As your go-to Saskatchewan provider for high-quality, pasture-raised beef (and pork now, too), Reban Farms is committed to delivering exceptional local meat products. Learn more about how the family cares for its cattle and meet the passionate team behind this remarkable family farm outside of Saskatoon in Petrofka, on the banks of the Saskatchewan River! Their latest tip explains how much beef you're actually getting when you order when measurements like "a quarter cow" can be a little ambiguous.
Are you looking to get some quality beef this season? Here at Reban Farms, we’re excited to provide you with high-quality, local, grass-fed and grain-finished beef, and we’re committed to ensuring that your experience is smooth, easy, and enjoyable. Below, we’ve answered some common questions to help guide you through the ordering process.
FAQ: How Much Freezer Beef Will I Get From a Carcass?
When you purchase beef from Reban Farms, you’re buying it based on the Hot Carcass Weight (HCW), which is the weight of the beef after it’s been slaughtered but before it’s cut into retail cuts. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
- Average live weight of a beef animal: 1,200 pounds (give or take 250 lbs)
- Hot Carcass Weight (HCW): Around 750 pounds (give or take 200 lbs)
The HCW is typically about 63% of the animal's live weight, though it can be influenced by factors such as the animal’s diet, transportation, and overall muscling.
It’s important to note that the HCW doesn’t include parts like the tongue, liver, or oxtail, as these are removed during processing. A beef carcass is then split into halves, with each half representing about 50% of the HCW. Each half is further divided into quarters, with the forequarter accounting for about 55% of the side weight and the hindquarter making up the remaining 45%.
After slaughter, the carcass will undergo some shrinkage during aging:
- First 48 hours: Expect 1-2% weight loss due to moisture loss.
- 14-day dry-aging process: Another 4-6% shrinkage, primarily due to moisture evaporation.
When the meat is broken down into cuts and ground beef, there may be additional weight loss from trimming and further moisture loss. Custom cutting preferences, like whether you want boneless or bone-in cuts, or specific lean-to-fat ratios for ground beef, can also affect the total weight and price.
In general, here’s what to expect:
- 25% of the carcass will be bone and trim
- 25% will be steaks
- 25% will be roasts
- 25% will be ground beef
The retail yield (what you take home) is typically about 40% of the animal's live weight or around 75% of the Hot Carcass Weight.
Product Details: What’s Included in Your Order?
Depending on your order, you can expect the following:
🐮 Whole Cow
- Approximately 640 lbs of meat (HCW)
- Requires about 20 cubic feet of freezer space
🐮 Half Cow
- Approximately 320 lbs of meat (HCW)
- Requires about 10 cubic feet of freezer space
🐮 Quarter Cow
- Approximately 160 lbs of meat (HCW)
- Requires about 5 cubic feet of freezer space
Important Order Details
- Order Timing: We typically place three orders per year: one in January, one in the spring, and one in late fall.
- Weight Variability: All weights are approximate, as no two animals are exactly the same.
- Cutting Options: Your 1/4 order will come as 1/3 roasts, 1/3 steaks (standard 1-inch cuts), and 1/3 ground beef. IF you order 1/2 or more, you can customize your cuts at no extra charge, including steak thickness or the mix of cuts, when the butcher calls you to confirm your preferences.
- Packaging: All orders come boxed, frozen, and ready to place in your freezer.
- Deposit: To join the order waiting list and guarantee your beef, you must make a $100 deposit (payable by cheque or e-transfer).
- Free Delivery: We offer free delivery to Saskatoon and surrounding northern towns, including Martensville, Warman, Dalmeny, Osler, Laird, Langham, Rosthern, Blaine Lake, Marcelin, Leask, Shellbrook, and Parkside.
Wholesome Beef, From Our Farm to Your Table
We’re blessed here in Saskatchewan with access to land, clean water, and clear air. We produce more resources than we consume, particularly food. At Reban Farms, we’re proud to offer you wholesome, local beef that’s not only packed with nutrition but also produced using sustainable farming practices. Plus, we offer the convenience of free delivery, saving you both time and money.
Want to learn more about us? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on everything happening at the farm, or visit our website to order your beef OR pork today!
Reban Farms Trusted Saskatoon Farmers – Wholesome, Local Beef. Order Yours Today.
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