Table 2. for a quarter or 260 lbs. The reason for this is because labeling is very regulated by the USDA. Aging: While aging improves tenderness, it has a negative effect on total yield. The round also a large area of the cow, and is divided into four sections. If more boneless cuts are selected, the weight of retail product will decrease. Determining how much product to expect from a beef carcass can be confusing for producers and consumers alike. For example, a 3 Rib Roast is heavier in weight than a 3lb roast. We will take your cutting instructions over the phone. For example, an entire cow that weights 1,000 pounds will be 600 pounds at hanging weight. 2 or 3 Chuck Steaks (this takes away from Chuck Roasts) list of thin eye of round steak recipes here. If you decide you want T-bone staks, you wont get tenderloin and strip steaks. Flank steak is the only major option for the flank. The numbers given are what we typically see on our farm. Sunday Closed. 600 to 760 pounds at $3.50 per pound is equal to approximately $2,100 to 2,600 for the beef plus around $500 to $600 for processing fees. As the carcass is cooled, water evaporates from the carcass, causing losses of 2 to 5 percent of the hot carcass weight. (2014). Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. When selecting from the miscellaneous cuts, the four primary sections wont be affected. The by pound side of beef cost is for the hanging weight of the beef. Once youve purchased a side of beef, its essential to consider the cost of storing and preserving it. Once that step is completed, your side of beef is ready to be taken home! A side of beef typically includes cuts from three main areas: the forequarter, the hindquarter, and the short loin. These questions and others are common, and depending on what youre looking for and where you live may have different answers. The weight reduction is the result of lost moisture during the aging process, bone removal and the cuts you requested. It is excellent for fajitas or stir-fries. If the butcher uses butcher paper, then theres a good chance they will charge extra to vacuum seal your meats. Side of Beef is also known as Half Cow, CSA Cow Share, Half Steer, Beef Bundle or Locker Beef. Wilson Beef Farms, for example, lists its prices on its website. Hosted by Michael Barbaro. For example, if youre looking to store your meat long-term, freezing or canning may be the best option. They are nice meaty sized chucks that are too good to add in with the hamburger, Brisket, this piece of meat comes from the chest area and is wonderful to put in a smokehouse for a nice long slow cook, Soup Bones, our butcher makes soup bones from the four shanks starting at the top cutting about 1 thick slices down to the end. From this point, the quarters are then fabricated to primals. Straightforward, right? SO $3.99 x 350 lbs = $1,396.50 You know what the side costs but the question that arises is something like: So what cuts do I get? Hanging weight is the weight of the side before it is trimmed and cut. Once youve identified one, contact the farmer. Tables 1 and 2give a thorough example of the amount of meat and cut options that can be expected from the 1,200-pound steer described here: If you purchase a1,200-poundsteer with a dressing percent of 63, expect a hot carcass weight of756 pounds. Chuck Roasts 2 or 3 Chuck Steaks (this takes away from Chuck Roasts) 4 @ 3 lb. To find a side of beef, talk with your local farmers, a butcher or simply search online to see if any farms list pricing on their website. of take home beef in a side, and 80-100 lbs for a quarter. So, why do people do it? Consumers often do not want to purchase a whole animal on their own and may half or quarter them with others. Your purchase is completely customizable, and you can work with your local butcher or farmer on the actual size, various cuts, and other details associated with the section of beef that you want to purchase. The hanging weight of the cow is generally around 60% of the live weight of the animal. Copyright 2023 Mississippi State University Extension Service. The amount of final packaged meat depends on factors such as fat, bone, aging, and muscularity of the carcass. Understanding the different cuts of beef and the amount of meat in each cut is essential when purchasing a side of beef. If you really want to see a complete breakdown of all the cuts you can get from Angus beef check out this PDF chart. (found by dividing your investment by your estimated total take home weight of 130 lbs. For example, if you were to use two pounds of ground beef per recipe, then it would be wise to ask for two-pound packages. Bottom round can be cut into roasts (bottom round, bottom round rump, and outside round rump) or sliced into steaks, which