Are you a meat lover looking to stock up on high-quality beef?
Have you considered purchasing a quarter side of beef?
This option allows you to get a variety of cuts at a lower cost per pound than buying individual cuts.
But how much does it actually cost?
The answer varies depending on the weight of the animal and the specific cuts you choose.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs and give you an idea of what to expect when purchasing a quarter side of beef.
So, grab a seat and get ready to learn about this delicious and cost-effective option for meat lovers.
How Much Does A Quarter Side Of Beef Cost?
The cost of a quarter side of beef can vary depending on a few factors. The first factor is the weight of the animal. A quarter side of beef typically weighs between 85-130 pounds, with an average weight of around 110 pounds. The price is usually based on the hanging weight of the beef, which is the weight after the head, hide, and leg bones have been removed.
The second factor that affects the cost is the specific cuts you choose. When you purchase a quarter side of beef, you will receive a mix of cuts including steaks, ground beef, and roasts. The exact breakdown of cuts can vary, but typically you can expect to receive 25% steaks, 35% roasts and miscellaneous cuts, and 40% ground beef.
The cost per pound for a quarter side of beef can range from $2.35 to $5.95 per pound on the hanging weight, with an average cost of around $5.10 per pound. This means that a quarter side of beef can cost anywhere from $100 to $1400 depending on the weight and specific cuts chosen.
What Is A Quarter Side Of Beef?
A quarter side of beef is a portion of a whole beef that includes a mix of cuts including steaks, ground beef, and roasts. It typically weighs between 85-130 pounds, with an average weight of around 110 pounds. When you purchase a quarter side of beef, you will receive a variety of cuts that make up the entire animal. This includes popular cuts like rib eye steaks, sirloin steaks, flank steak, and ground beef, as well as lesser-known cuts like brisket and short ribs.
The cost of a quarter side of beef is usually based on the hanging weight of the beef, which is the weight after the head, hide, and leg bones have been removed. The cost per pound can vary depending on the weight and specific cuts chosen. Typically, a quarter side of beef will include around 25% steaks, 35% roasts and miscellaneous cuts, and 40% ground beef.
Buying a quarter side of beef can be a great way to save money and stock up on high-quality meat. It requires some freezer space, but it provides a variety of cuts that can be used for everyday meals or special occasions. The cost per pound for a quarter side of beef can range from $2.35 to $5.95 per pound on the hanging weight, with an average cost of around $5.10 per pound.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Quarter Side Of Beef
There are several factors that can affect the cost of a quarter side of beef. One of the main factors is the way the animal was raised prior to slaughter. There are three main systems of farming beef: Grain Finished, Grass-Fed, and Organic Grass-Fed. The cost per pound for each system can vary greatly. Conventional Grain Finished beef can range from $6.25 to $7.75 per pound, 100% Grass-Fed, Grass Finished beef can range from $8.40 to $10.50 per pound, and Organic & 100% Grass-Fed, Grass Finished beef can range from $12 to $16 per pound.
Another factor that affects the cost is the season. Beef prices are typically at their lowest in early to mid-Autumn. Supply and demand also play a role in the cost of a quarter side of beef. Recently, there has been a significant increase in overall meat prices due to labor shortages and inflation.
The specific cuts you choose can also affect the cost. When purchasing a quarter side of beef, you will receive a mix of cuts including steaks, ground beef, and roasts. The exact breakdown of cuts can vary, but typically you can expect to receive 25% steaks, 35% roasts and miscellaneous cuts, and 40% ground beef.
Understanding The Different Cuts Of Beef
There are many different cuts of beef that come from the different primal cuts of the animal. Understanding the differences between these cuts can help you make informed decisions when choosing which cuts to include in your quarter side of beef.
The chuck is a large primal cut that comes from the neck and shoulder of the cow. It is a tougher cut of meat, but also full of flavor. Popular chuck cuts include the flat iron, Denver cut, and chuck eye roast.
The brisket comes from the breast meat of the cow and is a fatty, tough cut of beef. It is commonly used for corned beef and pastrami.
The rib primal cut comes from the backbone and lower ribs. The fat from these areas makes these tender cuts of beef. The rib meat tends to be more expensive, and popular cuts include prime rib, ribeye, and back ribs.
The plate primal cut is from the rib section, which contains a lot of fat and cartilage, making it best for braising. Popular cuts of plate meat include short ribs and skirt steak.
The shank comes from the forearm and is one of the toughest cuts of beef, making it a great option for soups or stews. The shank cross cut comes from this part of the cow.
The short loin primal cut comes from the hindquarters and contains the most tender type of beef, the tenderloin. The tender beef cuts from this area tend to be the best cuts of beef and also the most expensive. Popular cuts of short loin include filet mignon, T-bone steak, strip steak, and hanger steak.
The sirloin primal cut is found closer to the rear legs and contains different cuts of steak that are less tender than the short loin but more flavorful. Popular sirloin cuts include tri-tip steak, top sirloin steak, and coulette steak.
The round primal cut is from the back legs and rump, making it tough and one of the leanest cuts of beef. Because of this, it is the cheapest cut of beef and is best used for slow cooking or to make burger meat. Popular round cuts include top round roast, bottom round roast, and eye of round roast.
Finally, the flank primal cut is located behind the plate, making it a tough but flavorful cut of beef. The flank steak is the most popular beef cut from this part of the cow.
Understanding these different cuts can help you choose which ones to include in your quarter side of beef based on your preferences for tenderness, flavor, and cooking method.
Tips For Purchasing And Storing A Quarter Side Of Beef
If you’re considering purchasing a quarter side of beef, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure optimal freshness and safety during storage.
Firstly, it’s important to get recommendations from others in your area who have purchased a quarter side of beef before. They can give you insight into the quality and reputation of different vendors. Additionally, you should ask about what the beef is fed, as grass-fed beef is generally considered healthier.
If possible, visit the farm where the beef is raised to ensure that the animals are being treated humanely. Comparing prices is also important, as the cost of a quarter side of beef can vary greatly depending on the vendor and specific cuts chosen.
Once you’ve purchased your quarter side of beef, it’s crucial to prepare for storage. You’ll need to have enough freezer space and a clean workstation for separating and packaging the meat. Vacuum sealing is recommended as it will keep the beef fresh for longer and prevent freezer burn. It’s also important to keep raw beef separate from other foods in the freezer to avoid contamination.
To ensure optimal freshness and safety during storage, it’s recommended to use a stand-alone freezer set to at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining good seals on your freezer and keeping it closed during power outages will also help preserve the quality of the meat.
Finally, learning how to cook unusual or low-end cuts of beef can help you make the most of your purchase and prevent waste. With these tips in mind, purchasing and storing a quarter side of beef can be a cost-effective way to feed your family high-quality, locally sourced meat.
Is A Quarter Side Of Beef Right For You?
Deciding whether a quarter side of beef is right for you depends on a few factors. One important consideration is your budget. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to purchase high-quality beef, a quarter side of beef may be a good option. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider purchasing smaller quantities of beef.
Another factor to consider is your storage space. A quarter side of beef can take up quite a bit of space in your freezer, so make sure you have enough room before making the purchase. If you have limited freezer space, you may want to consider purchasing a smaller quantity of beef or splitting a quarter side with friends or family.
Additionally, if you’re looking for specific cuts of meat or want more control over the types of cuts you receive, a quarter side of beef may not be the best option. When purchasing a quarter side of beef, you will receive a mix of cuts that can vary depending on the specific animal and butcher.
