How much for a Whole Cow // Is it worth it // Local Farm Raised Beef

[@dawuda1986]

That’s a wonderful price. I’m about to process my black angus steer. He weighs 1200 pounds. We are a large family 15 children, 47 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. So we process 3 times a year. We raise our own livestock. It saved us this year alone 7, 000 dollars. We grow 90% of what we eat

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

thats amazing you are very blessed great job on growing that much food

[@mariesmith504]

Do you have a youtube channel? I'm interested in learning more about your lifestyle.

[@dawuda1986]

@@mariesmith504 no I don’t.

[@pumpkinwarrior7138]

Why so many kids?

[@dawuda1986]

@@pumpkinwarrior7138 we wanted a big family. We have 2 sets of twins and a set of triples.

[@donaldlee9952]

Before you buy the freezers or beef, consider buying a generator and fuel. Over the last couple of decades, I have several times seen neighbors filling their dumpsters with food after an extended power outage.

[@FarmerC.J.]

Depending what your amperage is on your vehicle/alternator you can buy an inverter and a set of jumper cables as emergency power backup.

[@FarmerC.J.]

Depending what your amperage is on your vehicle/alternator you can buy an inverter and a set of jumper cables as emergency power backup.

[@FreeDom-fv8wy]

You get that back from insurance if it's from a storm/power outage. I've had it happen.

[@stevenp25100]

​@@FreeDom-fv8wy must have no deductible lol

[@FreeDom-fv8wy]

@@stevenp25100 it was a renters insurance policy

[@jetpaq]

I regret never finding a woman this nurturing and cooperative, and family centered..cherish your precious unicorn, my friend. She's a gem!!!!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you I am a lucky man She is an amazing woman

[@KoolKumasi]

I agree salute brother to you and your wonderful, salute to the husband and wife and family!!!

[@Guitarzan8]

Plus you need to fear her. Whenever she speaks the wind blows!

[@Mr_Smith_369]

Many in rural Russia

[@Ben-gone]

Oh there’s way much more ladies out here in country life we stay quiet.🙏🏻🙌🏻God/Family 😉

[@Nachos_Dimension]

In Mexico cow tongue is a delicacy. It’s also referred to as the poor man’s filet mignon. I recommend you boil it with garlic, onion, and a couple of bay leaves. Peal the skin instead of trimming it off. It’s way easier and you save meat. Cube it up and pan sear the cubes with your favorite beef seasoning till it’s browned to your liking. Super good cut of beef.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

thanks for the advice on cooking it

[@orlandor7825]

Tongue is good, also Tripe.

[@stricnine69]

This is the way. Our local stock yards give me the tongues that people dont want. I cook them all this way. 100% best cut on the cow.

[@1Charioteer]

Tongue makes a delicious taco too! I was skeptical at first, but WOW!

[@josephlozano7792]

That's how my family does it.

[@woman_of_spirit7752]

Back when people were getting their free money and going and buying big screen TVs I decided to use my money a different way. I purchased a small freezer and got a quarter of a beef. I checked the money I had left and decided I would purchase a small hog and a second small freezer.I have shared it with family and still have plenty left. Some I have canned for future use and making quick meals I rendered the tallow and lard for cooking and soap making. Blessings all around

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

That's smart! I'm gonna be canning up some of this meat too for shelf storage. Blessings!

[@jeremiah-hr7ik]

Yup I bought a freezer and filled it with me I had tv and I don't wat h them anyway nothing on them dull shows I spend time praying and reading my Bible we need the lord to help us as a world amen

[@TurkeyDart]

Awesome

[@shanedorries5829]

@Woman_Of_Spirit I like that you spent the American Taxpayers dollars smarter than most others. Remember the government does not make money, they take money from the working class and business owners. Thank you for making smart decisions with that money.

[@candygarfield1479]

I bought gardening supplies, chicken coop materials. HIERLOOM SEEEEDS. And started "cracking the books" on KZbin. 3 years in. Never going back.. I heard another is coming.. that's going to a local co op.. beef pork chicken produce. I have all I need otherwise. And I too was horrified watching TV the crap people bought with that. I also paid my daughter's water bill up. And my other daughters phone a few months . And glad to do it.. they take good care of me.. never ask for anything.. not even those things. I just did it..

[@michellemurdock3938]

I was raising a family of 6, 4 kids to feed daily, we did whole cow,( my family got half ) once a year and split it w/my husband's family, We had the most kids so we went through it, and also did 1/3 of a hog. My husband passed 10 yrs ago and my kids are now grown. I miss getting our meat like this.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

I'm so sorry for your loss, it definitely makes me realize to enjoy even these types of things. 💗

[@lovenotes5299]

I have even found local farmers i could get 10 pork chops for $10, and 2 steaks at a time packed in portions that are like $20 each, slab bacon, $10 a pack ,sausage- $5 a pack of rope , etc. Much better for a widower like me, whose shildren are all grown up and on their own.

[@stevensaxon8888]

@@GrainFreeHomestead just found & subscribed to your channel. My granddad raised /processed 6 black Angus steers & 6 hogs per year.gave the meat to family & friends. He passed away in 1992.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

ty for the sub, your granddad was a awesome man what a great way to bless his family and friends.

[@elderberryfarmlife4258]

I love the topic but I can barely hear you with all the wind, would you consider doing it again indoors? I really want to hear what you have to say.

[@chefjinx1887]

I'm a chef that recently moved from Dallas back to my small oil town of Port Arthur, TX. I know that food costs everywhere are super expensive and appreciate what you guys are doing to support the local farm community in your area. I had been considering going in half with a buddy of mine on a whole beef purchase and you guys have just given me more motivation to do it. Thanks for the great content.

