When you order bulk meat, youre ordering a whole/half/quarter beef, a whole/half pork, or a whole/half lamb.
NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT A MEAT SHORTAGE WITH US! Local butchers are tight on appointments available. We have, however, “grasped the bull by the horns” and are one of or the only farms in Indiana with their own processing plant. Since October 2020, we have been offering processing here on our farm. Our butcher crew will take care of you, cutting and packaging your order customized for your preferences.
**If all of this information about farm-grown bulk meat is too much for you, stop reading and call Joanne. She’ll help you through the process. Text or Call 219-208-0415 (Monday-Saturday) or email at joanne@holycowfarmfresh. com.
Beef lovers, rejoice! Purchasing a quarter beef can be an excellent way to stock up on delicious cuts of meat at a great value. But with so many options, where can you find high-quality quarter beef near you? This complete guide covers everything you need to know.
What is a Quarter of Beef?
A quarter of beef refers to 1⁄4 of a side of beef from a steer or heifer. It typically weighs 85-100 lbs. and contains a variety of cuts like roasts, steaks, ground beef and more. Since beef is often sold by the pound, buying a quarter beef in bulk can be much more affordable than individual cuts at the grocery store.
Benefits of Purchasing a Quarter Beef
Here are some key benefits that make quarter beef a smart choice for beef lovers:
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Cost Savings – Bulk pricing results in savings of $2-$4 per pound typically
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Ideal Portion Size – Around 85-100 lbs. is perfect for most families.
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Variety of Cuts – Get steaks roasts ground beef, stew meat and more.
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Customization – Hand select your preferred cuts.
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Quality – Often higher grade beef than typical grocery store.
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Farm-Fresh – Direct from the source for maximum freshness.
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Supports Local Farmers – Keeps money in the local economy.
Where to Buy Quarter Beef
Now that you know the benefits, here are some top places to purchase quarter beef:
Local Butcher Shops
Local butchers work directly with nearby ranchers and often have the best selection of high quality beef. Ask about their sourcing and on-site butchering.
Farmer’s Markets
Check farmer’s markets in your area—some vendors sell quarters from their own cattle. Discuss custom cuts.
Direct from Cattle Ranches
Purchasing directly from the farm is a great option to get farm-fresh beef. Look for ranches within driving distance.
Online Meat Delivery
Order quarter beef online through services like Crowd Cow that work with ranches nationwide. Delivery is included.
Wholesale Meat Suppliers
Restaurant suppliers like Restaurant Depot sell quarters intended for food service in large portions. Membership may be required.
No matter where you source it, look for highly marbled, premium cuts graded Choice or Prime for the best flavor and tenderness. Grass-fed and organic beef is also available from some local suppliers. Expect to pay a small deposit and schedule pickup or delivery once your quarter is processed.
What Cuts Come in a Quarter of Beef?
The exact cuts vary slightly based on your preferences, but here are typical cuts from a quarter:
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Chuck Roast & Steaks
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Short Ribs
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Brisket
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Ground Chuck
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Arm Roast
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Round Roast & Steaks
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Sirloin Steaks
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Flank Steak
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Short Plate
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Soup Bones
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Heart, Liver, Tongue
Discuss your preferences for thickness of steaks and roasts and ratio of roasts to ground beef with your supplier. Consider adding specialty cuts like oxtail or sweetbreads as well.
Storing Your Quarter Beef
To safely store your large beef order:
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Refrigerate for 2-3 days maximum before freezing.
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Wrap cuts individually in freezer paper or plastic wrap.
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Label each cut with name and date.
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Freeze at 0oF or below.
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Plan to use frozen beef within 9-12 months for best quality.
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Thaw in fridge 1-2 days before use.
With proper freezing and handling, your quarter beef can taste incredibly fresh for months to come.
Tips for Cooking Your Quarter of Beef
To make the most of your quarter beef purchase:
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Use tender cuts like tenderloin for quick cooking methods like grilling or sautéing. Go low and slow with tougher cuts.
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Brown ground beef before making patties, meatballs, chili, etc. for richer flavor.
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Trim roasts and sear all sides before roasting to enhance browning.
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Brine brisket, chuck roast and other tough cuts in salt water overnight before cooking for extra moist, tender meat.
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Let roasts, steaks and chops rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
With the right prep and cooking methods, budget-friendly cuts can be just as tender, juicy and delicious as expensive ones.
Sample Meal Plan for a Week with 1⁄4 Beef
To give you an idea of how to incorporate your quarter beef into meal planning, here’s a sample one week plan:
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Monday: BBQ beef sandwiches with leftover brisket
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Tuesday: Sirloin steak salad with veggies and ranch dressing
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Wednesday: Chili made with ground beef
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Thursday: Flank steak fajitas with sautéed peppers and onions
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Friday: Hearty beef stew made with round roast and veggies
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Saturday: Burgers made from ground chuck on the grill
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Sunday: Sunday pot roast with carrots, potatoes and onion
Get creative with marinades, spices, sides and more to enjoy a diverse range of beefy dishes all from your quarter!
Investing in a quarter of beef is a smart move for beef aficionados. Follow this guide to locate a high-quality source near you and customize your package of cuts. With proper storage and cooking, you’ll enjoy farm-fresh beef for months that’s healthier and cheaper than the grocery store. So start meal planning and get ready to sink your teeth into tender, juicy quarter beef!
Pastured Non-GMO Grain-Finished Beef
- Whole: $5. 65/lb. Hanging Weight Plus Processing Fee (Share with others to save more!)
- Half: $5.80/lb. Hanging Weight Plus Processing Fee
- Quarter (1/2 the Cuts of a 1/2): $6. 00/lb. Hanging Weight Plus Processing Fee .
(Free Farm Pickup Price Below; For Shipping Price add $0.65/lb. hanging weight)
- Whole: $5. 65/lb. Hanging Weight plus processing fee (share with others to save more!)
- Half: $5.80/lb. Hanging Weight, plus processing fee
- Quarter (1/2 the Cuts of a 1/2): $6. 00/lb. Hanging Weight, plus processing fee .
How much meat do you get with 1/4 cow standard order – How to order quarter cow
FAQ
How much does a quarter beef usually cost?
How big of freezer for 1/4 cow?
Is buying a quarter cow worth it?
How many pounds of meat do you get out of a quarter beef?
How much does a quarter beef cost?
The cost of a quarter beef is roughly $1,000. You will pay the farmer for the steer and then pay the butcher for the processing. Ordering a Quarter Beef: Everything you need to know.
Should you buy a quarter of beef?
Buying a quarter of beef is a great way to save time and money and keep you out of the self-checkout line. We’ve simplified the traditional method of buying a quarter of beef by eliminating the challenge of finding a farmer and communicating with a processor for those extra savings you’re after.
How much beef is a half & a quarter?
A half is approximately 175-200 pounds of great tasting beef. A quarter will yield about 85-90 pounds. The exact amount depends on the “hanging weight” of the animal and how you determine to have it cut. The exact cost is calculated on the hanging weight times the market price at that time. Please contact us for current pricing.
How much does a quarter of a cow cost?
The cost for quarter of a cow is approximately $8.00/lb including processing. This cost covers the cost of processing. While this is quite a bit more expensive than some beef purchased at the grocery store, the price per lb of protein is very competitive (with grassfed beef you are getting a higher protein product).