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! 


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