[@donaldpatterson2845]

I have beef cattle and sell meat to people. I live in Georgetown Texas

[@DigitHomesteading]

Hey I'm from PA! Don't live far now

[@WarriorforTruth429]

I live in Orange Tx and you are so right food has gone crazy

[@WreckerGirl-ec2sc]

I think I’m going to get a half as well , it taste better , ya know what it was fed and didn’t get pumped full of antibiotics or whatever else they do these days.

[@christopherlewis1017]

PA in the house

[@sandygreen2707]

It was $3000 for approximately 420 lbs of take home beef. You’re welcome

[@JacobyLacoby]

Thank you

[@oldsalty8562]

Thank you.

[@nikicarrie4071]

MVP

[@SalSen-ph4pr]

7$ a pound

[@davidcampos268]

Thank you

[@grootsgracemission]

I can’t remember the last time I bought meet from a shop. You guys bought a great message in this video. Buy local, support local. God Bless you guys.

[@ismaelhall3990]

This is like those great traditions our forefathers used to do when they were still living in villages and tribes. Helping one another. Feed the village and everyone is happy.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Yes it is

[@c.jillallen-hood4685]

My dad used to go in together with a few others to purchase a whole year worth of beef, pork, and chicken. Let me tell you, that was the absolute best food ever. I learned such valuable lessons from them. And as you mentioned, my dad had personal communication with his butcher, and he was the absolute best guy to cut, grind, and package exactly as requested, even the stuff that most would throw away!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

It taste so much better

[@jonothandoeser]

GO VEGAN!!!!!

[@tomascervinka1349]

​@@jonothandoeserit is not sustainable

[@Dennis-c1w]

​@@jonothandoeserTurn rabbit,no thanks.

[@machone539]

I belong to an informal club. So when our local butcher have access to whole hog/cow/sheep, the club split the cost of the carcass. Sometimes we do get a discount because everyone wants more than a single whole carcass and we end up with buying two carcasses. As a bonus, our butcher makes kickass sausage so nothing goes to wastes. We have some members that do render the fat. Some for cooking and some for tallow.

[@hollyhopalong7405]

I had a discussion with a well meaning vegan recently. I love beef! She was convinced I killed hundreds of animals a year, this video showed just how much food is on a cow, humanely raised. Thank you!

[@country4lyfe365]

The way that beef looked is amazing. I know beef and those steaks looked great. And the way they packaged it is outstanding.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

@@country4lyfe365 they taste amazing too thanks for the comments

[@lizf506]

Thank you! I get tired of people not understanding the difference between hanging weight and what you bring home. I appreciate this video.

[@lizf506]

But I do like getting beef this way.

[@BlisséTumblers]

last year we bought half a cow ($1500) for the first time. They shrink wrapped and labelled everything into parts/portions. We are a family of 8 and It lasted us a whole 13 months. Even though we asked for mostly ground beef it has been awesome. We bought a standing freezer. We will definitely do it again.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

It is great having so much food. You all made that last with a family of 8

[@BlisséTumblers]

@@GrainFreeHomestead i meal plan. 1 day beef, 1 day chicken, 1 day seafood, 1 veggie/bean and rice day, 1 day leftovers, 1 day order in, 1 day figure it out and leave me alone😂

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

😂

[@One1Luv]

That is Crazy! We purchased 1/2 a cow here in MO for $900, I believe it was about $50.00 additional for the butcher.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Prices can change wildly in different parts of the country. Different breeds from steer to Heifer to what they have been feed. effects the quality and taste as well as prices

[@jackiegriffiths7958]

Hot Tip-cow tongue is delicious sliced thin, marinated and cooked over coals. We order it all the time at the Korean BBQ houses here in Canada. I personally love the flavour. Dealing with skinning and cleaning it may be a chore but worth it in my opinion. Look to other cuisines when looking for recipe ideas for using "off cuts". Mexican, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, German, etc, use much more of the animal than we do.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Great advice thank you

[@bettypearson5570]

I grew up on a subsistence type farm and we raised our own meat. We couldn't afford things such as bologna or other lunch meat. Our version of lunch meat was tongue, heart and head cheese. My favorite was tongue which was so easy to slice because of the consistency of texture and the flavor.

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

In Mexico the whole beef tongue is boiled for soup broth, tongue when fully cooked is removed from the liquid, very easily skinned, I mean the skin slides right of. Vegetables are added to the broth for soup. The skinned tongue is shredded by hand, it comes apart real easy. Makes great tacos, or anything you like to do with it.😊❤ SO DELICIOUS 😋

[@buddyflood6761]

Sound good, I'll try that soon​@@heidimisfeldt5685

[@cbass2755]

My Mom back in the 600’s and 70’s always went in once a year with another family for beef. They each pain half for half cow. It was wonderful addition to the Deer and small game my Dad and Brothers got us yearly. Mom fed 8 people and our friends and family. My Mom was a wonderful women who make a penny scream.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Love it!! I believe thriftyness is a lost art, but believing it's making a come back.

[@southerncaltattooedbiker3643]

My Father raises Black Angus Cattle and every year he butchers at least 2 calf's that are about a year and a half old and he has a walk in freezer for all the beef and we just go to him and tell him what we need.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

That's awesome!!! We hope to be able to do this for our kids one day.

