How to order a side of beef…

Our family found a local friend to purchase a half of a cow from several years ago. It was very intimidating the first couple years we ordered, because I had to call the butcher to tell them what cuts I wanted from the beef. At that point in time, we had always lived on a very tight budget, so I didn’t have experience with more expensive cuts of meat. I don’t think I had ever bought a roast or steaks! In that time, I learned that purchasing beef this way, was a way to get all the various cuts on a budget! The main reasons we started getting a half of a beef was to save money, have meat on site in the freezer, and for a healthier product. Plus, it supports a local in his beef raising endeavor.

Over the last seven years, I have learned the cuts we like to use and ones that we don’t use as much. For example, my family doesn’t eat stew meat very often. I end up using left over roasts for making stew or a beef vegetable soup. Before owning a pellet smoker, I had never ordered the brisket, but now that is a must! As an FYI, if you order all of these different cuts, it won’t leave a lot for ground beef, which is what we often grab for making a quick dinner! The great thing is you can customize your order and get what you like. The cow we ordered this year, was smaller than in years past so that also changed the outcome quite a bit. We have had our half of beef range in weight from 280lbs to over 300lbs.

I think this process varies depending on who you find selling and who is doing the butchering for a beef cow. I will walk through the cuts I typically order to give a point of reference.

This is how our butcher runs through things.

Steps to take to order beef:

1. Start saving money. It’s a big expense once a year. A side of beef can cost $800-$1,200. That could be more or less where you live. Another piece is that it’s difficult to get a price up front, but hopefully you can get a rough estimate!
2. Get a deep freeze. A deep freeze is needed to keep the meat.
3. Find a local selling beef. Start with asking friends or local grocery stores. Another idea is to call a local butcher and see if they sell a beef or maybe the know someone who does. If you don’t find someone in your town, you might have to start searching in places surrounding your home area.
4. Think through the cuts your family would enjoy. Getting cuts I hadn’t ever gotten before taught me how to be a better cook. Luckily the internet is a great resource in learning how to cook new things!

That should be the basics of ordering a side of beef. Feel free to share in the comments any additional information or tips you would have.