Comments on: Let’s Talk: Buying Beef in Bulk

By: john

john — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:14:23 +0000

A side of beef is usually around $2.39 per lb and the average weight is 300 – 350 LBS. A hind quarter of beef is usually around $2.69 per lb. and the average weight is 160 -200 lbs.

By: HeatherSolos

HeatherSolos — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:25:35 +0000

While this sounds close to my experience, it should be noted that it may vary widely depending on the region and will vary from year to year dependent on the cost of grain (grass fed beef shouldn't be impacted in this regard, but. . .) and other factors.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:14:14 +0000

How much did you have to pay for what you purchased (was it 1/4 cow or side of beef?)? I've thought about doing this, but haven't investigated. The plus side, to me, is knowing the quality of the meat. The downsides, in my thinking anyway, is that I might spend more than usual or necessary and that we might begin to eat too much red meat (not healthy to increase it, I think). However, I'm interested in learning more. Also, maybe we could find a good source for other meats too.

By: sara

sara — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:12:09 +0000

I have eaten beef from a cow purchased in bulk from a local farm. The quality difference is AMAZING! We have Kroger here for the grocery store and the meat you buy is almost always beginning to turn when you buy it. The meat from the farm was given to me (by a relative) after being deep frozen for over a year and was more beautiful than any cut I have ever gotten from the grocery! It makes me wonder how long the grocery meat has been sitting around before I buy it!

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:17:00 +0000

We used to buy beef bulk.
Thanks for the tips Heather!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:56:56 +0000

Kudos for pointing out the cuts of meat issue. I’m not sure everyone realizes that.

We’ve done this before, and I have mixed feelings. I can’t argue though that the meat is much better. When we have our own cows ready we will be doing this, but I’m not sure we would purchase other beef.

When we have a freezer full of meat I find we eat about double our normal meat consumption. It is easy, delicious and convenient, but not very budget friendly. Generally buying beef in bulk makes for cheap steaks and expensive hamburger. Since we almost never buy steaks, and we tend to eat a lot more meat when we have it, it just doesn’t make sense for us and our budget. So until we have our own to take to the butcher, I’m shopping the sales.

Yes, I know cost isn’t your prime consideration here, but I hope you don’t mind my opinion on the topic. Our budget is very tight and cost is a prime consideration for us.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:16:11 +0000

I would love to do this myself but I cant find any butchers affordable enough for me. I live in farm country too. I have 2 deep freezers and would love to fill them with hog, beef and chicken…..if I could only find it cheap enough!

By: Lisa- Domestic Accident

Lisa- Domestic Accident — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:17:36 +0000

Just ordered our 2nd side of beef last week! I love it. First, I know I’m getting beef that was not fed yuck and injected up the yingyang with antibioitics and growth hormones. Because it’s local, not only do I do something nice for the planet by not using oil to move it, I encourage green space from the farm in my local community. Plus, it’s great to have a freezer of beef. There is ALWAYS something for dinner instead of fast food.
Most states have local CSA (community supported agriculture) websites. Great place to check for beef. We found ours by going out to dinner and having an amazing steak. I asked the waitress where the beef came from. It was a farm less than 20 miles away. I called the farmer and got hooked up.

By: Angela

Angela — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:22:21 +0000

We are waiting for our 1/4 cow right now. We have bought once before and my parents have bought bulk for as long as I can remember. It is so nice to have meat in the freeze and I tend to eat out less if I aready have the meat on hand. We got a new chest freezer for Christmas and have just been waiting for the cow…I am so excited and we should have meat in the freezer in about a month, yeah!!! just in time for summer:)

By: Bramble

Bramble — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:08:42 +0000

I’ve been making it a rule lately to try and buy meat on sale for less than $1 a pound. Sounds insane but it can be done. Unfortunately it has pretty much cut red meat out. Even the crappy ground beef that’s mostly white specks of fat is around $3 a pound so if you can get the good stuff for that I say hit it. And if you can get better cuts for that, even better. As for the tougher cuts- all hail the crock pot!