beef cuts available, quantities of each cut and variations available. This information is readily available online. Simply search "guide to beef cuts". Although the price per pound sounds attractive when you think about getting steaks at that price, make sure you know what portion of the half will be your favorite steaks and what portion will be ground beef. Animals vary in weight - therefore the animal you buy may vary is size from the "average". As a result you may receive slightly less or slightly more meat. The sizes of steaks and roasts also vary with the size of the animal. These are all variables that are unknown until the meat is cut and packaged. If you usually use only a few varieties of meat, a value pack of your favorites may be a better buy for you.
How much beef do you eat in a six month period?
The beef you purchase should be consumed within 6 months to a year. Keeping meat in a freezer for long periods of time will result in a loss of quality. The savings you anticipate may shrink with time if any of the meat looses quality. Buying a bulk package you know you can consume in a reasonable amount of time may be a better buy for your family.
Are you within driving distance of our farm? Do you have the time and suitable vehicle available to pick up half a beef? If not, how will your meat be shipped?
A half a beef will represent many boxes of meat. The shipping expenses will be your responsibility. People who are within driving distance of the farm are able to transport the meat themselves, and the shipping expenses are easily calculated. Depending on where you live, shipping could be extremely expensive. Due to the perishable nature of meat, a fast shipping method is required. It is not practical to ship very large quantities of meat through delivery services. After considering shipping, your best buy may be a smaller quantity of the cuts you like best.
Please check out our packages.
Buying a side of meat is not always the best way to purchase bulk for the vast majority of people today. Knowing that, we have developed special packages to reflect the most popular cuts and quantities of beef purchases. Due to the volumes of meat we deal with, we are actually able to offer beef at a lower price than you would pay for a half. We all have different preferences, and by putting together special packages we are able to offer "your favorites" at the best possible price. We have taken all the guess work out of it. Purchasing only the meat you use, in quantities convenient for you, utilizing our special package pricing, will be your best buy. If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us, we will gladly answer any of your concerns.