[@southerncaltattooedbiker3643]

@@GrainFreeHomestead I grew up with my Grandparents who had a ranch in Datel New Mexico and they raised everything every winter we would go to New Mexico and our Father and all of our Uncles would work on the farm they had over a thousand Black Angus Cattle and Horse's but they raised everything in fact because of my grandma I don't like milk and have not drank it since I was about 10 she had just milked the dairy cow's and the milk was hot and I felt like it had haye in it I know that it probably didn't but I can't bring myself to drink it. They have since passed away but my Uncle's run the farm now. I will say that was the best education I ever got. Because they had everything every animal you can think of the only thing to change it they built a new log cabin I miss my grandparents every day. Raising your children in that way of life they will learn how to live off the land and not the government 💖 love from Arizona 🤗 🇺🇸

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

thanks for sharing we are hoping the kids learn as much as possible

[@marthafast6613]

You are blessed! We tell our grown kids the same thing-anything in our freezer is yours too. That’s one reason why we fill it every year.

[@MelissaJackson83]

We bought a 1/2 cow this year in the spring. Got 440 lbs of take home for $1600.00. Averaged out to $3.63 per pound. I live in Michigan

[@MelissaJackson83]

That is for the purchase of the cow, the processing, and packaging. So the whole thing for $1600

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

That is awesome!! Great deal.

[@Whatsit2u]

Where at in Michigan

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

I am in Michigan. Too. Ypsilanti

[@shellclem1479]

Same in Tn. Far less prices than they listed.

[@OpenHandFarm]

As you probably saw on our video we got a whole hog but, we also got 1/4 of a cow. Our daughter was offered half a cow and because of the price she knew she couldn’t do the half so I asked if we wanted to share it with them. Buying grass fed grain finished beef has been a game changer! The meat is so good! I cannot stress enough the difference in the taste. You are so blessed to have a half! We might have to investigate doing a half next year. My husband compared the prices from the beef we bought with beef at Costco and ours was all cheaper and so much better! Thanks for sharing all the info in this video!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Yes! We have also found that Costco is pretty expensive on their meats.

[@Cue881]

I like the way you support the local farm. More people need to do this. Keep America great! Thanks for the video! God Bless!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you for commenting glad you enjoyed the video

[@kantemirovskaya1lightninga30]

just found this channel. Don't underestimate the cheeks. Cheeks are AWESOME braised! Good hearty Winter food

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

talked to the butcher that said its not legal for him to process the head so i couldnt get the cheeks

[@kantemirovskaya1lightninga30]

that is interesting... might explain why i cant get cheeks for quite a while unless we butcher them ourselves... cheeks are AWESOME if you can get them.@@GrainFreeHomestead

[@jeremysumpter8939]

mad cow comes from eating processed brains/nerve tissue, its a safety thing. Kinda scary they are still worried about it to the point you cant buy cheeks @@GrainFreeHomestead

[@samanthahopper1162]

Yay! Finally something near me lol. I live in between Mt. Washington and Shepherdsville. So, happy to have found your site. ❤

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Hey we are neighbors

[@TjFisher-x7z]

Thanks so very much for sharing with us. It was so nice of y’all. And very helpful.

[@johntalley7326]

Good job walking us through what you bought, got and paid. One of the best that I have seen on the subject.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Wow, thanks!

[@dre6289]

The tallow is an excellent fat to use for cooking instead of oil. I feel like it’s getting more popular

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Yes it is glad to see people finally catching on

[@lindamannix1247]

So that would be lard , yes ? Think of how the food tasted made with lard. Those pie crusts! Even Ritz crackers ! Even McDonalds used it for French fries til they couldn't ! My gram used to fry raised donuts in lard ! But no one was fat ! Huh !?

[@athomewithrosa]

Tallow can also be used for soap making. It's very economical in so many terms.

[@chefsigma6672]

Fast food used to be tallow back in the day for fries

[@michaelkaster5058]

@@lindamannix1247 Lard is rendered from pork fat, tallow is rendered from beef fat, basically the same thing but different flavor.

[@dylanortiz8407]

I love y’all. I heard you wanted us to share our prices. I promise I’m not bragging, supporting your community is amazing but here in Oklahoma we’re getting half cows at 400lbs hanging weight for $4.25/lb processing included. Economies of scale differ from area to area. Always support your local farmers

[@thehometownhomestead]

Ours was $2.70 hw plus processing in SWMO.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

that is a great price thanks for sharing your totals

[@trish194301]

Where in Oklahoma?

[@dylanortiz8407]

@@trish194301 Near Guthrie. Dunagan Farms

[@antoinettepeeps1]

Just got half at $5.50 with processing here in Califonia

[@abidinginchrist3139]

That’s a very good price And nothing beats the flavor of home grown beef. Definitely better value for your money!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Yes I totally agree thanks for commenting

[@the420xtc]

Nice, that meat is gonna taste so good. Grass fed taste so much better and you helped local, can't beat that. Great job ya'll thx!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thanks for commenting

[@Deuce-G-RC]

Love it you guys - subbed and liked. Keep on the path to true frredom, and much love

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you

[@tyrastephens3689]

We bartered a fishing boat for 2 steer. We got one last year and will get the 2nd one next summer. From the first we got 632lbs of beef. I didn’t get all the extras b/c so didn’t know what I know now. Next time it is game on! Give it ALL to me!

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

I just took my Jersey steer to be processed last week. His hanging weight was 400lbs, $50 fee for killing and eviscerating, and $0.67/lb. That puts my processing cost at this point at about $318. He cost me $85 to buy as a bottle calf that I put on my dairy goat who had lost her kid, and it cost me $5 for the vet to disbud him. Not sure what my feed costs were because I just fed him the same thing as I fed my goats, mostly alfalfa and hay near the end.

[@TheRhonda1957]

So how much meat did u get for the freezer? How is the taste?

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

@@TheRhonda1957 I don't know yet. I have another week before I get the meat back. I'll let you know what the final cost is on my channel.

