How to Order Beef from a Local Farm
Inside: How to order beef from a small local farm: a great way to get high-quality, affordable meat while supporting your community.
The key steps are:
- Find a reputable farm.
- Decide on the order size (whole, half, or quarter cow).
- Specify your custom cuts.
- Arrange payment and pickup
Want to buy a whole cow? Or half? Buying beef directly from a farmer is a great way to support your local economy. But…here’s a bit more to it than just pointing at a cow and saying, “I’ll take that one!” Don’t worry. It’s pretty simple and whoever you’re ordering from is happy to help.
Finding a Local Farm
First things first, you need to find a farm that sells beef directly to consumers. But where do you start? Don’t worry, it’s not like you need to go on a wild cow chase! Here are a few ways to track down your perfect beef supplier:
Ask for Recommendations
Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors. Chances are, someone you know has already bought beef from a farmer. They can give you the inside scoop on which farms are the best. Plus, you might even discover that you have a cattle rancher in your social circle. Who knew?
Search Online Directories
Hop online and do a quick search for “local farms selling beef” or “buy beef from farmer near me.” You’ll find plenty of directories and websites that list farms in your area. Some popular options include LocalHarvest, EatWild, and FarmMatch. These sites make it easy to find farms that sell to consumers.
Visit Your Farmers Market
If you want to meet your farmer face-to-face, head to your local farmers market. Many farmers who sell beef directly to consumers also have a presence at these markets. Strike up a conversation, ask questions, and get to know the people behind the beef. You might even get to sample some of their products before you commit to buying a whole cow!
Choosing Your Beef Order
Now that you’ve found your dream farm, it’s time to decide how much beef you want to buy. Do you go all-in with a whole cow? Or maybe start with a half or quarter? And what about those fancy custom cuts? Let’s break it down:
Whole, Half, or Quarter Cow?
If you have a big family, a whole cow might be the way to go. You’ll get around 400-500 pounds of beef, which should last you a while (unless you’re hosting a barbecue for the entire neighborhood). If that seems like too much, consider splitting a whole cow with friends or family.
A half cow is a great option for most people. You’ll get around 200-250 pounds of beef, which is still plenty to keep you happily munching for months.
If you’re a small household or want to dip your toes into the world of farm-fresh beef, a quarter cow is perfect. You’ll get 100-125 pounds of beef. It should last a while, depending on how many burgers you eat per week.
Do not forget about freezer space! We have a full-size upright freezer and a half cow fills it about 75% full!
Custom Cuts – What to Request
When you order beef directly from a farmer, you often have the option to request custom cuts. This means you can tell the butcher exactly how you want your beef cut and packaged. Want your steaks extra thick? No problem. Prefer more ground beef than roasts? You got it.
Keep in mind, with certain cuts there are only a few per animal. You can’t order all steaks!
Some common custom cuts to consider include:
- Steaks (ribeye, sirloin, tenderloin, etc.)
- Roasts (chuck, rump, sirloin tip, etc.)
- Ground beef (regular, lean, or extra lean)
- Ribs (short ribs, back ribs)
- Organ meats (liver, heart, tongue, etc.)
Don’t hesitate to ask your farmer or butcher for recommendations. They can help based on your tastes and cooking style. They’re the expertds!
Pricing and Payment
Now how much is this going to cost you? And when do you need to pay up? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of pricing and payment.
Typical Costs per Pound
The cost of farm-fresh beef varies. It depends on the farm, location, and type of beef (grass-fed vs. grain-finished). On average, you can expect to pay around $5 to $8 per pound for a whole, half, or quarter cow.
This may seem high compared to grocery store prices. But, you’re getting high-quality, locally-raised beef that tastes amazing. And that price per pound carries over to the more expensive cuts too. It usually averages out to be a very good deal.
The price per pound is usually based on the cow’s hanging weight. This is the weight after it’s been slaughtered and cleaned, but before it’s been cut and trimmed. You will take home less beef than the hanging weight. Some parts, like bones and fat, will be removed during processing.
Deposit and Final Payment
Most farms require a deposit to place your order. It’s usually $100 to $500, depending on your order size. This deposit secures your spot on the farm’s schedule. It helps cover the costs of raising and feeding the cow.
The final payment is usually due when you pick up your beef or when it’s delivered to you. The total cost will be based on the hanging weight of your cow and the price per pound. So, if you ordered a quarter cow with a hanging weight of 150 pounds at $6 per pound, your total cost would be $900 (plus the deposit you already paid).
Some farms offer payment plans or financing. So, ask if you need flexibility. And remember, buying beef in bulk can save you money in the long run, especially if you’re a big meat-eater!
