Bulk Freezer Beef Sales- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For those who are new to ordering meat in bulk or to McMullen Beef, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Q. Is ordering freezer beef right for me?
A. Buying beef in bulk for your freezer is an exciting opportunity. You are guaranteeing a constant supply of high-quality, flavorful beef for a fraction of what it would cost in stores. You are also supporting local food and farmers. Thank you!
What is the size of your family? How much freezer space do you have? How much beef do you eat? Do you enjoy trying different cuts of beef? Do you like entertaining? You should consider all of these questions before investing in bulk freezer beef. Because this is a great time to buy quality Angus beef from a local farmer you can trust, you could always "split" your bulk order with a family member, friend, or neighbor.
Q. Why McMullen Cattle - All Natural Freezer Beef?
A. Not all freezer beef is created equal. Here's why McMullen Beef is a cut above the rest:
A. Not all freezer beef is created equal. Here's why McMullen Beef is a cut above the rest:
- The care and and well-being of our cattle is our top priority. Kindness matters from start to finish.
- You're buying directly from the farmer who raised the animal and the generations before—no middlemen.
- We combine premium animal genetics and nutrition for the most delicious beef you'll ever eat.
- High-quality, Angus beef transforms your grill into your own five-star restaurant kitchen.
Q. Why is marbling so important?
A. Marbling makes meat taste great. These small white flecks of fat render into liquid while the steak cooks, infusing the beef with buttery flavor. Aside from a flavor boost, marbling makes beef more tender. When beef is graded, much of the rating depends on the degree of marbling (Prime most, Choice less, and Select least).
Q. Why is McMullen Beef “all natural”?
A.
The term “natural” comes from the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). It means our beef contains no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed. Minimal processing means that the product was processed in a manner that does not fundamentally alter the product. In addition, McMullen beef has no chemical preservatives, no hormones, and no antibiotics.
Q. How much freezer space will I need?
A. Depends on the size of your animal, how you package the meat, freezer configuration, and how much you can fit into a small space. Think real life Tetris
skills! Generally, one cubic foot of freezer space will hold 35-40 pounds of packaged meat.
- Quarter (about 125-150 pounds take-home meat): 5 cubic feet
- Half (about 250-300 pounds take-home meat): 10 cubic feet
- Whole (about 500-600 pounds take-home meat): 20 cubic feet
Q.
What will my approximate total cost be?
A. Price is hanging weight x $3.00 / lb. + butcher's processing fee. Due to the variability of butcher shop prices, please contact us for an estimated cost breakdown for your quarter (¼), half (½), and whole beef.
Q.
What does "hanging weight" mean?
A.
Hanging weight is how much the carcass weighs after it is skinned and the head and internal organs are removed. This is usually about 62 percent of the live weight of the animal, and what most private beef sellers base their per-pound cost on.
Q.
How long does the meat hang?
A.
The beef carcass hangs and ages at least 10-14 days, which tenderizes and develops flavor in the meat.
Q. If I buy a quarter cow, is it the front quarter or the rear quarter?
A.
It’s both. Quarters are actually split halves, so you get a little bit of everything when you purchase a quarter cow.
Q.
Can I choose how I would like the meat cut?
A. It depends on how much beef you order. Half or a whole beef orders are fully customized to your specifications. Since quarters are actually split halves, generally that half of the animal is processed the same way.
Q.
Can I wrap and freeze the beef myself?
A. Yes, you can wrap and freeze the meat yourself. If interested, we can help you find out the butcher's current charge.
Q. What meat cuts are included in a quarter beef?
A. In an average 225 lb. quarter (¼) you will get:
- 1 arm roast
- 5 chuck roasts
- 7-8 rib steaks or Delmonico (same meat but without bone)
- 4 T-bone steaks
- 4 Porterhouse steaks
- 4 Sirloin steaks
- 5 Round steaks
- 1 rump roast
- 2 sirloin tip roasts
- 60 lbs. hamburger (see note below)
Each package is individually labeled, so you'll be sure to thaw out exactly what you want for your next meal.
Note: Your individual quarter may be larger or smaller than this, but these are typical cuts. You can choose differently. For example, the amount of hamburger can range from 40 – 80 pounds from a quarter beef. That's one of the benefits of working directly with a butcher. You get what you want. "Extras" such as liver and soup bones are available upon request.
Q. How long will my meat last in the freezer?
A. FoodSafety.gov, recommends eating frozen beef roasts and steaks within four to 12 months. Ground beef is best within three to four months. However, those are guidelines for best quality. There is no safety issue with eating meat that has been in the freezer longer. In our personal experience, as long as it is kept frozen and securely wrapped, beef should be good to the upper end of those recommendations, or beyond.
Q.
What is the process to reserve and obtain McMullen Cattle - All Natural Freezer Beef?
A. Easy, Peasy! 😉
(1) Reserve your beef.
(2) Send a deposit to secure your quarter (¼), half (½), or whole steer. Non-refundable deposit = $150 per quarter.
(3) We transport your steer to the butcher shop when it's ready.
(4) We contact you with the actual hanging weight and bill you for the balance of the beef's cost less your original deposit.
(5) You call the butcher and tell them your "cutting orders” (how you want your meat cut and packaged). If you do not know what you want or have never done it before, they'll walk you through it.
(6) When your meat's ready you'll pick it up and pay the butcher's processing fee.
(7) ENJOY! Please send us your feedback and photos.
If you have ANY further questions, please feel free to
contact us. We're happy to help!
