SCHOOL OF BEEF
Buying a 1/2 or whole beef is a lot of meat. So, why do people do it? And what questions should you ask before purchasing so that you’re sure it’s right for you. Here’s everything you need to know.
How much beef is a 1/2 or whole beef?
With a side of beef 1/2 you will get approximately 200 pounds of beef 400 pounds for a whole. Ground beef accounts for half of the delivered weight, and the remainder is from cuts like steaks, roasts, ribs, brisket, and soup bones.
Please note that these are averages and that all cattle are different. Some may weigh more or less when butchered, which means that there may be more or less beef on them. The numbers given are what is typically seen on our Ranch.
WHAT CUTS COME WITH A SIDE OF BEEF?
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Filet steak
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Ribeye steak
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Sirloin steak
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Strip steak
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Skirt steak
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Flank steak
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Brisket
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Chuck roast
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Sirloin roast
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Arm roast
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Ground beef
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Ribs
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Stew meat
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Kabob meat
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Soup bones
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Organ meat (liver, heart, etc., if desired)
HOW MANY STEAKS DO YOU GET WITH A SIDE OF BEEF?
The number of steaks that come with a half beef varies based on how the beef is cut. For example, if the beef is cut into 1-inch thickness, there would be approximately 12-14 sirloin steaks with a side. If the beef is cut into 1 ½ -2 inches thick, there would be about 6-7 sirloin steaks with a ½ side of beef. The overall weight of beef is the same, but the quantity is significantly different based upon how the beef is cut.
Remember that some sections of beef can be cut in multiple ways. The best example of this is with a T-bone steak, which is a strip steak on one side and a tenderloin on the other. If you decide you want T-bone steaks, you won’t get tenderloin and strip steaks. If you decide you want tenderloin and strip steaks, you won’t get T-bone steaks. Why? Because it’s the same beef cut differently and there is a limited amount of beef on an animal.
CAN THE ENTIRE HALF BEEF BE STEAK?
No. There is a limited amount of beef on a steer. It’s not all steak. In fact, the majority of the animal is ground beef.
The USDA divides a cow into eight regions, known as the primal cuts of beef:
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Chuck
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Rib
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Loin
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Round
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Flank
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Short Plate
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Brisket
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Shank
Numerous different cuts can come from each of these sections.
When purchasing beef at a store, they butcher numerous animals, and they do determine how to cut each based on supply and demand. For example, at the grocery store, “round” is sold as ground beef, round steak, the eye of round, tip steak, tip roast, top round, and bottom round roasts. When you purchase a side of beef, you won’t receive all of these cuts because there is a limited amount of specific cuts of meat on each animal.
IS IT WORTH BUYING A 1/2 or whole BEEF?
Yes! One of the many benefits of buying a cow is that you will save money and get an exceptionally higher quality beef.
Every year, we compare the price of beef from our ranch to local Austin grocery stores. Depending on where you usually shop for groceries, you can save about $2,900 a year on beef by purchasing a whole beef from us.
DO I NEED A STAND-ALONE FREEZER?
Yes. If you’re buying a side of beef, you’ll need a freezer. The rule of thumb is 1 cubic foot of freezer space for every 30-35 lbs of cut meat.
You can usually get a good deal at a warehouse store. We have both chest and upright freezers at our house and we like both of them.
A new 9 cubic foot freezer has a one-time cost of about $400-$450, and its yearly running cost will be approximately $38. So, as long as you continue to use your freezer in the future, buying one is a good investment.
Be sure that your freezer has a lock and key, or you can also purchase an aftermarket lock. A lock is very important. Without a lock, the freezer door can become slightly ajar and the beef will be ruined. Second, a physical lock protects little ones.
BEEF PACKAGING
Marbach Ranch always Vacuum seals and flash freezes our beef. We vacuum seal because it will keep the beef fresh for longer. Vacuum sealing does cost a little more, but it’s worth it so your beef doesn’t get freezer burn. Vacuum sealed beef will last approximately 1-year in the freezer (I'm still grilling steaks from nearly 2 years ago, taste perfect) .
Marbach premium CUTs
1/2 beef marbach premium cut list
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Cuts from a half beef that yields average 200 lbs. of meat are as follows:
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5-8 New York Strips Steaks 8-10 oz ea 2/package
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9-12 Boneless Rib-Eye Steaks 8-14 oz ea 2/package
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5-8 Fillet Mignon Steaks 6-8 oz ea 2/package
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2-4 Sirloin Steaks 8-14 oz ea 1/package
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4 Fajita meats 12-18 oz ea (can be: Flank, Skirt or Flap Steak)
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12 Soup Ribs 4-6 oz ea 6/package
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2 Rump Roast 3-4 lbs
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2 Pikes Roast 2.5-4 lbs
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1/2 Brisket 4-7 lbs
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5-8 Stew Meat 1 lbs packages
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85-95 Ground Beef 1 lbs packages
Whole beef marbach premium cut list
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Cuts from a WHOLE beef that yields average 400 lbs. of meat are as follows:
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10-18 New York Strips Steaks 8-10 oz ea 2/package
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18-24 Boneless Rib-Eye Steaks 8-14 oz ea 2/package
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10-16 Fillet Mignon Steaks 6-8 oz ea 2/package
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4-8 Sirloin Steaks 8-14 oz ea 1/package
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6-8 Fajita meats 12-18 oz ea (can be: Flank, Skirt or Flap Steak)
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24 Soup Ribs 4-8 oz ea 6/package
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4 Rump Roast 3-4 lbs
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4 Pikes Roast 2.5-4 lbs
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1 Brisket 8-12 lbs
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10-16 Stew Meat 1 lbs packages
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165-190 Ground Beef 1 lbs packages
WHAT’S A Custom CUT LIST?
Custom cuts of your beef are available, simply use the phrase “CUSTOM HALF” in the promotional code box at check out, and we will call you before your delivery date to go over your custom cut options. We will walk you through the entire process, asking you simple questions (how do you want your meat packaged, how thick do you want your steaks, how many steaks per package, what size of roast do you want, what fat content do you want in your ground beef?).
* Your choice of custom cuts will affect the amount of meat you receive.
*All cuts including ground beef are vacuum-sealed. Ground beef is an estimated 90/10.*
The actual weight and quantity of each cut may vary*