Reserve your beef for 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost me?
Prices are based on current market prices of beef, so there may be some slight fluctuations in costs. In order to keep the cost of our beef consistent, we charge $5.00 per pound hanging weight. That includes the cost of the processing.
Traditionally, a whole beef is around $3000, 1/2 would be around $1500, and a quarter would be around $750.
Again, all numbers are approximate. All weights are approximate; all prices are approximate.
What happens after I Place My Order?
When you order a Whole, Half, or Split-half of beef (quarter beef), we reserve your beef. Our next available beef order is August 2024.
A few days after we take the beef to the processor, they will let us know the hanging weight, and we will give you the total amount due then.
After the beef is aged and processed (14 days or so), they will contact you when your beef is ready to be picked up. Full payment is due at that time.
How much meat can I expect to take home?
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to take home 45% of your calf’s live weight. The following examples are based on an 1150 lb. steer at approximately 45%:
| Size of Beef | Packaged meat |
| Whole beef | *517 lbs. |
| Half beef | *258 lbs. |
| Split half (1/4 beef) | * 130 lbs. |
How much freezer space will I need for a 1/4 beef?
A rule to follow if you have to purchase a deep freezer is 1 cubic foot per 30 lbs. of meat. A 7 cu. ft. freezer should be plenty of room for the beef, leaving some room for other items you may need to store.
What cuts of meat are in a 1/4 beef?
Traditionally processed beef is divided into 25% steaks, 25% roasts, 40% ground beef, and 5-10% other miscellaneous cuts of meat (soup bones, liver, brisket, etc.)
Can I get my beef processed into the cuts I want?
Yes. We do custom orders for customers who order whole or half portions of beef.
What is a Standard Cut?
For a Standard Cut, you will receive Ground Beef and Stew Meat in 1 lb. packages, Steaks 2 per pack, and 3-4 lb. Roasts. The Liver and Soup Bones may be available at your request.
How long will it take to receive the meat?
The meat is dry-aged for up to 14 days, so the meat is usually available within 3 weeks. (August 2024)
Do you sell grass-fed beef?
All of our beef is grass-fed, but we finish our beef on grain to improve the marbling, flavor, and tenderness of the meat.
What is a split quarter?
When an animal is harvested, it is split into halves. The front quarter contains the chuck roasts and chuck steaks, the arm roasts, and the rib steaks. The hindquarter contains the sirloin, porterhouse, and T-bone steaks.
So, if you were to buy 1/4 beef, typically, you would receive the front quarter or the hindquarters. However, we split these two quarters to give our customers a selection of all cuts of steaks and roasts in their 1/4 beef.
What is hanging weight?
Hanging weight, or hot carcass weight, is the weight after the organs, head, and legs have been removed. The cattle have an average hanging weight of 55-60% of their live weight. *In 2019 and 2020, the hanging weight averaged over 60%!
When will my reserved order be ready to pick up?
The packaged meat should be ready for pick up at Williams Bros. Processing in Washington, MO, 3 weeks from the time taken in. For 2024, that will be in August.
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