Custom Processing

Buy a whole or half cow!

Please note: Custom wholes and halves are USDA inspected and available only for local pickup from the butcher. 

We know this can be a confusing process for you, especially if you've never purchased custom beef before.  Therefore, we aim to make it simple. 

The best thing about custom processing is that it is YOUR beef - YOUR way. 

Butcher's terminology can be difficult to understand, and every butcher is different, so we have worked to make your life easier by finding the simplest solution.

 And better yet, we will walk you through each step of the way!

1) How do you sell your beef?

We sell our custom beef live on the hoof. This is also known as live weight, or hoof weight.  This is not the weight that you will get back in packages of beef. This is the weight of the whole cow when it is unloaded at the butcher on its processing date. 

Our live weight price includes the butcher's basic processing fees. This means there are no other charges or hidden fees. None of that you-pay-us-and-then-you-pay-the-butcher stuff. 

We sell our live weight custom wholes and halves for $2.49/lb.

Any Specialty Products ordered, such as hotdogs, beef sticks, beef patties, brats, etc. are not included in our price. If you choose specialty products, these will be added to your invoice.

2) How much meat can I expect to get back?

 How much meat you get back depends on two factors: the weight of the animal and how you choose to have it processed. 

 We aim for our finished animals to weigh between 1100 - 1200 lbs.  Since each animal varies a bit in how it carries its weight, there will be a range in yield even from animals that weigh the same. 

How you have it processed also effects the final weight: Choosing all ground beef will result in a lower yield, while saving the soup bones, ordering ribs, or separate fat, and choosing bone-IN cuts will result in higher yields.

 Therefore, expect to receive a range between 28-38% in yield of the live weight in boxed beef. A conservative average of this estimate should be about 32%. This means that a 1200 lb. steer could yield anywhere from 336lbs - 456lbs of boxed beef but will most likely yield around 384lbs of beef.

Estimate yield for a 1200 lb. steer: NOTE: This is JUST an estimate. Actual figures will vary.

1200 lbs. actual live weight x $2.49/lb. live weight = $2988 cost of steer

1200 lbs. x 32% = 384 lbs. yield in take home boxed beef

$2988 ÷ 384 lbs. = $7.78/lb. estimated per pound cost of take home boxed beef

In this conservative estimate the total cost for the animal was $2,988 and the yield was 384 lbs of meat.

That's $7.78 per pound, across the board, for all steaks, roasts, and ground beef!

            

Here's an Example of our Jersey Angus cross steer we harvested last fall: The live weight was 1405 lbs.   

( Note: this steer was a dairy breed cross so his total comes in a bit lighter than what one of our full Angus steers of this same weight would have yielded.)

3)How do I reserve a beef?

While we charge $2.49/lb. of the live weight, we will not be able to determine the total until the cow is at the butcher.

 So, when you place an order for a beef, we will start an invoice for you. This begins your reservation process. We reserve beeves in the order we receive deposits.

A non-refundable deposit is due when you reserve your beef.

Once your deposit is received, we will give you a cut sheet and guide you through the process of filling it out.

 You will also be given the date your cow is to be processed.  Please put this date on your calendar: you will be responsible to pick up your beef from the butcher approximately 2 weeks after this date.

When the animal is delivered to the butcher, it will be weighed and you will receive your total, less the deposit you paid when you reserved your beef. Once you are notified, your balance is due to be paid within 7 days. Your balance must be paid before you can pick up your meat.

Approximately 15 days after it's processing date, your frozen meat will be ready to pick up from the butcher!


4) Picking up my beef

You are responsible to pick up your meat from the butcher when you are notified that it is ready. This will be approximately 2 weeks after the animal was weighed and delivered.

 Generally, the butcher will allow you a couple days to pick up your beef, but please be respectful of his freezer space and understand that he needs it out as soon as possible.

Be sure to bring a couple large coolers and boxes in which to transport your beef. If possible, I would love for us to coordinate so that I can meet you there and help load out and make sure all goes smoothly, at least for your first adventure!

The butcher is located in Casey County, about 20 minutes from Liberty, KY.

Call me and reserve your whole or half cow today! 

call Monica at: 903.372.0126

email: Monica@FireflyFieldsKY.com