How it Works

How do we price our beef?

Pricing on halves and quarters vary depending on the weight of the cattle at time of processing. On the day of processing the cattle are loaded on my stock trailer and 30 minutes later are at the custom butchers. Once processed the carcass is weighed, this is known as “hot weight”. There are some fixed processing costs per cow and the remainder of the ranch’s costs are based on hot weight. The meat is then hung or “dry aged” for 2-3 weeks. After the dry age process is finished the meat is cut and wrapped and is ready for delivery to your doorstep (inside the delivery area) or pick up point. There will be some shrinkage from “Hot Weight” to “Box Weight” or the amount you receive.

An average works out like this. I purchase the cattle based on their live weight and hope they eat lots of great grass and put on weight while at the ranch. Once processed the Hot weight is approximately 60-62% of live weight. After dry aging, deboning trimming excess fat the Box weight averages between 65-70% of Hot weight (60% if you don’t take soup bones)

When ordering a half, you are given a custom cut sheet and you pick the cuts you want and the ones you don’t. Any cuts you don’t want are turned into ground or stew based on your preference.

If you order a quarter, there is a standard cut list. You will receive a mixed quarter; this means some from the front quarter and some from the hind quarter.

Any halves or quarters that are not pre-purchased are sold as individual cuts or custom freezer packs, depending on stock available.

So, what is it going to cost? I currently charge $5.50/lb Hot Weight. This includes fixed processing costs, cut, wrap, and delivered (in the designated delivery area).

Example: 1000lb live weight cattle will have an approximate Hot weight of 610lbs.

The entire cow cut wrapped and delivered would be $3,355.00. For a Half $1,677.50 and a Quarter $838.75. (If the cow weighs less the cost is less.)

Box weight delivered for the entire cow would be between 396-427lbs (approx. 366lbs without soup bones).

I expect the example of the 1000lb live weight will be at the upper end of where cattle will be. Most will come in at the 850-950lb live weight range.

Individual Cuts are priced based on a comparison of at least 3 grocery stores prices and I attempt to do better.

If you are interested in a bulk order, I can put you on a reservation list until processing dates are confirmed. A non-refundable deposit of $125.00/ quarter ($250.00/half, $500.00/full) will be required 60 days prior to processing to confirm the order. Once the butcher provides me with the hot weight, I will send an invoice for the remaining amount that will be due prior to delivery. Payment can be made via e-transfer or cheque.