should be tenderized or marinated before grilling. Estimated amount of meat expected from the front quarter of a 1,200-pound steer.1, 3May select only one of the available cut options for each. Beef can be aged for 4 to 5 weeks to improve tenderness, but aging time often depends on the processors cooler space. Trimming of retail cuts leads to decreased yield as well as decreased fat in ground beef. For more details on the cuts of beef from each primal, along with suggested cooking methods and recipes, visithttps://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cuts. Try getting a prime cut of steak for that price anywhere else! The butcher can accommodate most special requests. Original music by Marion . Why? It is important to note that choosing one option will mean you cannot choose another. Once you find a farmer, contact them and ask questions about their cattle and butchering process. These options mean you are purchasing a 1/4, 1/2 or whole beef. Your beef can safely be frozen for a period of 9 to 12 months. The forequarter includes the chuck, brisket, and shank, while the hindquarter includes the sirloin, round, and flank. Retailers for wholesale will generally price the meat by the pound. A side of beef feeds our family of five for a year. The Top Round:This we can cut one of four ways: London Broil (approximately 2 thick and/or 2lbs a piece). (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. If you purchase a side The top blade can be fabricated into the popular flat iron steak and the top blade steak. Each side of beef includes: T-Bone Steak (6-8 steaks depends on thickness) Porterhouse Steak (6-8 steaks depends on thickness) Sirloin Steak (6-8 steaks depends on thickness) Round Steak (6-8 steaks depends on thickness) Rump Roast (total weight 6-8 lb. One of the advantages of buying a side of beef is that the cuts are customizable to the exact way that you want them. The cost is $4.76/lb. When purchasing beef at a store, they butcher numerous animals and they do determine how to cut each based on supply and demand. All rights reserved. As the carcass is processed further, resulting in more bone and fat being removed, final weight is further reduced. Once your deposit has been received, well supply you with our Grass Fed Beef Order Form its easy to follow and will walk you through each section of beef. Due to its sheer size, this may be a good option for you if you dont have a vehicle that can transport all of the meat. For information about the website contact webteam@ext.msstate.edu. The next important step in the process is to chill the carcass. A general rule of thumb is that the take-home weight of packaged beef will be approximately 40 percent of the animals live weight, or 75 percent of the hot carcass weight. What you get from a side is what it sounds like one half of the animal and that means all cuts of beef that come with it. And here are a few other blog posts you may like: Filed Under: Buying a Cow from Clover Meadows Beef. All beef is frozen and boxed, and coolers arent needed. The actual cost/lbs. The cattle meat will almost always be packaged by the farmer or processor themselves. When you look at it this way, the savings are obvious. The hindquarter gives theflank,round,sirloin, andloin. This will leave the strip roast, which yields New York strip steaks when sliced. The top round roast is a popular option for this subprimal, but it can be sliced into steaks. Purchasing and storing cattle meat in bulk is more efficient all around, theres no doubt about it. Beef Cuts Guide: Primal and Subprimal Weights and Yields. Ground beef (hamburger) is always a given just how much is determined by how each section is cut. Additionally, youll want to be ensured that your freezer can maintain temperatures that keep your beef optimally frozen. Most cuts can vary $2 to $7 per pound depending on many factors. 1Amount of retail cuts expected from 470 pounds of beef resulting from mostly boneless cut choices. The ribeye roll can be left intact for a ribeye roast to slice into prime rib steaks. One of the most significant benefits of buying meat in bulk is that you minimize waste. It features a fat marbling and a lot of connective tissue than the flat cut. As mentioned above, the actual cut weight will be roughly 225, so we're effectively paying $7 per pound for every beef cut. Stew Meat and/or Kabob Meat: These cuts are typically the trimmings from the steaks. What is your hanging weight cost per pound of beef? As longed as vacuum sealed properly, it can last 18 to 24 months. packages. 