BUYING A HALF OR WHOLE BEEF CAN BE A BIT SCARY FOR THOSE NEW TO BUYING DIRECTLY FROM THE RANCHER. THIS IS PART 1 OF A THREE PART SERIES TO HELP GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS OF BUYING BEEF IN BULK. AFTER WATCHING THIS SERIES YOU SHOULD KNOW EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BUY A HALF OR WHOLE BEEF.
The thought of investing in hundreds of pounds of beef and hundreds of dollars can make even those very committed to buying local a bit concerned. Today many of us are very concerned with where our food comes from and we want to know our personal rancher. Transparency, responsible agriculture, and humanely-raised beef are high on the list of important attributes. Each year more and more families are joining this food movement, so I hope this information will help you source local beef.
IN PART 1 OF THIS SERIES, “EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BUY A HALF OR WHOLE BEEF” I AM SHARING MY FAVORITE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SOURCE LOCAL BEEF AND QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU BUY BEEF.
Here are my six favorite resources to find humanely-raised local beef.
- AMERICAN GRASSFED ASSOCIATION- TO FIND THEM GO TO: AMERICANGRASSFED.ORG
- EATWILD.COM – GREAT SOURCE FOR MEAT, DAIRY, AND EGGS
- WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION – GO TO WESTONAPRICE.ORG
- FARMER’S MARKETS
- WORD OF MOUTH / PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
- LOCALHARVEST.ORG – ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE TO FIND LOCAL SOURCES
CAN YOU TELL ME THE ADVANTAGES OF BUYING LOCAL?
- Developing a relationship with your personal rancher is so important. Those of us raising beef love knowing our customers and are always willing to help with any questions or request you might have. As a rancher myself I want to know and have a relationship with our customers. It makes ranchers happy to know you care and value their product. Many long lasting friendships are made and trust is built.
- Where our food comes from is important for each of us and buying local affords you a visit to the farm where your beef is raised. Most ranchers are very proud of their operation and are more than willing to give you a tour. Take time to visit, you’ll be glad you did!
ARE THESE RESOURCES CONCERNED WITH HUMANELY-SOURCED BEEF?
The American Grassfed Association has very high standards for treatment of animals and inspects each operation.
EatWild.com has been a trusted resource since 2001 and many of the pioneers in the grass-based movement are involved with this organization.
Weston A. Price Foundation has many resources to help those looking for traditional foods. There are locals chapters all over the world, and they usually know all the great places to find nutrient-dense food. They promote regenerative agriculture and healthy humanely-raised animals. Many chapters have Yahoo and Facebook groups that can connect you with others with similar dietary standards.
THIS IS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH BUYING A HALF OR A WHOLE BEEF. I DON’T KNOW THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK THE RANCHER. CAN YOU HELP ME?
Yes, I recommend asking the rancher these 10 questions before you buy beef. This list is printable so take it with you when you go meet the rancher. It will help you determine if your family and the rancher are a good match. It’s important to make sure your beef is raised the way YOU want it to be raised. There are more and more families who care about how their food is raised, and this list will help you in your search for responsibly raised beef.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BUY A HALF OR WHOLE BEEF (PART 1)
1. Grass-fed or Grass-finished or Grain finished?
2. Vaccination History?
3. Parasite Control?
4. Hormone Implants?
5. How many acres per animal unit? Geographic location impacts the number of animals per acres of land.
6. Which breeds of cattle does the rancher raise for beef?
7. Is the herd closed? What is the disease status of the herd? This is very important to know in dairy herds.
8. What is the target harvesting weight?
9. Where is the processor located? Are they an USDA or State inspected facility?
10. What are the rancher's terms and prices?
Hopefully this information helps you find thoughtfully, locally-sourced beef. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel so you won’t miss Part 2 of our series. You will learn how to calculate yield and cost of beef which is so important when you are buying beef.
Best,
Caren
