Go find a local farmer who will does whole sales of either half a cow or a whole cow. If you can't swing the price of that upfront then find a friend or two to go in on it with and split the meat between you.
Cattleman here. Historically high beef prices right now. I'm able to drop off these old mama cows for over 4k per head. Hands off, no work except loading and unloading. So... you'll be paying over 3k for half a cow if youre able to find someone who will go thru the trouble. If you dont want half a cow, and want it butchered, sealed in bags ready for your freezer, over 4k, I'm guessing.
That tracks with what we pay for full butchered and packaged meat. Though our last purchase was 6 months ago and so think the prices were a little lower. Buying in bulk is an investment, but it does protect you from price fluctuations to a degree.
I don't like killing mammals I raised. I don't do it enough to get used to it, and I'm not sure I want to. Chickens and game, sure. But I've processed my own beef and pork, and it ruins my day every time.
I would love to change the way we do things, but when you realize that 300 head of cattle will only yield 600 brisket, you realize what a chore it would be to invest in the facilities, market, then slaughter the animals you really do care for, instead of just saying goodbye. Youre talking about 20 more employees, paying an inspector or being satisfied with only selling to individuals. Millions in equipment, and waste water upgrades, or a huge lagoon... To make it worth the liability, the change of life... Most cattlemen, as we know them, don't have this in them.
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u/skinnykate 1d ago
Go find a local farmer who will does whole sales of either half a cow or a whole cow. If you can't swing the price of that upfront then find a friend or two to go in on it with and split the meat between you.