When you purchase a half or whole beef, you have the opportunity to customize how your beef is cut and packaged. This guide explains the most common choices so you can confidently fill out your cut sheet when the time comes.

Don’t worry — we’re happy to help you make these decisions.

Step 1: Selecting Steak Thickness

When ordering beef, you will be asked to specify the thickness of your steaks.

Common options include:

• 3/4 inch - chuck and round steaks

• 1 inch – a classic steakhouse cut• 1.25 inches – thicker, ideal for grilling• 1.5 inches – fewer steaks but larger portions

✔ Typically, families prefer 1 inch.

Step 2: Packaging Your Steaks

Steaks are generally packaged as follows:

• 2 steaks per package (most popular)• 1 steak per package (additional charge)• 4 steaks per package

✔ We suggest packaging 2 steaks per package

Step 3: Choosing Roast Sizes

Roasts are cut from the chuck, rump, and arm sections.

Typical sizes are:

• 2–3 lb roasts – ideal for smaller families• 3–4 lb roasts – most frequently chosen• 4–5 lb roasts – suitable for larger family gatherings

✔ Most customers opt for 3–4 lb roasts.

Step 4: Ground Beef Options

Ground beef constitutes the largest part of your beef order.

You can select your package size and either regular or extra lean:

• 1 lb packages – the most popular choice• 2 lb packages

✔ We highly recommend 1 lb packages for convenience.

Step 5: Optional Cuts Available

Some cuts can be chosen optionally. If not selected, they are typically made into ground beef.

Common choices include:

Short Ribs: Excellent for slow cooking or smoking.

Tri-Tip: Excellent for grilling over indirect heat.

Flank Steak: Great for making fajitas or grilling.

Skirt Steak: Highly flavorsome, a favorite for tacos.

Brisket: Perfect for smoking or slow roasting.

Stew Meat: Cubed beef perfect for soups and stews.

Step 6: Requesting Bones and Organ Meats

You may request these items if desired.

Options may include:

• Soup bones (great for making broth)• Liver• Heart• Oxtail

If you prefer not to receive these, they will not be included.

Step 7: Final Packaging Details

Your beef will be packaged as follows:

• Professionally wrapped• Clearly labeled by cut• Frozen and boxed for freshness

Vacuum sealing may also be offered depending on the processor.reformidans nam, ut pri democritum consectetuer.

How Much Beef Will I Receive?

Approximate take-home amounts:

Half Beef

• 200–225 lbs of beef• ~40–50 lbs steaks• ~50–60 lbs roasts and other cuts• ~100 lbs ground beef

Whole Beef

• 400–450 lbs of beef

Exact amounts depend on the size of the animal and your cut selections.

Freezer Space Needed

Half beef requires approximately:

7–10 cubic feet of freezer space. A half cow, once processed, usually weighs around 200-225 pounds of meat. To store all of this, a large chest freezer works perfectly.

Our Recommendation for First-Time Buyers

If you're unsure what to choose, this is a great standard cut sheet:

Steaks: 1 inch thick from the Rib, Short Loin, and SirloinPackaging: 2 steaks per packRoasts: 3–4 lbsGround beef: 1 lb packages

Optional cuts:

✓ Brisket

✓ Tri-Tip✓ Short ribs✓ Flank steak✓ Stew meat✓ Soup bones

Questions? Call Gus! 520-235-2597

We are always happy to walk customers through the process. If you have a specific request on the processing such as extra lean or high fat, contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate.

Buying beef in bulk can feel new the first time, but most families tell us it becomes their favorite way to buy beef once they experience the quality and convenience.