[@TheRhonda1957]

@@HoneyHollowHomestead thank you!

[@hoboonwheels9289]

My dad stopped disbudding his steers cause they grew bigger with their natural hormones and were sent to the packers before they got interested in the cows.

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

@@hoboonwheels9289 Disbudding is burning off the horn buds. If done before they attach to the skull it is virtually painless. He never flinched when the vet did it with no pain killer. Castrating is what you are thinking about. I banded him myself. He was the first steer I ever raised, wasn't taking any chances at my age.

[@jamesarnett4129]

We were a family of seven, we hung a whole black angus & hog every fall. Mom & dad love to fish. So between the rabbits & chickens & turkeys we raise never ran out of meat. Our garden was 100 × 200, think my intire summer in that garden. But we never went hungry and always had good food to eat.

[@trailbadger2345]

Screw eating bugs, huh?

[@AirborneEclipse]

This was great to see and helpful. Thanks for your time sharing your experience with everyone.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

@@AirborneEclipse thank you for commenting we appreciate the feedback we made a second video without wind noise to answer questions

[@AliceWonders22]

Dang, it's wild to see an entire cow packaged and layed out like this lol awesome! Glad your family will be well fed through the year!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Me too we have enjoyed all the steaks it was more than we expected

[@NMIBUBBLE]

7.10 a pound holy smoke batman! That's Awesome! 1300 pound cow, hanging weight 700, then total 400 pounds? 1500 all together! That's a really good price! WOW Grass feed too! I think that's some really good advice on what to do for your community! Great video!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you so much for the encouraging words. we felt like it was a great deal and we have enjoyed some great meals from this cow.

[@cbordes1]

Great video. I learned a lot. Seeing all the beef laid out was astounding. This has really helped me to realize what’s involved. Thank you!!!!

[@mapleholler9800]

Just picked up a half of beef yesterday, here in west central Pa. Split it with our son. Paid $3.50 lb hanging, for 263 lbs. (Small grass fed angus raised by a family friend) We got 84 lbs of approximately 80/20 ground beef. The rest in steaks/roasts. We canned some of the roasts (8 quart), vacuum packed and froze the rest of them and all of the steaks. Took bones, liver, heart, and tongue. First time trying the latter 2. Cost $157.00 for processing. Used to do this when the kids were small, but this is the first in a few years. Cut some of the flank steaks into thin strips and frying up with eggs for breakfast this morning before our son and his family head back to WV. Unsure why this video just showed up in my YT offerings, but thanks for the information.

[@lolwtnick4362]

lol 80/20 is dog food

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I'm an advocate for local farms. Encouraging others to buy local. Thank you also.

[@MrZola1234]

Great video. Remind3d me of my childhood. We lived on 1 acre and raised a single beef cow at a time. We fed them grain the first 3 months... they were the best meat ever. The chuck steak was as good as store bought ribeye. The closest thing i have had as an adult is when I harvested a pig in central California.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you so much for commenting your right the steaks are amazing

[@lucybrenner3395]

When we were raising our three children and the older two were in their early teens we bought a whole cow on the hoof. We had it butchered and packaged to the size of packaging we needed. We shopped all over and found that.Sears was the only place we found that had a 31 cu. ft. upright freezer. It held one cow with no space left over. As the meat was used I'd buy some chicken and pork to give the family a break from beef. It lasted one year and we usually bought another cow in January.. That was back in the mid 70s.

[@lesleywatkins1172]

What a fantastic way to feed your family good quality meat! The cost is so good, sharing with another family is a great idea! So glad I’ve found your channel! 😊

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you so much for the encouragement and We are glad you enjoyed the video

[@warneckefarm6812]

Im a big deer hunter,, got 3 freezers i do my own cutting wrapping grinding, i enjoy it. I just found out last Friday when taking dad to the EYE Dr that I have 2 more brothers and 2 more sister's that I didn't know I had ,,my dad is 85 going to be 86 and marries for 55 yrs and I'm not saying anything not till he has passed,he would not tell me who or where,,he knows them and ,,they know him along with there children,, crazy

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

@@warneckefarm6812 that’s awesome

[@TYJFAM]

a new sub here love to see good family advice thank you very much!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you for commenting and the encouragement

[@Onedayatatimefarmstead7177]

New Friend here. Great video. My husband and I have been wanting to get a whole cow. I love the no waste approach. Have a BLESSED weekend. ❤❤❤

[@janetdufresne4448]

You do what it takes for your family. I love that you are supporting you local farmers.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you …local farmers are a very important part of all local communities. I would love to see more people buying directly from the Farm.

[@nigelnigel.]

Thank you, this is the way forward for everyone.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

our hope is it will encourage others

[@st-4u]

When I was young, we raised our own cows and had our meat butchered and we shared with it with family. Back then, I really thought that’s how everyone got their meat. I remember going to pick up the meats and bringing it home and sorting all the different kinds of meat. Brought back such fond memories.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thanks for sharing glad you enjoyed our video

[@jameswallace3043]

I appreciate all your thoughts the energy and the information you've offered us😊

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you glad it was helpful and thanks for commenting

[@TheWhitetailrancher]

NOTHING at all wrong with paying others for their talents and efforts! As a matter of fact, I am always VERY happy to pay for such things as quality, customer service and relationships.

