Frequently Asked Questions Beef

General Beef Questions

How is the beef packaged?

All items are frozen and individually packaged in a vacuum sealed pack for freshness.

Do I need to keep my beef frozen?

If you are not going to eat your meat right away, we recommend that you keep it frozen. Beef is good in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, though it will likely last longer as long as it is kept between 30-34 degrees Fahrenheit. 

How long can I store my frozen meat? 

Beef can be stored in a freezer for approximately 9-12 months with no loss of quality. It will be safe to eat after 12 months, but there is a higher risk of freezer burn, dehydration, and broken packages, which can decrease quality.

How should I thaw my frozen beef?

The best way to thaw beef is to place it on a tray and stick it in the refrigerator for about 12 hours, or longer for thicker cuts of meat. If you need to thaw it more rapidly, your best option is to place the vacuum-sealed package in cold water for around 45 minutes. You should only use the microwave as a last resort.

    Bulk Freezer Beef Questions

    Why should I buy bulk freezer beef?

    • Bulk freezer beef is less expensive on an average per pound basis.
    • Customize what cuts of meat you want and how you want them cut. Specify the thickness of your steaks.
      • Select the number of steaks per package.
      • Choose the size of your roasts.
      • Don’t want the brisket? Have it made into ground beef!

    How much will it cost?

    Bulk freezer beef is sold by the carcass weight of the animal. The weight of our average live animal is just over 1,400 lbs. A beef animal will have a carcass weight that is 58-65% of its live weight. So, our average carcass weight is 870 lbs. Carcass weight is what you pay for on a per pound basis because the specific meat cuts that an individual selects can make a huge difference in the weight of the meat received after it is butchered. For example, if you select bone-in steaks and/or roasts, you will receive more pounds of final product than someone who selects all boneless cuts.

    The meat cost is $3.00 per pound of carcass weight (paid to Horning Farms). There is an additional cost for the meat processing (paid directly to the meat processor). It includes a flat fee and a cutting and wrapping fee per pound.

    How much meat will I receive?

    With bulk freezer beef, the amount of meat you put in your freezer varies because of anything from the animal’s size to the cuts of meat you select. For example, if you select bone-in steaks and/or roasts, you will receive more pounds of final product than someone who selects all boneless.

    How many steaks and roasts can I expect?

    The number of steaks and roast you receive when purchasing bulk freezer beef can vary greatly depending on the way you select to have your meat cut. For example, steak thickness and weight of roasts.

    How much freezer space will I need?

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