IA ESAP 2025

Buying Beef In Bulk

Navigate the process of buying beef directly from a farmer with resources on beef quantities, cut options, freezer space, and storage tips.

Steer Cut Chart

Understanding Your Beef Purchase

Purchasing beef directly from a farmer is a great way to stock your freezer and support local agriculture. Whether you're considering a quarter, half, or whole beef, understanding how much beef you'll receive, the cuts available, processing options, and freezer space requirements can help you make an informed decision.

Explore the resources below to learn what to expect when buying beef directly from a farmer and find the option that best fits your family's needs

   

Things to Ask Before You Buy:

Prepare for your purchase with helpful questions about pricing, processing, packaging, pickup timelines and cut preferences. Use this resource to evaluate your options and ask the right questions before placing an order.

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Buying Beef In Bulk FAQs:

Learn what happens after you place your order. Explore topics like hanging weight, processing, packaging, freezer space, and the variety of cuts you may receive so you can feel confident and prepared when your beef is ready for pickup.

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Beef Breakdown Explained

A downloadable chart that breaks down beef yields and identifies where common cuts originate on the animal.

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Whole Animal Buying Guide

An educational resources to help inform purchasing decisions, from understanding beef labels to storing and preparing beef at home.

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How Much Beef Am I Buying?

A visual guide to beef yields, illustrating the estimated amount of take-home beef from a harvested animal.

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Quarter beef infographic v2-2025-arms082525-07

Beef Freezer Guide

A resource outlining expected beef quantities from a quarter beef purchase and the freezer space needed for storage.

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FY23 BIWFD Raw Cuts & Packaging Still Imagery

Beef Cut Charts

Beef cut posters are the most effective tools to learning more about the various cuts of beef, where they come from on the carcass and the recommended cooking method for each cut. 

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USDA Understanding Marbling

Understanding Marbling

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USDA Understanding Beef Quality Grades

Understanding Beef Quality Grades

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Keep In Mind

Consider your flavor preferences when purchasing beef. Grass-finished and grain-finished beef can differ in flavor, marbling, and cooking characteristics. If one production method is important to you, ask your producer about their finishing program and cooking recommendations.

No matter how it is finished, beef is a nutrient-rich source of high-quality protein and provides 10 essential nutrients. Cattle spend the majority of their lives grazing on grass and forage, and all beef is minimally processed.