Almost a month ago, we published a story on the benefits of cow share for those looking for access to raw milk. In the article, we mentioned that options also exist for those looking for steady access to organic beef, but glossed over the details. As it turns out, however, folks are curious about beef (and pig) share too, so read on for a little information on what this is, and how to find it.
The Principle
Meat share systems work off roughly the same principle as cow share (for milk), except the math is a little easier to figure. When you buy a “share” in a livestock animal, you’re generally buying a quarter, a side/half or even a whole/full animal. This entitles you to that fraction of the yield of meat. Unless otherwise noted, this is generally an even proportion of steaks, burger and the like. Some programs, however, will present you with a “cut sheet,” so you can select the exact cuts of meat you’d like.
The Benefits
Why go this route? Well for starters, beef-shares generally use 100-percent grass-fed cattle, which is generally desirable, yet almost always out of financial reach. When buying in such bulk, however, the price-per-pound becomes incredibly cost effective. It will also help support farms in or near your own community–you certainly can’t hate that.
Pig shares, of course, are not going to be grass fed, as the animals are omnivores. but the other benefits hold true. Its an economical, and almost always healthier, option than buying from your local big-box grocer.
How to Find One
So, if you’re sold on the idea of a meat share, how do you find one? Luckily, many of the same sorts of resources that exist to find cow shares, exist for meat as well. Cairncrest Farms helpfully lists a full directory of such farms at this link here: cairncrestfarm.com/find-local-grass-fed-beef-farm/, as does eatwild.com. If you can’t find anything that suits your needs in either of these places, simply searching for “cow/beef/pork share near _____” is always a good solution. Finally, if you’re feeling really lazy and have the means, Starwalker Organic Farms offers free shipping on a whole share of beef here.
A humble homesteader based in an undisclosed location, Lars Drecker splits his time between tending his little slice of self-sustaining heaven, and bothering his neighbors to do his work for him. This is mainly the fault of a debilitating predilection for fishing, hunting, camping and all other things outdoors. When not engaged in any of the above activities, you can normally find him broken down on the side of the road, in some piece of junk he just “fixed-up.”
Tom Brollini says
Well as an old farm boy, butcher steers are grain fed from the start, lots of grain for 90-120 days & hang for about 10days. Grass beef is tough & tasteless. Pigs are grained & run in fields & butchered at 280-300lbs, with 3 inches of back fat. Again, lean pigs are tough & tasteless! Fat makes the meat!
Old Number 5 says
If you’re looking for beef or pork to buy contact the local 4H or FFA in your cities high school. A lot of kids who raise their own livestock sell the meat also. You can go to the local county fair and ask around about buying a 1/4 or 1/2.
Big Al 45 says
I’ve been buying a half cow for 2 +years now, and it’s pretty good.
however, I feel the Ranch I’m buying from is NOT doing a good job on the process end, way too much ground and the ‘Steaks’ aren’t cut like Steaks as you would find at a quality Butchers or your local Supermarket.