How to buy beef directly from a ranch
Buying beef directly from a ranch is one of the best things you can do for your family. Not only is the quality of beef better, but also the connection to the animal and the family that raises it is priceless.
How much beef do you need for your family?
Are you wanting to buy beef in bulk or are you wanting to purchase smaller beef bundles? This is the first step in finding the right ranch for you!
A whole beef typically feeds a family of 6 for an entire year with moderate use (~400 lbs.)
A half beef typically feeds a family of 3-4 for an entire year with moderate use (~200 lbs.)
A quarter beef typically feeds a family of 2 for an entire year with moderate use (~100 lbs.)
An eighth beef typically feeds an individual for an entire year with moderate use (~50 lbs.)
Subscription beef boxes or smaller beef bundle offerings vary by ranch. Eating patterns vary from person to person, but the average person in the United States eats ~5 lbs. of beef per month. Keep this in mind when selecting a smaller beef bundle or a subscription beef bundle from a ranch and be sure to select one that accounts for all members of your household!
Find a ranch you trust.
This is easily the most important part in buying beef directly from a ranch. It is important to do your research and make sure that the ranch you choose values the same things you do.
Good Signs:
- They can tell you exactly where the cattle are raised (not just that it's raised in the USA)
- It is clearly stated how the cattle are fed (grass-fed, grass-finished, grain-finished)
- They are transparent about whether they use antibiotics or steroids.
- They are family owned and operated (no middlemen)
- It is clearly stated how the cattle live (in a feedlot vs pasture-raised)
- They can provide you with photos or stories about their ranch and the cattle they raise
- They are willing to answer all of your questions and they are not vague.
- You get the sense that they truly care about the families they raise beef for and the quality of life for the animal (it's more than a business transaction)
Questions you should ask your rancher
- Are the cattle strictly grass-fed/grass-finished? Do they ever receive any amount of grain? (This is especially important for those who feel passionately about the health benefits of grass-fed beef!)
- Is the beef antibiotic and steroid free? Do you give your cattle any vaccines?
- What does daily life look like for the animal? Are they in a feedlot or do they have room to roam? (This is important if you are concerned about the quality of life for the animal)
- How long have you been raising cattle and selling it direct-to-consumer?
- Where is the beef processed? Is it USDA inspected? (Important for orders that cross state lines) Can I make special requests on my whole beef cut sheet?
- Is the beef dry-aged or wet-aged?
- How is it packaged? (vacuum seal is ideal)
- What is the mission of your farm-to-table beef business? (this will help you see if your values align)
- Do you ship or make local deliveries? If I live out of state can you ship it to me? Can I pick it up from the ranch?
Paying for beef directly from a ranch
Direct to consumer beef pricing typically includes:
- the cost of the animal
- the cost of the processing
- the cost of packaging
- the cost of shipping (sometimes included sometimes an additional charge dependent on the ranch)
You will usually pay a deposit up-front for bulk beef orders and then the remaining amount due after processing or just prior to shipping.
You will pay in full for smaller beef bundles and subscription boxes. Subscription boxes will be recurring monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, etc. (dependent on the offerings of the ranch)
How much freezer space do I need for my beef?
Here at Darlington Ranch Co. we tell customers:
- A whole beef requires 14-16 cubic feet of storage (large chest freezer)
- A half beef requires 7-8 cubic feet of storage (mid-size chest freezer)
- A quarter beef requires 4 cubic feet (the standard home refrigerator has 5-9 cubic feet of freezer space or a small chest freezer)
- An eighth beef requires 2 cubic feet of storage (the freezer in your standard refrigerator)
- Our subscription beef box will fit in the freezer of a standard size refrigerator
Feel the connection
This is the true value in knowing your rancher. When you buy beef directly from a rancher you get better beef, sustainably raised by a person you have grown to know and trust.
When you buy beef directly from a ranch:
You know your rancher.
You support a real family, not a middleman.
You eat intentionally and your food has more meaning.
You connect yourself to your food source--uniting the land, the animal, and your family at mealtime.
You will never go back to grocery store beef. Buying beef directly from a rancher has unmatched quality and flavor.
Many ranches also include recipes, cooking tips, or notes from the family who raised your beef.