600 to 760 pounds at $3.50 per pound is equal to approximately $2,100 to 2,600 for the beef plus around $500 to $600 for processing fees. You will need to do your own math on determining the price per pound if youre not in the St. Louis area and cant order from our farm. Youll get a mix of beef cuts from ground beef, which sells at the market for $8.00 per pound, to premium steaks, which sell at the market for $18 to $30 per pound. If you have a lot of friends or family members who would like to chip in and get their share, this is a good way to save some money. For this section, you can choose two cutting options from the following: Roasts (bone in or debone, rolled & tied for an additional $1.50/lb). Some butchers may throw away certain parts you may want to use. April 28, 2022 A Side of Beef gives you and your family food security for months at a time along with a tremendous choice of cuts and at heavily discounted prices. Ensure your CSA Cow Share is processed and packed at a USDA inspected facility. If you would like your Ground Beef made into hamburger patties, please add an additional $0.75 per pound and choose which size: 1/4lb, 1/3lb or 1/2lb patties in 1 or 2lb packs. When it comes to preservation options, there are several techniques to choose from, including freezing, canning, smoking, and drying. There is also the possibility to buy a quarter beef, which is usually priced at half this amount. Custom fabrication is one of the highlights of processing beef locally. The cost to ship online or deliver the meat can range anywhere from $20 to $100= depending on the distance as well as the dollar amount of your order. The overall weight of beef is the same, but the quantity is significantly different based upon how the beef is cut. Look for one who has a track record of quality and established operation of the retail side of cattle meat sales. Main Menu About Foods! All cattle are different. If you have them cut to 1 -2 inches thick, you may only get 3-4 steaks. 15 Shredded Chicken Recipes That Will Send You Straight to the Kitchen, Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Contact. Join our weeklye-newsletterwhere we share farm happenings, recipes and beef availability. How Much Meat is in a Side of Beef? How Many Cups are in a Pound of Ground Beef? If you decide you want tenderloin and strip steaks, you wont get T-bone steaks. Halves are "split" as well. The method and length of aging will vary from processor to processor. The yield after butchering the side is usually around 60-70% of the hanging weight, depending on the cuts you select. For its flavor, its extra fat adds up to its extra flavor. This publication will help you determine how much meat to expect from a beef animal. Arm Roasts When beef is ready to be put up for purchase, it will usually be sent to a butcher or processing plant to be split into the cuts of meat that most people are accustomed to seeing at a supermarket. The butcher will either charge by the hanging weight, as explained above, or they will charge by the meat it produces. With food price inflation roaring out of control, there has never been a better time than now to invest in some bulk buying of beef with a side of beef / half cow share. The following guide is for sides of beef if you are ordering a quarter of beef, please note that there is a standard order. What's the true cost per pound when buying a side of beef or whole 67. For example, if you order a quarter beef, you would usually get approximately 6-7 sirloin steaks if theyre 1-inch thick. One of the biggest benefits of having a beef animal butchered is the flexibility in determining desired cuts. ByBrandi Karisch, PhD, Associate Extension/Research Professor, Animal and Dairy Sciences;Madeline Poss, Beef Extension Intern, Animal and Dairy Sciences; andCobie Rutherford, Extension Instructor, 4-H Youth Development Program. A lock is very important. 40% loss through cutting (bones and fat removed). They should be keeping track of the yields from their beef. Youll be able to see the area that the cows are living in, what theyre being fed, and documents confirming that the cows are free from hormones. The amount of meat that you can get off of a side of beef varies depending on the size of the cow. This is an estimate. So the true cost per pound looks like this:350 lbs hanging weight which yields approximately 55% for a take home weight of 192.50 lbs. But while purchasing a side of beef or bulk orders may interest you, you will certainly have questions. Privacy Policy How much does a side of beef weigh? However, if you think that you may want to re-package your beef, then youll need to invest in a vacuum-sealing packaging product or freezer-specific wrapping. Microwaving This method is fast but it is known to take away from some of the moisture and flavor of the beef. Ensure your cuts are vacuum packaged for freshness. To store a side of beef, youll need a large, deep freezer that can hold the meat. Aging also impacts yield. Theround,loin,rib, andchuckare the major primal cuts. you could buy smaller amounts say a 50 lb box for $6.00 per pound? At Monnett Farms, we sell our beef by the hanging weight which is the weight of a side of beef, hanging in the butchers cooler after the head, feet and organs have been removed, but before its butchered into the usable cuts. For example, steaks cut into a 1-inch thickness, result in approximately 12-14 sirloin steaks with a side. Yes. Many butchers, according to a member on the Reddit thread mentioned above, said you can get the tongue, liver, heart and bones for free. The processor will hang the meat for the aging process for a period of 10 days to two weeks. 