[@bernardmckenzie9639]

For those who are able to harvest beef or any other livestock will definitely be beneficial in terms of prices we pay at supermarkets. Thank you for sharing and encouraging us that we can live off the land and not be held captive by companies who charge ridiculous prices for meat or food we can actually harvest ourselves. Great Video Grain Feed Homestead.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it

[@chuckriggsjr.6021]

We get a 1/4 black Angus every year. The butcher does a great job n the meat is always top quality. If we tried getting it at a store. We wouldn't be able to get any where near that amount. The quality would not be as good either. So I agree with you on supporting local farmers n businesses. I grew up farming. Health reasons changed that but it's a great life. That was an impressive amount of beef.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you yes it was and the quality is amazing thanks for commenting

[@life-rethought]

I moved from Los Angelos CA to Texas at 66 years solo. I bought 2 acres. I have my chickens and I am establishing an orchard and gardens. I am so happy to be part of a small comunity . I know 2 ranches within 5-10 mins of my home. I spoke with both about how and what they feed their animals. one place offers, beef, lamb, pork... it is so nice to support FRIENDS. and to KNOW what is in your food. yes I have the freezer but I have never fired it up. im thinking of canning the meat like my mother and grandmother did. so I am not dependent on power. though I have small scale solar. enough to run one fridge. thank you for this video, well executed. great perspective on $$$$$$s for I had loosely discussed splitting a cow with my neighbors.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Your doing amazing thanks for commenting and sharing glad you have great neighbors who you can get beef from. Have a blessed day

[@lilman_4]

Thank You for sharing! This took me way back to my childhood! My dad used to do the 😮 thing with our family! I think I might as well join

[@inthisseason]

Thank you so much for the breakdown. We are in north east Texas and found a farm that sells whole grass feed cows. We will hopefully be buying the whole cow and freezing most of it and canning the rest.

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

Just bought a 1/2 from a local rancher 6.50 a pound. Packaged how we want. Arrives Monday I’m so excited

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Awesome it’s great having so much stocked up

[@samuelponce1]

we did this and spread the meat with family its definitely got a fresher taste you can tell the difference like night and day compared to store bought like sam's or dillion's. More people need to support your local farmer's . very very important .

[@peacelilym]

My family and my friends are also supporting our local meat farmer in Melbourne, Australia, Thank you for sharing .God bless you and your precious family.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you so much and God Bless you and your family

[@janusbevins9959]

Thank u so much for posting this I have been wanting to know this for years

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. Thanks for commenting and we hope to make a part 2 of this to answer more questions we got since posting the video

[@lindacharron4021]

My Mother used to get tongues every Christmas, it was corned like corned beef. She would boil it and pot it. It sliced up like lunch meat. I loved it. Heart is the best tasting steak.

[@waltford2800]

This is definitely the way to go at refund season. It's so much cheaper, your meat hasn't traded a lot of hands and you're supporting your local farms! Buying local may cost more up front, but it's way better in terms of value, flavor and nutrition.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Totally agree!

[@Dead_Goat]

Not at 7 bucks a pound. That is paying more than supermarket prices.

[@megastick9324]

@@Dead_Goat where are you buying steaks and fillet for under 7.00lb? You aren’t, you have no idea what you’re talking about, but that doesn’t stop you from doing a lot of it.

[@w8what575]

And the more people doing it will help bring those costs down if done right…it keeps our money within our own communities which makes the community as a whole sustainable…foreign trade was designed to weaken a country…lower immunity…and quality for dollar spent..they can inflate prices like they have but the ranchers aren’t getting any more per head at the auctions…it’s the processors that are controlling and inflating the prices…they have total control if we don’t start trying to support our local businesses and communities

[@KPVFarmer]

That’s a really great deal for a grass fed beef! Folks like you that can plan ahead by having freezer space and buying direct can get better quality at about the same or a little more money. Get to know your local farmers! Cheers 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thanks for commenting cheers

[@eversway7540]

Is there anyone else other than the 3 of you? You guys must grill about everyday, holy cow!! TY.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

we are a family of 5 the others kids weren't in this video. We do eat a lot of meat but we try to get enough to last a whole year.

[@birdlover8992]

I just came across your channel and so glad I did....we have always wanted to buy a whole cow and I have to say this is packaged so beautifully....its all vac sealed and ready to freeze....so much better than the cuts just wrapped in butcher paper....thank you for the video.....GOD bless❤

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you for the encouragement and GOD bless you too

[@Swine_-cc8xq]

Non GMO, grass fed and finished organic beef at half the price of grocery store chains seems to fit perfectly with your family's needs and a great investment in you food budget. Well done on the video, thank you.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Never see prices that low here

[@lynrossi8409]

My sister and I split a whole cow every year. Her neighbor raised a few head of cattle. She has acres that she doesn't use, so he hays it a couple times a year and gives her a discount on the cow in exchange for that. We end up with about 700 lbs of beef, plus the tallow, bones, and organ meat. Last year, it ran $3.35 a pound. We expect it will be closer to $4 or maybe even $5 this year. Our cut date isn't until December. We have a 21cuft upright freezer for beef and a 13 cuft upright for pork. Each of our households are small enough to only use half of what we get, so we cook up and freeze dry the rest. Preparing for tougher times, y'all.

[@valkyrie1066]

It's always been a good idea. Oh, yes, I can weave, spin, make butter, carve wood....I think it's a good idea not to lose the connection between things and creation. A strictly cash/purchase economy isn't really feasble; and definitely not a GOAL. I have spent a few years fighting sword/sheild/spear and practicing archery. Not that I need it right NOW......but having some experience gives you confidence if you should ever need it. Pretty is SO outdated....LOL.

[@lynrossi8409]

@@valkyrie1066 I love that you have base skills. Base, not basic. I can crochet and knit, but you can make the yarn! I have the skills of a wife from the 30s or 40s, but I'd love to have the skills from before the 1900s, before industrialization. I'm learning to make candles and soap by rendering fat. But learning takes time and I don't know how long we have. I'd love to pick up archery skills and my husband would love to make that gear. Whatever skills we pick up will only help us become more prepared for any eventuality!