Pickup and Storage Logistics
Congratulations, you’ve successfully ordered your farm-fresh beef! Now, it’s time to figure out how to get your hands on that delicious meat and store it properly. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds!
Where You’ll Pick Up Your Beef
Most farms have a designated pickup location where you’ll collect your beef. This could be at the farm itself, a local butcher shop, or even a farmers market. Some farms also offer delivery services for an additional fee, which can be a great option if you don’t have a truck or live far from the farm.
Make sure to coordinate with your farmer and get clear instructions on where and when to pick up your beef. You don’t want to show up at the wrong place or time and miss out on your meaty goodness!
Bring Coolers and Pack It Right
When you go to pick up your beef, make sure to bring plenty of coolers and ice packs. You’ll want to keep your beef cold during transport to prevent spoilage and maintain its quality. A good rule of thumb is to have one large cooler (or several smaller ones) for every 50-100 pounds of beef.
If you’re unsure how to pack your beef properly, don’t hesitate to ask your farmer or butcher for advice. They’ll help you load your coolers. They will also give you tips to keep your beef fresh on the trip home.
Freezer Space – Make Room!
Before you bring home your beef, make sure you have enough freezer space to store it all. A good estimate is to have about 1 cubic foot of freezer space for every 15-20 pounds of beef. So, if you’re buying a quarter cow (around 100-125 pounds), you’ll need at least 5-7 cubic feet of freezer space.
If your freezer is too small, buy a chest freezer. Or, split your beef order with friends or family. You can also ask your farmer if they offer split deliveries. That means they would bring your beef in smaller batches over time.
Once you’ve got your beef home and safely stored in the freezer, it’s time to start cooking up a storm! Fire up the grill, break out the slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy some of the best beef you’ve ever tasted.
Enjoying Your Farm Fresh Beef
You’ve done it! You’ve got a freezer full of delicious, farm-fresh beef. Now, it’s time to enjoy the fruits (or meats) of your labor. Here are some tips for making the most of your beefy bounty:
Consider Trading or Splitting with Friends
If you bought a whole or half cow, you might find yourself with cuts of beef that you’re not as excited about. Maybe you’re not a fan of liver, or you have way too many chuck roasts. Don’t let that beef go to waste! Consider trading with friends or family who also bought from the same farm. You can swap your unwanted cuts for ones you’ll actually use.
If you didn’t buy a whole cow, you can still split your beef order with friends. This way, you can try a variety of cuts without committing to a huge amount of each one. Plus, it’s a great excuse to host a beef-themed dinner party!
Ultimate Ground Beef CookbookThe Meat Cookbook: Know the Cuts, Master the Skills, over 250 Recipes
Meat Illustrated: A Foolproof Guide to Understanding and Cooking with Cuts of All Kinds
Get Creative with Recipes
One of the best things about having a variety of beef cuts is the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Try out new recipes and cooking methods to make the most of each cut. Slow-cook a chuck roast until it’s tender. Grill some juicy ribeye steaks. Or, make beef jerky for a portable protein snack.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings, too. Search online for recipes, check cookbooks, or ask your farmer for their favorite beef dishes.
FAQs
You might have heard that grass-fed beef is better for you, the cows, and the environment. But what does that actually mean? Grass-fed cows are raised on a diet of (you guessed it) grass and forage, rather than grain. This diet can lead to beef with a slightly different flavor profile and higher levels of certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
The term “grass-fed” isn’t regulated. So, ask your farmer about their practices. Some cows may be grass-fed for most of their lives but finished on grain, while others may be 100% grass-fed. It’s up to you to decide which type of beef you prefer based on your tastes and values.
Also, if you’re used to supermarket beef you might not love the taste of grass fed. We prefer to buy “grain finished” for more conventional flavor.
If stored properly in the freezer, your farm-fresh beef should last for at least 12 months.
When you’re ready to use a cut of beef, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the beef’s texture and flavor. Once thawed, cook your beef within 3-5 days for the best quality.
If you’re short on freezer space, buying a whole or even half cow might seem out of reach. But don’t give up on your farm-fresh beef dreams just yet! Here are some options:
Buy a smaller portion, like a quarter cow or even an eighth. This will still give you a variety of cuts without taking up as much freezer space.
Split your order with friends or family, so you can each take home a more manageable amount of beef.
Invest in a small chest freezer. You can find compact models that hold around 5 cubic feet, which is perfect for a quarter cow or smaller order.
Ask your farmer if they offer split deliveries or storage options. Some farms may be willing to hold onto your beef and deliver it in smaller batches over time.
Final Thoughts
You’ve learned how to find a local farm, choose your perfect beef order, and store your delicious bounty. Most importantly, you’ve found joy in supporting local farmers
So go ahead, fire up the grill, invite your friends over, and enjoy having a well-stocked freezer.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.