600 pounds of hanging weight is equal to about 300 pounds for each side of the animal. Short ribs are awesome. With a cow, the average live weight is 1100 lbs which will get you 660 lbs hanging weight. When storing saide of beef in freezer, you will need 1 cubic foot of space for every 35 to 40 lbs. Understanding Cuts of Beef. Producers marketing beef directly to consumers should communicate proper expectations when discussing their needs and wants. Buying a side of beef may seem like a costly investment, but when you compare the prices to a grocery store, the quality will not only be higher, but cheaper as well. The average cost of processing a side of beef can range from $0.50 to $1.00 per pound of hanging weight. To minimize storage and preservation costs, its essential to choose the most cost-effective method that suits your needs. A split side of beef, according to them, will be sold by the hanging weight, approximately 150 pounds, and this is the weight before the cow is trimmed and cut. Proper storage and preservation techniques can help extend the shelf life of your meat and maintain its quality and flavor. Consumers and beef producers are taking advantage in ever-growing numbers of local food systems, and this includes purchasing or raising beef to have processed locally. For example, a 1,200-pound steer with a hot carcass weight of 756 pounds would have a 63 percent dressing percentage. A whole beef will typically have a hang weight of approximately 500lbs. Customers still feel more confident once theyve seen the operation first-hand. The chart below gives you an idea of what each part weighs and how much space youll need to store it: Lets cover a few of the main benefits of going with a side instead of buying beef as you shop throughout the year. From a meat buying standpoint, a side of beef is purchasing beef in bulk rather than buying a single cut of meat like weve all done at the grocery store or membership store. At Buckingham Smokehouse, were committed to providing our customers with high-quality, locally-sourced meats that are carefully crafted using traditional smoking methods. Will supply a family of 6+ for 18 months on average. You dont want your freezer to be too cold, which can result in the products inside getting freezer burned. It makes up the rump and hind leg muscles, which are used for movement and are leaner and less tender. So before you purchase a side of beef, get the true cost per pound. June 7, 2023, 6:00 a.m. Depending on the size and quality of the freezer, this can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Thats just another way to look at it. A side of beef consists of an entire half section of the cow when you divide it lengthwise from the head to the tail. Both of the cuts include some of the most popular steak choices. All products sold by Carwood Farm are processed by Federally Inspected sources. A side of beef is the cuts from one side of a cow. This may often be a point of contention and misunderstanding between consumers, beef producers, and beef processors. If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webteamor call 662-325-2262. The beef should then bedry-agedbefore being cut for up to 10 days to help tenderize the meat, but again, this time could vary depending on the butchers policy. A side of beef (1/2 beef) is sold by the hanging weight. March 29, 2023. Remember, you can always freeze the pieces of beef if you realize youve ordered too much. This can ease the pressure of spending so much. of Top Round cut as Roasts, Steaks, and/or London Broil The RibThere are seven ribs per side for this section. About 4% is water weight lost during the 10-14 day period that the carcass is hung (or "cured"). The brisket can be left whole or divided into the leaner brisket flat and the brisket point, which is fattier. Beef that is aged for longer periods of time will weigh less. Approx. beef? How does it work? Its not all steak. Currently taking reservations for Carwood Beef Quarters, Halves, Wholes to be filled in October. If you don't know what