common questions answered
Beef FAQs
The most common question we get asked is about the weight and how much meat to expect.
Every animal is different - just like every person. That’s why we give realistic ranges rather than exact weights.
If you are new to buying in bulk straight from the farmer, it can be confusing. We understand.
Please, have a look at the below examples, and if you still need some help, talk to us - we'd love to hear from you.
MIXED QUARTER
$18 / kg
- You receive ~30–35kg of beef
- Feeds a family of 4 for ~2 months
- Makes approx ~ 45 family meals
- Approx real cost: ~$27/kg
- Meat is delivered typically in 2 boxes
- Freezer space needed ~ 100l
EXAMPLE:
Sam chose a mixed quarter.
Hanging weight for his quarter was: 51.3kg (205 / 4 = 51.3)
He paid the total of $923.40 (51.3 x $18)
The packaged weight after trimming came to 34.3kg, meaning that in his case the true cost for the meat was $26.92/kg
The meat was sealed in cryovac and packed in boxes which were delivered to Sam's local pick-up point. He picked up the frozen meat at a convenient time, and was able to fit the boxes in his car boot. Back at home he unpacked the boxes and transferred them onto two of the shelves of his standing freezer.
Compared to supermarket prices Sam got better quality product, for a slightly cheaper price.
SIDE OF BEEF
$17 / kg
- You receive ~60-70kg of beef
- Feeds a family of 4 for ~3-5 months
- Makes approx ~ 90 family meals
- Approx real cost: ~$25/kg
- Meat is delivered typically in 4-5 boxes
- Freezer space needed ~ 200l
EXAMPLE:
Lucy chose to order a side of beef. Her family of four eat meat most days of the week.
Hanging weight for her side of beef was: 103kg
She paid the total of $1,751 (103 x $17)
The packaged weight after trimming totalled 69kg. So the true cost for the meat was $25.35/kg
Lucy wanted all the bones, which she uses to make bone broth and to give to her dog.
The cryovaced meat was packed in 4 boxes by the butcher and which were delivered to Lucy's local pick-up point. Lucy picked up the frozen meat at a time convenient for her. She was able to fit the meat in her previously fairly empty standing freezer.
Compared to supermarket prices Lucy got better quality product, for a considerably cheaper average price.
WHOLE COW
$16.50 / kg
- You receive ~120-140kg of beef
- Feeds a family of 4 for 6 - 10 months
- Makes approx ~ 200 family meals
- Approx real cost: ~$24/kg
- Meat is delivered typically in 8-12 boxes
- Freezer space needed ~ 300-400l
- Offal, fat, bones - free of charge
EXAMPLE:
Tanya decided to order the whole cow. Her standing freezer (388l) was largely empty. Her family eats meat most days of the week. Since she cooks chicken, pork or lamb one to two days a week, she is expecting the whole cow to last her family for most of the year.
Hanging weight for the whole cow was: 205kg
She paid the total of $3,382.5 (205 x $16.50)
The packaged weight after trimming totalled 140kg, meaning that for Tanya the true cost for the meat was $24.16/kg
Tanya's enjoys cooking traditional recipes in which she includes organ meats. She uses the bones for a variety of broths, soups and stock - and the family dogs also love them. She uses the fat for rendering tallow.
The bones, fat and offal are all included in Tanya's order at no extra cost.
The frozen and cryovaced meat was 's delivered to Tanya's local pick-up point. Tanya picked up her order (9 boxes) wich were easily stacked in her 4WD large boot. Back at home, Tanya immediately transfered the frozen meat into her standing freezer.
Compared to supermarket prices Tanya got a better quality product, for a considerably cheaper average per kg cost.
Many farms raise their cow on grass, and then send them to be finished on feedlots, where the cows are fattened on grain. In fact, many farmers feel it is OK say that your beef is grass fed even if it had eaten nothing but grain for its last 3 months. WE NEVER DO THIS. Our cows are 100% grass fed AND FINISHED.
For sides and whole cows, please find our cut sheet here for your selection of cutting options.