BUYING BEEF

Storage space, power sources, timing, there are a lot of factors that play into getting the absolute most out of every dollar you spend on food. We are here to help you understand every step of the process and change the way you feed yourself and the people you care for. 

Common Measurement Terms

  • Hanging Weight

    When shopping for bulk beef online the term hanging weight is sure to come up. This is the weight of the beef carcass prior to cutting and wrapping. This measurement accounts for bone, fat, and meat but does not represent the weight of the finished product.

  • Cut Weight (Take Home Weight)

    Cut weight is the amount of meat that is cut and wrapped for consumption from a beef, and is less than the hanging weight and much less than the live weight of the animal. The average dressing percentage for beef is 63%, meaning that a 1,000 lb hanging weight will yield a carcass that weighs about 630 lbs after slaughter.

  • Cubic Foot (cu ft, cu/ft, cu ft3)

    The measurement used by the majority of appliance retailers to describe the capacity of different freezers and fridges.

Why Price By Hanging Weight?

When you're buying bulk beef from our ranch, you are on the ground floor of fresh cuts. All the bulk orders we fill are priced by hanging weight as costs such as butcher fees and dry aging, are calculated by hanging weight and included in the pricing. When shopping by the lbs/kg in grocery stores you are paying cut weight price. In stores, pricing ranges from as high $67/kg or $26/lbs for Ribeye Grilling steak down to as $15/kg or $6.81/lbs for ground meat depending on quality. When buying bulk from 1911 Ranch we work hard to manage our beef market and keep competitive prices. We are within $1/lbs compared to Sobeys, Co-Op, or Walmart with superior quality.

When you make a purchase, we place your money into our process, which includes the feeding cycle. At this time the final weight is unknown. As a bulk customer your purchase price will vary from other customers as every pound of meat you buy comes from the same animal. This is why you do not pay in full until just prior to delivery. Once the final weight is determined, we will call and arrange to meet you.

Any Questions? Contact Us

Example 1/4 Share Calculation

Deposit of $99

Example hanging weight at 180lbs

Example Price: $8.25/lb.

180 lbs x $8.25 = $1485 less
$99 Deposit = $1386

Pricing fluctuates with the cattle market. Check our available stock or sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date on current beef prices.

SHOP BEEF

Storage

Beef is a great food source and not only for it's nutritional value and the delicious meals you can create with it. Your order is fresh and can store for up to 2 years in a quality freezer. A great way to be prepared for an emergency. It is recommended that you cycle through your beef yearly to maximize the taste profile but having extra on hand is great. Ask us about scheduling you for a rotating supply!

Freezer Space

1 cubic foot allows for approximately 35lbs of beef. This varies with the different shapes and sizes of packages you store. Every freezer size below uses a standard wall outlet for power.

The top freezer on a fridge/freezer combo can store 3-4 cu ft. You could fit an 1/8th beef share depending on if you have an ice maker or other items.

5 cu ft freezers are about the minimum size to get a 1/4 beef stored. If you use this size for other storage we recommend starting with an 1/8th share first.

6-7 cu ft is a safe 1/4 beef with room to spare.

8 cu ft is another minimum size, you could fit a 1/2 beef but if there are other items stored, start with a 1/4 share to see what works best for you.

9-12 cu ft is the right range to store a 1/2 beef share with room for extra.

16 cu ft is a whole beef order minimum. We recommend you look at 17-20 cu ft freezers to be certain and have space to organize your cuts. If you have the room, 24 cu ft stores a full beef with ample room for other supplies. Paired with a small generator and fuel supply, you are well prepared for a lot of different emergencies.

Working With Your Schedule

Don't have a deep freeze? Have a deep freeze but want to save up for a larger beef share? Want to secure todays pricing in case markets rise? With 1911 Ranch you can get into the private local beef market by securing a share right away. Place your deposit and we will call to set up the plan that works for you. We want to time the events of your experience to maximize freshness and work with your busy life.

SHOP BEEF SHARES