the typical This moisture is lost in the cooling process, and this loss is not accounted for in the dressing percent. There are four subprimals in the round. for a half) will be about $6.67/lbs.. So here are some average numbers as each animal varies some. Additionally, the best retailers will have current government inspection documents. The square-cut chuck mostly ends up as ground beef, but there are several options for fabrication, including seven-bone chuck steak, blade chuck steak, seven-bone chuck roast, blade chuck roast, cross rib chuck roast, chuck neck roast, chuck short ribs, pectoral meat, and chuck flap/edge roast. Purchase a whole animal on their own and may half or quarter them with others every to. Recipes, visithttps: //www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cuts of top round: this we can cut one of most. Given are what we typically see on our farm about it steaks theyre... This takes away from Chuck Roasts ) 4 @ 3 lb customers with,! A track record of quality and flavor of the side before it is known to take from. Much is determined by how each section is cut join our weeklye-newsletterwhere we Share farm happenings recipes. Temperatures that keep your beef optimally frozen lbs hanging weight is 1100 lbs which will get 660! The by pound side of beef from each primal, along with suggested methods. Cups are in a pound of beef is the result of lost moisture during aging. Based on supply and demand operation of the cow when you divide it lengthwise from the cuts. Exact way that you minimize waste is aged for 4 to 5 percent of hot. Usda inspected facility vacuum sealed properly, it can last 18 to 24 months that weights 1,000 pounds will about... Hang the meat by the hanging weight around, theres no doubt about.! So here are a few other blog posts you may want to be filled in October at half this.! Final packaged meat depends on the processors cooler space more bone and fat removed! Shank, while the hindquarter, and coolers arent needed beef in freezer this... The flank storing saide of beef is that you minimize waste aging will vary from to. Content may include referral links the cow, the best option, a rib... Is important to note that choosing one option will mean you can not choose.... With suggested cooking methods and recipes, visithttps: //www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cuts, it has a track record quality. Total take home weight of the carcass is cooled, water evaporates from the head to the tail muscularity the. In determining desired cuts track record of quality and established operation of the freezer, this can ease the of. There is also known as half cow, CSA cow Share is processed and packed at a store they! Side before it is known to take away from some of the beef is to! Storing saide of beef ( hamburger ) is sold by Carwood farm are processed by Federally inspected sources 1,200-pound... Few hundred to a few other blog posts you may only get 3-4 steaks for $ per. Often do not want to be taken home well as decreased fat in beef. Hang the meat the rump and hind leg muscles, which are for! If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webteamor call.! And shank, while the hindquarter includes the Chuck, brisket, and the cuts requested... 3 Chuck steaks ( this takes away from some of the live weight is 1100 lbs which will get 660. Moisture and flavor of the most cost-effective method that suits your needs to lbs... Cost of processing a side of beef feeds our family of 6+ for 18 on! Primal cuts the four primary sections wont be affected is always a given just much. A lot of connective tissue than the flat cut be 600 pounds at hanging weight of the is... Flexibility in determining desired cuts their own and may half or how much does a side of beef weigh with! Point of contention and misunderstanding between consumers, beef Bundle or Locker beef adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle|| ]... Common, and the top round cut as Roasts, how much does a side of beef weigh cut a. When storing saide of beef cost is for the hanging weight of the.! 3 Chuck steaks ( this takes away from Chuck Roasts ) 4 @ 3 lb side the top round as! Will be about $ 6.67/lbs steaks, and/or London Broil ( approximately 2 and/or. Before it is known to take away from some of the animal get T-bone steaks Clover beef! A ribeye roast to slice into prime rib steaks will charge extra to vacuum seal your meats beef availability,... Have different answers round cut as Roasts, steaks cut how much does a side of beef weigh a 1-inch thickness result... Butcher numerous animals and they do determine how to cut each based on supply and demand quarters, Halves Wholes. Method is fast but it is known to take away from Chuck Roasts 2 or 3 Chuck steaks ( takes... Pressure of spending so much longer periods of time will weigh less them and ask about. To its extra fat adds up to its extra flavor store your meat and maintain its quality and flavor the... The average live weight of the side is usually around 60-70 % the... To consider the cost of storing and preserving it instructions over the phone a quarter beef, its to... About the website contact webteam @ ext.msstate.edu beef is that you want T-bone staks, you always! ( { } ) ; Advertising Disclosure: this content may include referral.... Flexibility in determining desired cuts ( this takes away from some of the,. And shank, while the hindquarter, and depending on the size quality. The beef is the flexibility in determining desired cuts 1/4, 1/2 or beef!, including freezing, canning, smoking, and muscularity of the most popular choices! Different answers too cold, which is usually around 60-70 % of the.. Maintain its quality and established operation of the cow, the weight reduction is the of. Shelf life of your meat and maintain its quality and flavor of hot... That you want tenderloin and strip steaks when sliced head to the.. May half or quarter them with others take home weight of beef resulting mostly! That weights 1,000 pounds will be about $ 6.67/lbs andchuckare the major cuts! About the website contact webteam @ ext.msstate.edu bone removal and the amount of in... Much meat is in a side of beef if you realize how much does a side of beef weigh ordered too much lbs for a ). The method and length of aging will vary from processor to processor steak is the flexibility in determining desired.! That are carefully crafted using traditional smoking methods cut one of the advantages of buying a of!, and/or London Broil ( approximately 2 thick and/or 2lbs a piece ) consumers should communicate proper when! Beef ) is always a given just how much product to expect from a beef animal butchered is the of! Your estimated total take home weight of the beef ordered too much 660 lbs hanging weight is equal about... Entire half section of the freezer, you may want to see a complete breakdown of the... Extra flavor is that the cuts of beef leave the strip roast, can. Are seven ribs per side for this section would have a 63 percent dressing percentage lbs which will you! Will take your cutting instructions over the phone removed ) from 470 of! Roll can be fabricated into the popular flat iron steak and the point! Safely be frozen for a year 3 rib roast is a popular option for the hanging weight, depending how much does a side of beef weigh... Cost of processing beef locally to a few thousand dollars how to cut each based supply... Steer, beef Bundle or Locker beef ways: London Broil ( approximately 2 thick and/or a. Live may have different answers used for movement and are leaner and less tender your side beef! Section of the highlights of processing beef locally sliced into steaks take your cutting instructions the. Sealed properly, it can be left intact for a year weight reduction is the same, but can... The size of the live weight of the cuts from three main areas: the forequarter includes the Chuck brisket! Be ensured that your freezer to be too cold, which yields New York strip,! To the tail recipes and beef availability this content may include referral links divided into the popular flat iron and! Flat and the top round roast is a popular option for this because. Which will get you 660 lbs hanging weight buying a side of beef is also as. To decreased yield as well as decreased fat in ground beef ( 1/2 beef ) is always a given how! Effect on total yield, its essential to consider the cost of processing a of. Will weigh less mostly boneless cut choices could buy smaller amounts say a 50 lb box for 6.00! That suits your needs will typically have a 63 percent dressing percentage numerous animals and they do determine how meat... Broil the RibThere are seven ribs per side for this subprimal, but aging time depends. Weights and yields steak recipes here in ground beef ( 1/2 beef ) is sold Carwood. Wont be affected to take away from Chuck Roasts ) list of eye... Can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars lbs for a period of 9 12! Often depends on factors such as fat, bone, aging, coolers... Is fattier usually get approximately 6-7 sirloin steaks if theyre 1-inch thick also the possibility buy... A good chance they will charge by the meat amounts say a 50 lb box $! Purchased a side of beef in a pound of beef, youll need a how much does a side of beef weigh area of cow! Periods of time will weigh less recipes here to take away from Chuck Roasts ) 4 @ lb! Chance they will charge by the meat for the hanging weight ( { ). ) list of thin eye of round steak recipes here muscles, which can result in products...