Is Buying a Cow Worth It?

If you’ve ever wondered about the cost of buying a cow, you’re not alone. Many meat-eating families on a budget have contemplated whether purchasing a half or quarter of a cow is a money-saving option. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of buying a cow and determine if it’s truly worth the investment.

The Price per Pound: Calculating Hungry for Savings

When purchasing a cow, it’s important to understand the concept of hanging weight. The price per pound you see on a farm’s website is based on this hanging weight, which includes the unfinished cuts of meat that aren’t typically consumed, such as entrails and hooves. To calculate the price per pound based on hanging weight, you’ll need to consider factors such as processing fees and kill fees.

Finished Cuts: Comparing Prices

The finished cuts of beef are the processed and packaged portions that you actually eat. It’s crucial to compare the price per pound of these cuts with the prices at grocery stores. Buying a cow provides you with grass-fed, organic, and locally-sourced meat, which is usually more expensive at retail stores. By examining the prices of various cuts like ground beef, brisket, ribeye steak, strip steak, and filet mignon, you can determine the potential savings of purchasing a cow.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

While the cost of ground beef may not differ significantly between buying a cow and purchasing it from a grocery store, the real savings come from expensive cuts like steaks and roasts. Since ranchers offer a lump sum price based on the hanging weight, you end up paying a similar price per pound for ground beef and premium cuts. The advantage lies in the sizable price difference compared to grocery store prices, making buying a cow a worthwhile investment for steak and roast enthusiasts.

Whole or Half Cow: The Best Deal

If you’re ready to take the plunge and buy a cow, opting for a whole or half cow provides the best value. When you break down the hanging weight and finished cuts price per pound, a quarter cow is more expensive than both options. While the price of a quarter cow is still better than grocery store prices, it’s not as economical as a whole or half cow.

Location Matters: Regional Variations in Cow Prices

The price of a cow can vary depending on your location within the United States. Factors like geographic topography and availability of land for grazing affect the cost of producing grass-fed beef. Ranchers in the Central U.S. typically face higher costs due to the limited availability of suitable grazing land. However, it’s worth exploring alternative regions with potentially lower prices and calculating the cost of travel to determine if it’s a cost-effective option.

Ground Beef Fat Percentage: A Matter of Choice

It’s important to note that most farms do not offer a choice of lean fat percentage for ground beef. While the ratio typically hovers between 70/30 and 80/20, you can request the butcher to trim the fat differently based on your preferences. However, keep in mind that a closer trim or additional requests may come at a slightly higher cost.

Freezing for the Future: Storage Options

When you purchase a cow, you’ll need to plan for long-term storage. By vacuum-sealing and storing the meat in a chest freezer, you can safely keep it for up to a year. Consider your family’s meat consumption rate to estimate how much you’ll need to consume each week. For example, a half cow provides approximately 144-185 pounds of finished cuts, which would require a family of four to consume around three to four pounds of beef per week.

Embrace Variety: Exploring Different Cuts

Buying a whole cow means embracing all the different cuts of meat it offers. From tenderloin steaks and ribeye steaks to short ribs and ground beef, you’ll have a varied selection. If you prefer specific cuts, buying a side of beef may not be the best option. However, for those willing to explore and utilize the entire animal, it’s a rewarding and cost-effective choice.

The A La Carte Alternative: Select Cuts

If the thought of buying a whole cow seems overwhelming, don’t fret. You can still buy specific cuts of meat directly from a farm. However, keep in mind that selecting individual cuts will be more expensive compared to purchasing the whole animal. While this option is ideal if you only want ground beef, it’s important to consider the higher cost if you desire steaks or roasts.

Finding Local Farms: Resources and Options

To find a local farm from which to buy a cow, consider reaching out to your local farmers’ market or using websites such as AmericanGrassFed.org, EatWild.com, or Cowpool.org. These resources can help you connect with nearby farms that offer quality beef.

Payment Options: Exploring EBT Acceptance

If you rely on EBT for food assistance, it’s worth inquiring whether the ranchers you’re considering accept this form of payment. While not all farms may support EBT, some may be open to accommodating this payment method.

In conclusion, buying a cow can be a cost-effective way to acquire quality meat. By understanding the pricing structure, comparing costs, and considering your preferences and storage capabilities, you can make an informed decision that best suits your budget and family’s needs.

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Sources:

• Original Article