Where to Buy a Side of Beef

Buying a side of beef can be an excellent way to stock up your freezer with high-quality meat at a more affordable price compared to buying individual cuts at the grocery store. However, finding the right place to purchase a side of beef takes some research. This article will provide tips on where and how to buy a side of beef for your family.

What is a Side of Beef?

A side of beef refers to half of a slaughtered steer or heifer, split lengthwise. One side accounts for roughly 50% of the entire animal’s hanging carcass weight. A typical beef side weighs around 200-400 pounds and will yield 100-200 pounds of packaged meat for your freezer after processing.

Buying an entire side at once allows you to purchase larger quantities of meat at wholesale pricing compared to buying individual retail cuts You also get a nice variety of steaks, roasts, and ground meat all from one animal

Where to Purchase Sides of Beef

Here are some of the best places to buy a side of beef:

Local Farms and Ranches

Purchasing directly from a local farm or ranch is one of the best ways to source grass-fed, pasture-raised, or organic beef. Many smaller family farms sell halves and quarters of beef, allowing you to buy just what your family needs.

The beef is often more affordable than grocery store prices. You also get to know exactly how and where the cattle were raised. Check for local farms in your area that sell beef by the side. Many advertise on their websites or social media pages.

Local Butcher Shops

Ask at your neighborhood butcher shop if they offer half or quarter sides of beef for purchase. Many full-service butcher shops work directly with regional farms and ranches to source beef.

They can walk you through the ordering process, answer questions about pricing and cutting instructions, and often offer convenient processing and packaging options

Online Meat Delivery Companies

There are now several online companies that deliver high-quality beef directly to your door. This provides access to humanely raised grass-fed or organic beef, even if you don’t live near a farm.

Most sell beef by the half or quarter side. Packages arrive freshly frozen with dry ice. Just make sure your freezer has room to store a whole side!

Wholesale Meat Distributors

Large wholesale meat distributors provide beef sides mainly to restaurants, food service companies, and butcher shops. However, some may sell to individuals if you purchase an entire side.

This option may have lower prices but less customization compared to a local farm or butcher shop. You’ll likely need to pick up the beef directly from their warehouse.

Questions to Ask Beef Suppliers

Here are some key questions to ask any beef supplier before purchasing a side:

• What breeds and ages of cattle do you use? You generally want 18-24 month old steers or heifers for optimal flavor and tenderness.

• Are the cattle grass-fed, grass-finished, or conventionally grain-finished? This affects the cost, flavor, and health profile of the beef.

• Were antibiotics or hormones ever used? If so, find out at what stage and why. Many sustainable farms use no antibiotics or hormones ever.

• What were the living conditions like? Pasture-raised and grass-fed is ideal. Avoid feedlots.

• What is the typical yield after processing for your sides of beef? Yield percentages vary between 50-75% depending on thickness of fat cap and cutting preferences.

• Can I customize my cutting instructions? Choosing your own thickness of steaks and roasts is ideal.

• How and when will my beef be processed? USDA or state inspected facilities are best. Dry aging also improves flavor.

• How is the beef packaged? Ask about cryovac, freezer paper, or vacuum sealing.

• What is the lead time between ordering and receiving my beef? Plan for 1-2 months typically.

How Much Does a Side of Beef Cost?

Beef sold by the side is generally priced per pound based on the hanging weight, also called the carcass weight, before processing. Expect to pay:

• Grass-fed beef: $6-12 per pound hanging weight

• Organic grain-finished: $4-8 per pound hanging weight

• Conventional grain-finished: $3-5 per pound hanging weight

You’ll get the best value by purchasing a whole side, but some farms and butchers offer split half sides if you want less meat. Depending on your cutting specifications, you’ll typically end up with 50-75% of the hanging weight in packaged meat for your freezer.

So for example, a 400 lb side at $5/lb hanging weight will cost around $2000. After processing, you may get about 300 lbs of packaged steaks, roasts, and ground beef to stock your freezer. Compared to buying individual retail cuts, that brings the price down to $6-7/lb for your packaged beef.

Tips for Ordering Your Beef Side

Follow these tips for a smooth purchasing process:

• Have a dedicated freezer just for the beef so you have room for the whole side.

• Give the supplier at least 4-6 weeks of lead time before you need the beef.

• Ask questions to understand their specific ordering, deposit, and delivery procedures.

• Provide very detailed cutting instructions on how you want your beef cut and packaged.

• Arrange refrigerated pickup or freezer delivery within 2 days of processing.

• Inspect your beef when it arrives and freeze it right away.

Get Great Quality Beef for Your Freezer

When purchased from a reputable supplier, buying a side of beef provides an economical way to keep your freezer stocked with delicious steaks, roasts, and ground meat. Support local ranchers and farmers whenever possible and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to ensure you get just the beef your family needs. With the right research and preparation, ordering a side of beef can be a seamless and rewarding process resulting in hundreds of pounds of quality meat at wholesale prices.