HOW DOES IT WORK?
Starting on the path to healthier eating is simple. Here are some questions we are frequently asked.
How much beef do I get?
Meadowlark Brand Beef is available in ¼, ½, wholes, or portions. ¼ of a beef is approximately 175 pounds of beef (before cutting it like you order) and will give you a nice variety of steaks, roasts, and hamburgers.
Is there any waste?
There is always some waste but how much depends on how you have your beef cut. As a general rule of thumb, there is about thirty percent waste after cutting. This is caused by the trimming of any fat from steaks and roasts, taking out bones from hamburger, etc. Obviously, if you have ¼ of a beef all ground into hamburger, you would see more waste (due to taking out bone) than you would if you had a ¼ cut into all steaks and roasts.
How much will fit in my freezer?
One cubic foot of freezer space will hold approximately 30 pounds of beef; 1/8 of a beef will fit into a large refrigerator freezer so many of our customers split a quarter with a friend or family member. Generally, a small chest freezer will easily hold a ¼ of a beef.
How much can I keep on hand?
All our beef is wrapped in freezer paper for the most protection against freezer burn, but if you prefer, you can have it vacuumed sealed for an extra fee. As a general rule, beef can be easily froze for 6-12 months.
How much notice do you need?
The sooner we know you are interested, the sooner we can have beef for you. Since we raise our beef naturally, it does take a little longer because we are at the mercy of our cattle. If the weather is bad and they don't want to eat-they don't gain the weight. If one of them goes into heat, the whole herd is affected and no one eats! If it is too hot or too cold, they don't eat. If the neighbors have a lot of activity in their pasture that gets our cattles' attention-they don't eat. You get the picture.
Can I decide how I want the meat cut?
Absolutely. You can cut your meat anyway you want. The only restriction is that if you are sharing a ½ (you take a quarter and another customer takes a quarter), our processor needs to have the cuts fairly consistent by halves. What that means is that if you want your steaks cut 1" and another customer wants steaks at a ¾", we make the call to cut at 1". Although, we don't run into this problem very often. Also, if you want specific items,such as hamburger patties, we can do this too for a small fee.
If I buy a ¼, is it the front or back quarter?
Actually neither. It is half of the half. So, if you are splitting a half with another customer, both of you can get a rump roast and an arm roast.
Do you age the beef?
Yes, we allow our beef to age for 21 days to ensure that you have table fork tender beef!
What is included in the cost of the beef?
Our cost includes the hanging weight of the beef and the cost of the processing. This way you only have to worry about one cost.
How do I pay for it?
We require a nonrefundable $150 deposit upon placing your order with the balance due before you pick up your meat.
On a tight budget? We can work with you! We will set up a payment plan so you can still afford natural beef!
Do you have any testimonials?
You bet we do! Here are just a few quick quotes from some of our customers!
- "I cooked an arm roast this Sunday nice and slow with roasted potatoes, etc, it was really delicious; thank you for [adding] quality protein in my diet." -- Jackie
- "Oh my gosh, this beef actually has flavor!" -- Norlan
- "This is the best beef we've every tasted." - Scott
- "Definitely, we will be buying again!" -- Robin
How do I order my beef?
To purchase Meadowlark Brand Beef, simply call us at 970-223-1045 or email us at sales@usdanaturalbeef.com.