We understand that not everyone has the freezer space for a half or whole cow or simply can't afford that upfront costs or even need that much meat. For many years we couldn't afford it and so we were left shopping at the grocery store for meat that wasn't as fresh or healthy but was more "affordable". In wanting to be able to provide anyone in our community with options, we created our freezer box shares.
With this option, we process the animal and package it up into boxes based on weight. For example, our freezer boxes may weigh in at 40 pounds and include 20 pounds of burger and 20 pounds random assortment of steaks, roasts, and stew meat. This is a great way to sample our beef and pork with a variety of different cuts.
Pricing on these boxes runs between $8-9 a pound and will be all prepackaged. This means you won't have a say in the cuts or what exactly is in it, but you will be able to see all available boxes and choose which you would like, while supplies last.
Currently we are all sold out of our freezer box shares. We will update as we have more available.
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How Much Beef is a Half Cow?
How Much Beef is a Half Cow?
If you are new to buying beef in bulk, you probably have a lot of questions about how exactly it works and what some of the various terms mean. When we first got started, we had no clue what any of it meant either! So let's quickly walk you through some of the basics.
When purchasing a cow for beef, there are typically 3 options-quarters, halves of whole beef. The question often is "How much actual meat will I get with this?"
Lets start with a couple of definitions
On The Hoof-when you hear someone talk about the weight of the cow being "on the hoof", it is referring to the live weight. How much does the cow weigh before it is harvested? Our cows typically will range between 1200-1500 pounds, depending on the age, breed and even sex of the cow as well as time of year it is harvested. Generally speaking, animals with higher live weights tend to have more marbling and higher amount of fat, which gives their meat a richer flavor and texture. Those at a lower weight might have less fat or fewer bones. This is not always the case, however, as some cows are just smaller breeds. Female cows are also typically smaller than steers but can still have great marbling and taste.
Hanging Weight-This would be the weight of the cow after it has been harvested. This will be after the loss of blood and after head, hide, hooves, organs, etc are removed. This is how you will typically hear us refer to our beef.
Cut Weight-this is the weight of the meat after it has been trimmed, packaged and labeled. This is the actual amount that will go in your freezer. This includes all the cuts of beef such as steaks, roasts, ground beef and stew meat.
How much meat will I actually get?
Typically, when we are communicating with you, you will hear us refer to the hanging weight of the beef. This is usually around 60% of the overall live weight of the cow. So if a cow is 1500 pounds "on the hoof", the hanging weight will be roughly 900 pounds. When we are doing half cows, this will be divided into two. (450 pounds hanging weight per half). Of this number, you will receive approximately 60% back for your freezer. So of a 450 pound hanging half, you will receive roughly 270 pounds of actual meat for your freezer. This can vary based on the cuts you choose.
Some people will choose to also keep the heart, tongue, liver and other parts of the cow. Note that these are not included in the cut weight and is extra meat for your freezer at no cost to you! BUT REMEMBER, there is only one of each per cow so request these items specifically if you would like them.
When you consider all the different ways you can use it, it’s easy to see why buying half a cow is such a popular option. It's cheaper than buying meat by the individual cut or at the grocery store, and a much healthier option!
At Milano Farms, we harvest and butcher locally sourced, sustainable cattle from our partner farms throughout Northern Michigan. We understand that feeding your family high quality food is important to you and so we have worked to bring you organic, healthy meats below grocery store prices. We believe that everyone should have access to healthy food and we do our best to bring that to you!All our meat comes vacuum sealed for quality and freshness, which helps to eliminate freezer burn and dehydration.
When you place your order and pay your deposit, we will email you a cut sheet and set up a time to call you to discuss your options. We will work with you to determine your families' cooking needs & preferences. Your order will be approximtely 20-25% steaks, 30-35% roasts and stew meat and 40-50% ground beef.
 | How does pricing work? All of our pricing is based on the hanging weight of the cow as compared to the live weight. The hanging weight is determined after the cow has been harvested and after the loss of blood, head, hide, hooves, viscera, organs, etc. so you are not paying for all of this extra weight. |
Current Pricing Half Cows are $5.25/lb. hanging weight. Average weight for half cow is approximately 450 lbs An average sized half cow at 450 lbs would be $2362.50 total Whole cows are $5.00/lb. hanging weight. Average weight for whole cow is approximately 900 lbs An average sized whole cow at 900 lbs would be $4500 total We accept Credit, Check or Cash. Your remaining balance is due upon delivery. |  |
How Do I Place My Order & Reserve My Beef?
Currently we are sold out of all our half and whole cows. Stay tuned to this area for updates.
We will begin taking deposits again toward the end of April.
We will begin taking deposits again toward the end of April.
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