[@violinviolin1109]

When you freeze dry meats, veggies, or fruits, do you warm up the the contents after freeze drying before you take it out of the chamber? i heard if you take it out cold then ice forms quickly and is absorbed into the food and the food goes bad.

[@lynrossi8409]

@@violinviolin1109 Cold spots indicate moisture. If found, the product goes back in for extra dry time.

[@tominva4121]

Ohhh - I would be buying some of that OX Tail from there. $3.00 a lb. is a good price. Everything else looks more. I hope you have a Backup Generator!!!!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Yes we do bulk price is definitely better

[@shawndevoid9813]

I really appreciated your messages at the end!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

thank you

[@Kupacolypse]

I'm really loving that shirt! Thanks for all the info.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you I am looking for the 6 finger man 😂😂😂 Glad you enjoyed the video

[@sherrieivanov5481]

Great job everyone. My family and my sisters family purchased an entire beef just a few weeks ago. I also raised 50 chickens this year, sharing the cost with my sister and another friend. That friend raised a pig for us and the cost of the chicken for her share offset most of the cost of the pig. We have 21 cubic foot upright, 18 cubic foot and 14 cubic foot chest freezers to hold our meat and home raised veggies. We purchased the freezers over time and have slowly acquired what we need for our small farm. Remember the barter system is alive and well. The taste of home raised meat is so much better and more nourishing than that purchased in a store. It’s interesting that you do tallow soap. I do the same thing and I plan to spend a day rendering all of the beef tallow by Thanksgiving.

[@candygarfield1479]

The nurishing part.. makes it more economical. When you consume nutrient dense food you stop sooner and eat less.. the body knows what it is getting.. so you can eat a piled high 12 INCH plate and not be full because the body is still looking for nutrition.. When I went organic my bill was lower.. I can eat a salad from the garden and be more satisfied than a restaurant meal.. which I hardly ever do. If I do,, it's usually a cheese burger.. I get so sick eating out

[@valkyrie1066]

Trade/barter thank you, thank you. I rarely made much cash with my eggs; but I came home with lots of fruit and veggies. I canned them, and traded them on for meat......you can make it work!!!

[@sherrieivanov5481]

@@candygarfield1479 I agree. We shop at the store as little as possible. We aren’t “preppers” we are just trying to live closer to the land.

[@sherrieivanov5481]

@@valkyrie1066 we’ve bartered for years. Sometimes we give a little more and sometimes we take. I don’t worry as it all comes out in the end. That friend WhT bartered pork and chicken also chips in and cares for my farm when I’m out of town.

[@shirlteaney2067]

Rendered tallow is used in making pemmican, as well.

[@kirstypollock6811]

Love this. For those with not so much freezer space, lots of people pressure can meat and it will last a year or 2, maybe more. Or smoke/salt/pickle/freeze dry/make jerky. Here in Europe folks even water bath can meat, so recipes / videos for that can be found too, especially on channels from Eastern Europe or Turkey. I love organ meat too - I'd actually far rather liver than a steak!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Great idea! we plan on canning some of the meat

[@MA-mh1vs]

We have a bulk store that has the lowest prices on meat and most of their beef is under $6 a pound. Their ground beef is often under $4 a pound and as low as $2.50 a pound in 10lb rolls. Their pork is almost all under $2lb with much under $1.50lb. That place was a game changer for us and we bulk buy now and save so much money.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

thats some great prices

[@MA-mh1vs]

@@GrainFreeHomestead The prices can't be beat. The beef is not the best grade but for those prices I do not mind and they have all the cuts too including the organs and even the whole cow head from time to time. The pork is fine though, no different than you get from the typical grocery store and again all the cuts are sold including organs and the head from time to time.

[@johnkolarik1491]

Thanks for being real good people its appreciated. God bless you 🙏.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you for the encouragement and God Bless you too

[@SamuelDieli]

Thank you so much for sharing this information for a better world!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

@@SamuelDieli thank you for the feedback we appreciate it we made a second video to answer more questions a year later

[@524FrmGrl]

We are cattle farmers and fatten out our cattle and sell mainly to individuals. Ours is sold by the hang weight, so the amount would depend on the weight of the animal. So on average a whole cow would cost you between $1800 & $2000 We also sell 1/4 & 1/2, and sell beef singly also.

[@susanhunley3697]

How much do you charge per pound for hanging weight

[@sandracole9898]

Do you ship to other states? I'm in North Carolina.

[@andreamortimer2610]

What state are you in?

[@sandracole9898]

@@andreamortimer2610 NC

[@andreamortimer2610]

@@sandracole9898 Thank you for replying but I was inquiring with Amy Haertling - hoping to hear that she's selling in my state. 😉

[@gymsim]

Excellent job! If you can afford a whole entire cow, I would highly recommend a chamber vacuum sealer unless you already have one. Not talking about a seal-a-meal or other similar type as they only vacuum outside the unit. Instead get one that pumps out all oxygen within the storage bag and meat at the same time. They are awesome for packaging meats and liquids for long time storage (1 -2 year or more) the same as the product that is shown in your video. Not promoting any particular brand but VacMasters are pretty awesome and could be used for leftovers if you have any. Just a suggestion so to don't give me a thumbs down on this comment.

[@johnrafferty8664]

Great advice. We have a vacmaster chamber sealer it’s a great machine.

[@One1Luv]

Personally, I think it’s better to Freeze Dry it. At least, the leaner cuts. And of course any ground beef.

