This column in the Chicago Tribune about buying meat in bulk has really piqued my interest. You can buy grass-fed beef for much cheaper per pound than at the grocery store–you just have to have the storage space for it.
Think about it: seemingly endless ground beef (chili, tacos, Sloppy Joes, spaghetti, etc.), steaks (mmm, ribeye) and roasts (no more waiting until Saturday for prime rib) for a fraction of the cost. It’s a meat-lover’s dream!
I went to eatwild.com for a directory of some nearby purveyors of bulk meat. Trautmann Family Farm in Stoughton sells sides (and whole) cows; in fact, they sold out for the 2010 season (whatever that means).
Ruegsegger Farms in Blanchardville sells 1/4 beef processed, meaning the slaughter, cutting, processing and delivery are including in the $4.75/lb price. The 1/4 beef weighs between 150-175 lbs., so that’s a range of $712.50-$831.25.
If I ate a pound of beef each day, it would take at least five months to consume it all. Of course, I would probably throw some major barbecue/tailgate parties (pot roast, anyone?) and even consider splitting the beef with some other carnivores.
Assuming I can figure out how to store it, should I order a side (or quarter) of beef?
Tags: beef
Go for it. We got a coolers’ worth of pork from Jordandal last year and it was great. I ordered ahead of time and picked it up at their farmer’s market stand. They also sell beef.
Most of the people I know that have done this sort of thing have complained about having too much of the same type of meat. They loved the savings but really couldn’t handle the amount. If you decide to go for it, check and see how your product is packaged. If it’s not done right, it’ll get frost-burned and lose a lot of flavor.