Custom Processing

Custom Processing - Buy a whole or half cow!

We sell our custom beef live on the hoof for $2.25/lb (also known as live weight).  The live weight is determined when the animal is unloaded at the processor.  The weight of each animal varies, but our animals average around 1200 lbs.

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 as simple as possible. 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 find the simplest solution and will walk you through each step of the way.

How much meat you can expect back depends on two factors: the weight of the animal and how you choose to have it processed. Each animal varies a bit in how it carries its weight, so you can expect a range in yield even from animals that weigh the same. How you process it also effects the final outcome. Having everything processed into burger will result in the lowest yield, while saving the soup bones and choosing all bone-IN cuts will result in the highest. You can expect a range of 28-38% 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:

1200 lbs x $2.25/lb = $2700

1200 lbs x 32% = 384 lbs yield

$2700 ÷ 384 lbs = $7.03/lb

In this estimate, that's $7.03 per pound, across the board, for all steaks, roasts, and ground beef!

Actual Example: Our latest steer had a live weight of 1405 lbs. The cut sheet for half A asked for all bone-IN cuts and only about 1/3 ground beef, which yielded 240 lbs of boxed beef = 34% of the live weight. The cut sheet for half B asked for all bone-LESS cuts with over 1/2 of it ground beef, which yielded 200 lbs of boxed beef = 28% of the live weight.

A non-refundable deposit is due when you reserve your beef, at the time you place your order.

Once your deposit is received, we will give you a cut sheet and guide you through the process of filling it out. When the animal is delivered to the processor, it will be weighed and you will receive your total, less the deposit. 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 14 days after drop off, your frozen meat will be ready to pick up from the butcher.

Our price of $2.25/b live weight 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. Specialty products 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.

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. 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