[@chrissycordova9269]

Happy you do this. We do too! Home grown and a year of beef for less the cost.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Can’t beat home grown

[@joyhampton6886]

Thanks for sharing. The great thing is you know where your meat is coming from. In the stores, not so much. Blessings, 🙏

[@joesassmansr6574]

That's a great way to do it,im definitely going to look in to finding a place right away, thank you for this awesome video.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

awesome glad the video was helpful thanks for commenting

[@wolfpackacres8438]

I can tell Derek is salivating as you are reading the steak list! 😂 We butcher our own to save on costs. Obviously, equipment start up was a lot but since we do one a year, it’s really nice for us now! I love this video and how you did the break down of everything! 💜

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

😂

[@wolfpackacres8438]

I also meant to tell you to try the heart next time!!! It’s our daughters’ FAVORITE. We slice it (remove the gray membrane from inside to keep it from being chewy) and coat it in flour with season salt and fry in bacon grease. It’s so good. It is similar to a mix of steak and a VERY mild liver taste. We arr having that for supper with fried potatoes and green beans! 💜

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

We still have it in the freezer wasn’t sure what to do with it thanks for the suggestion we might try it with almond flour

[@marthafast6613]

Here in Oklahoma we get 1/2 a cow and split it with our friends twice a year. It’s just enough for our family. Yesterday we paid $4.50 a pound from a great farm family close by. It’s wonderful meat and we feel rich having our freezer full. I would rather have the good healthy beef than money in the bank.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

that's a great price we feel the same way

[@munny_1206]

The smile on your faces let's me know how much you and your family will enjoy it. Buen provecho!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Yes, thank you lol We have enjoyed it so much

[@77cuti]

Thank you for sharing, 2024 will be our families first year of homesteading and we are excited. We made all the preparations in 23 to be ready for our first year. Thanks again for your videos they really do help.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

That is awesome! Congratulations on the new homestead adventure thanks for commenting and the encouragement glad our videos have been helpful

[@joanschneider6780]

Make Antecuchos with beef heart. cut meat into kabob size cubes, marinate it, grill it. Soooo good. The marinade recipe is pretty available on-line. It's a Peruvian dish.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

@@joanschneider6780 thank you

[@Varnaj42]

When I lived in the countryside my wife and I raised a calf each year. That way we knew what it's diet would be. Yes. It was worth the work. I don't ever remember thinking about money so much. It was more about being less dependent on "the system" for our sustenance. It was interesting especially at slaughter time. Most folks hired pros for this. We did too at first but then learned how to do it ourselves but we had to buy a large freezer. The last couple of years we hosted an annual pit barbque for our extended family. Then gave away much of the meat as gifts. The great advantage is in knowing what the beef is raised on. For those who are worried about chemicals/hormones in diet this is a big advantage. The best part was the benefits gained by doing for ourselves as a family. Our kids will never forget what they learned. If one chooses this lifestyle one had better have some ranch hands or one can forget ever going on a vacation or even on an overnighter to the city. Such a life ties one to the land.

[@lindajustice2000]

On your order paper where it says srms, backbones condemned…..yes. What does that mean? And why doesn’t it list the hanging weight?

[@vanessarheadart9708]

In the UK we press tongue and have it thin sliced just like ham on sandwiches. Both bee and lamb. It's on every deli counter in the country.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

That's interesting!! We're gonna give it whirl...hopefully we'll have a good update soon!

[@Mattys556]

I do the carnivore diet and I feed my dogs raw. So between the three of us. We go through a decent amount of meat. It's Going into November now, 2023, been looking into this, looking at $4-5k now for a whole cow. $3k is an amazing price. Inflation sucks... FJB Great video :)

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Your doing it right and inflation the worst

[@xstorm_8_shadowx]

FJB is right & his potato for brains

[@Mattys556]

@xstorm_8_shadowx agreed! Update on my comment: A friend of a friend hooked me up with a cow. Grass fed, grain finished. 1200 pounds live. $1850 for the cow, $1 per pound hanging weight for the bucher. Should get 750 ish pounds around $5 per pound. Boooyaaa!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

That’s an amazing deal and a good friend

[@micheleweatherspoon6399]

Thanks for all the information. What an amazing video. I learned so much. God bless you and your family. 😊

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you and God bless your family to. So glad you found the video helpful

[@janiefox3458]

Wow that was one of the most informative videos I've seen - very helpful too.

[@lynhanna917]

Beef heart can be ground up and used just like hamburger when making soup just a piece of cow tail adds so much flavor. My butcher gave me soup bones there was so much meat attached that it made a super tasty soup.

[@dagneytaggart7707]

Bone broth is great, you can freeze, pressure can and even dehydrate it.

[@saradelapena4391]

I'm Colombian and full carnivore. We eat nose to tail. Cook tongue, ribs or flank in the pressure cooker. It takes 1 hour more or less to make it extremely soft. Colombians likes ribs and other hard meats in soup. Just to add some potatoes, finely chopped spring onions and to the pressure cooker. After finish add coriander and boil it for few mins. It's delicious! Flank and tongue can be cooked on the pressure cooker then blend tomatoes, salt and onions to make a simple sauce otherwise you can simply fry the flank after the pressure cooking. For fat lovers it's amazing! Other recipes are cows feet soup (pressure cooker), mexicans do tacos with the head. Eyes soup, brain with scrambled eggs.. Blood soup and black pudding with only blood or with rice or oats wich is the most precious thing in the planet! Bone marrow in oven! The other most precious thing too! Fried Lungs! Fried tripes!! We don't waste anything and we get more nutrients for basically free stuff. Every part off the animal has different nutritional values and flavour experiences worth to try and the more you eat, the less you expend! I follow this guy from Azerbaijan Wilderness Cooking. They eat more than colombians. Amazing. Then we probably are talking about 2 USD per pound of food if we include the rest of the animal!! Is not that amazing!? Àll nutrients we need in the most bioavailable form for a really cheap cost!

