4 ms·
Grass fed beef should be an exception. I buy half a cow at a time, which isn't practical for everyone. They feed on ranch land that's untouched other than a few
by hirundo 3y ago
Grass fed beef should be an exception. I buy half a cow at a time, which isn't practical for everyone. They feed on ranch land that's untouched other than a few water tanks, with no time in a feed lot before the processor. The rancher tells me he would use antibiotics if he has to, but hasn't had to.
- climatologist 3y agoThat's a luxury most people can't afford.
- hirundo 3y agoTrue. $1,500 for my last half cow, higher than ever. According to my improved lab results, for me it's a health expense, paying more for food now to pay less for diabetes, heart disease, etc., later. On the other hand it makes me more likely to have a longer life, which is also an expensive luxury.
- randycupertino 3y agoHow does it work logistically? Do you have a chest freezer in your garage?
- hirundo 3y agoA half cow fits comfortably in a medium sized upright freezer. I'm considering trying to also fit in half a lamb, but it would be close. As infrequently as I go into it, the upright is as efficient as a chest freezer, but saves more space in the garage. It has a smaller footprint and I can store things on top. There's a loud high temperature alarm on it. If the power goes out for more than a couple of days I can hook up a generator.
- dieselgate 3y agoCool. What is the relevance of buying half the animal at a time, is this an economic incentive for the rancher? I don’t eat meat but would assume butchers would sell grass fed cuts in smaller portions.
- hirundo 3y agoYes, buying in bulk is just cheaper. The rancher makes about two phone calls per cow to round up his customers, then delivers it straight to the processor. I drive about 250 miles to the processor to pick it up. There are no grocers or transporters in the middle. And I get to tell the processor exactly how I like it hung and cut.