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Approx how much meat would this be?

post #1 of 5
10/28/09 at 2:28am
Thread Starter 
My dad wants to know if I want to split a whole cow with him. A friend of his is raising some for 4-H. Is this what they call a 'side' of beef? Approx. how many pounds of meat should I expect?
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post #2 of 5
10/28/09 at 2:52am
It does depend somewhat on the breed of cow, but the last 1/4 cow we got was 120lbs(cut). So about 200lbs probably.
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post #3 of 5
10/28/09 at 12:54pm
ITA, it varies greatly depending on the cow. The first time I bought beef that way, it was a very small cow so only 60 lbs (hanging weight, uncut) for the quarter. Usually it's about 150 lbs. (hanging weight, uncut) for the quarter. I would suggest asking the farmer if they can take a guess at the hanging weight. What you take home meat-wise will be about 60% of that plus any soup bones, etc.
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post #4 of 5
10/28/09 at 1:25pm
Yeah, there is absolutely no way to know. We have gotten an entire side that gave us only 120lbs. and we have gotten a side that has given us almost 300lbs. Not only does age and breed make a difference, but also how it is raised (grain fed or grass fed) and the grade of meat (choice, prime, etc.). Even the butcher can't make a guess until the carcass is on his hook. You need to ask the rancher.
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post #5 of 5
10/28/09 at 5:10pm
Thread Starter 
I know it's grain fed, and I'm assuming (hoping) humanely raised since it's a 4-H cow.
Thanks all for the info! I just wanted some sort of ballpark figure as to how much meat we'd be purchasing. Guess I need to start clearing out some room in my upright freezer
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Mothering › Forums › Health › Nutrition and Good Eating › Approx how much meat would this be?