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

It is illegal to buy the head, brain and hooves here all we can get is the heart , liver, ox tail, tongue and some of the bones. Thank you for the recipes very cool to see how other places use so much of the animal. Thank you for sharing. I love bone marrow

[@gussampson5029]

Thanks for the tip! I'm going to check out that channel. Looks great!

[@edwilliams4793]

@@GrainFreeHomesteadCan you buy the whole cow live, including slaughter and processing? Then you’re not buying the forbidden parts.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

@@edwilliams4793 not sure never tried that but I am not set up to do it but could be a good plan for the future

[@buddyflood6761]

Your recipes sound good, I'm going to try them, probably add some carrots in the stew,you should try adding them they go good in stews! Thanks for the recipes!

[@dianehall5345]

Hello from our farm in New Hampshire. Great job! We are a working farm- grass fed Hereford- haying- logging. We raise our cattle for breeding stock, but put a half in the freezer for the three of us. We know that our animal was raised with respect, free range and healthy. Since we are not big beef eaters, it lasts us quite a while. I prefer more hamburger and stew meat and only keep the prime steak cuts. This has been a godsend to get us through these challenging times. Our farming neighbors raise organic chicken, etc and we buy from them. It is a supportive network. ~ Diane

[@TurkeyDart]

Thats incredible.

[@dianehall5345]

Rob C- Thanks- I was an English /Art major and plan to write short stories at some point of life in the 1970s. Its was amazing. Unfortunately we did not have You tube to document our journey, But my memory remains intact. I think part of that comes from still working our 350 acre farm. There is always something new and interesting to learn. I am hoping to return to art school and journalism, but it has to be on line until it is safer to take classes indoors. I teach rural New Hampshire rural lifestyles from 1920 to 1940 ( off grid) when I have time. I am encourages by these You TUbe channels that are teaching sustainability. I am hoping more folks will take up small farmsteading in these challenging times ~ Diane

[@johnnovick1643]

Hello Diane I live near nashua in Hudson NH. Is there anyway I could get the left overs from your next butchering ? I want to make some leather moccasins from the hide and the bones I use for soup and also for great fertilizer for the garden. Always on the market for any kind of meat or organs as well. I can buy even the odd bits most don't want.

[@J.C.bauer40]

Very Informative and well thought out Video. Thank you for your contributions.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you for commenting glad the video was helpful

[@ROD9569]

Thank you guys this was the best. We enjoyed it an educational.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@An-G1006]

My butcher shop you can buy whole or half beef or pork. Pick up as u need it. They mark what u get off the list. Helps with ppl that don't have freezer. Be helpful if other shops started this also.

[@MnS101]

We recently purchased a whole cow. Our totals were similar to yours in terms of costs and weight received. The farm we purchased from accepted lay away at $240.00/ month for nine months. We had to pay the butcher for processing and the like. But what a difference in quality of meat. New subscriber. God bless.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

That's a great idea to make it available via layaway!! Thanks!!

[@MnS101]

@@GrainFreeHomestead The payment plans are as follows: Whole cow: $240.00 per month. Half cow: $120.00 per month Quarter cow: $60.00 per month First monthly payment due in January. Last payment in September. Payment is non-refundable.

[@randykissinger1896]

Just found and subscribed to your great channel. My grandma took beef and venison hearts and would pickle slices of them in canning jars when I was a kid. They were awesome and would be a treat that was hard to keep around.

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you for commenting and subscribing I have never had pickled beef hearts

[@juliehiestand8180]

I just subscribed. You have interesting videos that I want to watch/learn. ❤

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@paultaylor8396]

Thanks guys, I live in Alaska and for the first time I’m buying 1/2 a cow this year. I’m a single guy wanting to support anything non woke. Thanks for your video

[@GrainFreeHomestead]

Thank you for commenting, let us know how your 1/2 cow turns out. Hopefully one day we can visit your amazing state. Alaska is definitely on my bucket list would love to plan a fishing trip there.

[@MROJPC]

I just moved back to the state (kept my home here even though I own a small cattle ranch in Texas) and a 1/2 was more than enough for a family of 3 (5 during the Summer) and we regularly entertain guests. A 1/2 will last you an entire year. A stand up freezer is definitely to my liking over a chest freezer as it is roomier and gives you easier access to the meat - we keep one of each and 2 other freezer/fridges to also keep pork, roasters, and fish. You may want to consider splitting it with a friend if it seems like too much. Keep the head if you can as these folks are definitely right about the tongue - it is THE softest, most flavorful meat - and brain (cesos), cheeks. Matsu Valley Meats is a real good butcher if you live in the valley. I'm not sure what wokeness has with beef, but I definitely kept my house here to get away from the political madness of the lower 48, whether it be woke, anti-woke, or anything in between.

[@valerieneal2747]

THIS IS THE MOST ECONOMICAL WAY TO BUY BEEF, PORK AND CHICKEN. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. I GREW UP IN THE CITY AND MY DAD USED TO BUY MEAT FOR THE FAMILY LIKE THIS. MY DAD ALSO TAUGHT US THAT FARMERS DESERVE THE UTMOST RESPECT BECAUSE THEY WORK VERY HARD TO PROVIDE FOR ALL OF US. I NE VER FORGOT WHAT HE TAUGHT US; I SALUTE ALL FARMERS FOR EVERTHING THEY DO. A FARM FAMILY'S LIFE CAN BE CHALLENGING. FARMERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF THIS COUNTRY.

[@Vegas702travel]

Why you yelling? You mad bro?