Grass-Based Beef
What is “grass based”? Grass based means fresh grass pasture during the spring and summer, moving to our own low input hay (no spray, no irrigation, no chemical fertilizer) through fall and winter. Salt and mineral supplement provided free choice. No growth hormones used. Allowed to do “cow things”: live in a herd, laze around in the sunshine, and mosey around the pasture in search of…well, the things cows long for.
Terminology to know:
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A cattleman term for one unit of cattle.
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The amount of beef you are purchasing in relation to the whole animal
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The price to cut the steaks, ribs, and other delectable cuts into your specific instructions and wrapped in freezer-appropriate packaging
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If you went into the field with a scale and weighed the steers. Also called “on the hoof”
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The weight of the carcass immediately after harvesting; approximately 60% of live weight
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The amount of edible product that you pick up in packages; approximately 20-30% less than hanging weight due to trimming excess fat/bone.
Price Breakdown - Beef: There are two different fees: one is payable to the farmer (us) and the other to the butcher for processing.
1. Farmers Fee: Cost is per pound, based on the hanging weight immediately after harvesting. Hanging weight is approximately 60% of the live animal weight. Current estimate of 250lbs for a half and 125lbs for a quarter.
i. Whole - $4.85/lb
ii. Half - $5/lb
iii. Quarter - $5.15/lb*
1. * Extra $35 fee to the butcher applies for splitting an order into quarters. This ensures that you receive a “mixed quarter” which means cuts from both the fore and hindquarter in the same order.
2. Processers Fee: Charge payable to the facility that handles the slaughter, cutting, and wrapping. Will be dependent on the facility used and calculated by them. Payable when picking up final product. Two options are available; see each site for cut and wrap specifications and additional information:
a. Smokey Ridge: Located in Chewelah, WA
i. Cut & Wrap: Based on hanging weight @ $0.98/pound; additional $0.60/package for vacuum-sealed (greatly increases storage quality and lifetime). Not vacuum sealed? No extra charge; will be wrapped in butcher paper.
ii. Slaughter Fee: Percentage of the slaughter fee ($150/head) based on whole/half/quarter animal – this will be payable to the farmer (us) as it is taken as a deposit to hold our spot.
b. Mt View Custom Meats: Located in Coeur D’ Alene, ID. Transportation fee may apply.
i. Cut & Wrap: Based on hanging weight @ $1.35/pound and includes vacuum packaging.
ii. Slaughter Fee: Percentage of the slaughter fee ($175/head) based on whole/half/quarter animal.
Deposite: $125/quarter; $250/half; $500 whole. Deposit will secure your order and go towards total cost of farmer’s fee. If processing with Smokey Ridge, will factor in cost of slaughter fee up front as well (see 2.a)
Interested? Please contact us!