Tips for Buying Beef in Bulk

Buying a whole or half cow will save you a lot of money on beef in the long run. These tips for buying beef in bulk will help you get started.

If you are trying to save money on your grocery bill, chances are you have considered buying your beef in bulk. If so, you likely already know that you can buy whole, half, or quarter beef, before it even hits the supermarket shelves. However, there is much more to know about buying beef in bulk, and these tips for buying beef in bulk will fill you in on those facts!

Tips for Buying Beef in Bulk

How Much Meat Will You Get?

The amount of beef you will get after purchasing a cow varies, of course by the size of the cow. While initially, you may think an 800 lb cow would get you 800 lbs. of meat, it really does not work that way. Generally, you can expect to get about forty to fifty-five percent of the cow back as consumable beef.

How Will it Ever Fit in the Freezer?

If one of the reasons you have not pulled the trigger yet on purchasing local beef in bulk is storage space, you are not alone. Chances are, you do not have enough freezer space to store it all unless you have multiple freezers. However, you could split the beef up with friends and family. Decide who wants roughly how many of each cut. Then once you receive it, divvy it up amongst yourselves. This way you can still save money by buying bulk, and also still have room in your freezer for other goods.

What Kind of Cuts Are Available?

The various cuts you will receive depend upon what you and the processor, or butcher, decide. You should be able to get ample amounts of cuts from short ribs and brisket, to roasts and steaks. But what if you don’t like briskets or only want a few roasts? Simply ask your butcher to turn the cuts you do not want into ground beef! Don’t forget to specify your preferred thickness of the cuts. Also let them know whether or not you would like any of the meat prepared a certain way, such as cube steaks or ground beef in pre-formed patties. There may be additional fees for the extra work, so decide whether or not it is worth it.

How Much Will it Cost?

The initial fee may sound quite hefty; however, you have to consider just how long your bulk beef purchase is actually going to last you. The cost will depend on a number of factors from the size of the cow, and how much of it you want, along with fees from them butcher as well. Make a few calls to local farmers and price out the beef to find who will offer you the best deal.