Good place to buy a half cow, preferably grass fed?

[Justin]

Hey, does anyone here do the "buy half a cow" thing from a local rancher? I'd like to buy something like that, preferably from a place that does grass fed cows.

Thanks.

[def90]

Well, here's a good start:

https://www.google.com/search?q=half+cow+colorado&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS855US855&oq=half+cow+colorado&aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199i512.4963j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[TheSparkens]

There is a guy in Jefferson that has really good beef. I think it is Highplanes Ranch. He will let you buy a little to try if you are up that way.

[Vic Tory]

https://bucknerfamilyfarm.com

These folks are really nice. While I haven't (yet) made a purchase ... I'm planning to. I've been emailing and talked on the phone with them....

[Jamnanc]

If I were you I’d go grass fed grain finished.

http://www.sauerfamilybeef.com/

[Vic Tory]

keep this in your mind when you are ordering and paying. people throw around terms like "live weight" and "hanging weight". Neither of these represent what you take home. You generally pay hanging weight.

Here is a chart, these numbers are not written in stone because every animal and every butcher is different. That's a very helpful collection of data, HB. Good work!

[Justin]

Well, here's a good start:

https://www.google.com/search?q=half+cow+colorado&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS855US855&oq=half+cow+colorado&aqs=chrome..69i57j46i175i199i512.4963j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8


Have done that, but figured by asking here, I could get some input and recommendations from members who've done this before and who might suggest a good seller.

[Justin]

Almost anyone I know up here will sell you a steer. I dont have any ready to butcher. Most of mine went to the sale this month. I do have a cow that died this week. She is out in the pasture, coyotes havent gotten to her yet. I can make you a real good deal.


edit, you probably want to buy a steer or heifer, not a cow. If you buy a cow it will probably be all hamburger. (thats up to personal taste, I have butchered cows and bulls for people and they were happy with steaks and roasts too)

Yeah, looking to get a mix of ground beef and steaks, roasts, etc. so I guess a heifer is the way to go?

[nzachman]

Just saw this thread.
A couple years ago my wife and I moved from Colorado Springs back to her family farm in Southwest Kansas so her dad could retired.
We raise cattle, every year we keep a few head "steers and heifers" to butcher. They go to the locker the first week of February, available in March.
We like early Spring so we can haul beef out without worrying about things thawing out.
My wife works remote for her job in Colorado Springs, she travels out once a month for meetings, we also go out to visit old friends.
We have several friends in Pueblo, the Springs and Monument that regularly buy a 1/4 or 1/2. $6.00 a lb average, $750 a 1/4.
Our grass dries out in September, we start feeding the herd hay October. The butcher cows are given grain as well as hay feed.

Nathan Z
Bucklin, Kansas

[mb504]

Here are a couple:


https://www.sangresbest.com/ -- Meat is good. Pricing is the most straightforward.

https://cornerpostmeats.com/ -- Meat is good. I didn't care for the flat hamburger packs.

https://www.flyingbbar.com/ -- Highly recommended by a co-worker.



The rest I haven't tried yet, but will probably soon.


https://wildpastures.com/

https://3tranch.com/product/1-4-beef/

https://www.parkerpastures.com/best-buy-bulk-beef/quarter-beef

https://sunprairiebeef.com/

https://coloradocraftbeef.com/boxes/

[earplug]

I just came back from a trip to Omaha NE. Go online and check out Just Good Meat. I like corn fed stuff. Price was several dollars less then front range prices.
I'm sure some beef is available in the York area. I found a dry aged beef vending machine. Was open on Sunday. Do some homework and save money. Price of gas is about $2.59 on I-80.
Nebraska has water and feed which is something that Colorado has been short on.

[Vic Tory]

Here are a couple:

...

Helpful list, mb. Thanks for sharing!

[Vic Tory]

<< Bump >>

I'm now on Corner Post Meats mailing list. They are active about sending emails. (And they are within a few miles of me. Convenient....)

We're in the process of completing an order with Buckner Family Farms. (They have lamb, which is good for me. I like beef but it doesn't like me.)


From my research there used to be a Franktown Co lamb ranch ... but its website is kaput and I cannot reach them. Probably sold the land to a big developer and moved to Texas, Alaska or Montana. Don't blame them.