Beef by the half, my fall 2011 costs and breakdown

[Caneel]

I see the beef by the half or quarter topic come up once in a while so I thought I would post about my November 2011 costs.

We buy a side of beef each year from a friend fo the family.  It is grass-fed and while not organic, the farmer strives to keep it close to natural as possible. 

My total cost this year was $1,108.44 which worked out to $2.86 per pound cut and wrapped in butcher paper.  Vac-wrap was a $0.40 per pound up charge.

Live weight was north of 550 pounds, I can't remember the exact weight and the side finished out at 387 pounds.  Processing was $276.94.

Ground beef typically accounts for 50% of a side of beef.  I like chuck roasts, which are usually made into ground beef.  Of the 387 pounds, 147 was ground beef and the remainder was roasts and steaks. 

I hope this info is helpful to anyone researching buying beef by the half or the quarter.

[frugalmama]

That seems like a really good price - would you say that is higher or lower than average?

I buy commercial store beef, and consider anything less than $4/lb a good price, even on ground beef. 

[cameragirl]

That's a great price. It works out to under $4.00 a lb for us on a quarter side of beef, and $225 for half of a pig.

[Caneel]

Originally Posted by frugalmama 

That seems like a really good price - would you say that is higher or lower than average?

I buy commercial store beef, and consider anything less than $4/lb a good price, even on ground beef. 

I live in farm country, many people raise beef cattle so I have no doubt the supply keeps the price down.   

I asked about cost at the processor.  The processor sells beef but doesn't have a retail store, people just know to call and place an order.  The processor buys from local farmers.  Their sides are $2.59 per pound for regular beef, not specifically grass-fed or organic. 

I would guess both of the prices are lower than average.  The beef I bought is from a farm that raises them as a gentleman's farming type of hobby.  They have a small herd (20 or so at a time) and sell only to people they know.    

The processor's price is likely below market average for a side.  Like I said, they don't have a retail store so their costs are low. 

Ground beef in our local stores is around $2.75 for the fattier mixes and up to $4 per pound for ground round.

[nia82]

That's a great price. It's a tad more here with the local ranch but it's certified organic and vac-sealed packages. I'd totally do it but need a freezer first!!!

My place here though always sells organic ground beef for $3.75 a pound in individual packages. Not bad. It's 80/20 though but I am absolutely fine with that, not a fat-o-phobe, I'm more a carbophobe ;)