Questions and Answers about Buying a 1/4 of a Cow {Take THAT Pink Slime}

The internet has has been exploding over the "pink slime" beef found at a local grocery store near you. Many grocery stores have been quick to respond to this PR train wreck, and government officials have been reporting on how “safe” it is for consumption. {Here’s a list of pink slime free grocery stores. } If you’ve watched Food Inc., you may not have been astonished by this “beef trimming” process, but plenty of people are disgusted and looking for healthier alternatives.


It makes us thankful for our freezer stalked with a fourth of cow! We’ve had a lot of people ask us questions about our cow, so I thought I’d address a few of those questions via this post.

freezer farm fresh beef quarter cow

Where do you purchase your cow and how can I order one?

We are fortunate that Brad’s uncle works for a farmer that butchers a few cows each year. There are lots of local farmers that sell their beef as whole, half, and quarter portions. Research and ask around at your local farmer’s market.  Also, your local butcher is an excellent source to find beef farmers in your area. (If you are local, there is a farmer from my hometown who raises cattle that I could refer you to if interested.)

Is eating store bought beef versus straight from a farmer really any different?

YES! First of all, you know where the cow comes from, how it is cared for/fed, and that it’s overall healthy. Secondly, it comes from ONE cow, rather than a enormous mixing of cattle parts. {gross} The taste is much heartier, and is pure beef rather than water and other chemical preservatives.  {Here’s an article that details the difference between store packed and fresh frozen beef.}

Isn’t it expensive?

While it’s not as cheap as a McDonald’s Big Mac, in my opinion the quality is well worth the expense.  It’s something you will have to research what is best and affordable for your own family. Prices vary by farm and how the cattle is raised, but ours came out to under $2.50 a pound after processing, which is a great price when you consider that you are paying for quality steaks, ground beef, roasts, and other cuts for around the same price as ground beef at the grocery store.

What in the world do you do with all that meat?

Feed these growing boys! 🙂 Here’s some of the ways we cooked our 1/4 of a cow:

Ground Beef: Burgers on the Grill, Tacos, Spaghetti Sauce, Enchilada Casserole, Chili, Meatloaf (including Crock Pot Meatloaf), Baked Ziti, Layered Mexican Pizza, BBQ Meatballs

Roasts: Italian Beef, PW’s Perfect  Pot Roast, Pot Roast in a Bag, Crock Pot Chipotle Shredded Beef, French Dip Sandwiches, Barbeque Sandwiches

Steaks: Fajitas, Steak on the Grill, Steak on the Iron Skillet

{We need to get some good recipes for cube steak and round steak. If anyone has a tasty one please share!}

A 1/4 of a cow pretty much fills an entire freezer, so you have to factor that into your decision.

Buying a quarter of a cow works well for our family, but it’s certainly not for everyone.  How about YOU?  Have you purchased/consumed farm fresh beef?