- Live Weight (~1,200-1,350 lbs): This is the weight of the cow before processing.
- Dressing Percentage (~60-65%): After removing the hide, head, hooves, and organs, the remaining hanging weight is about 700-850 lbs.
- Hanging Weight (~700-850 lbs): This is the weight of the carcass before aging and cutting.
- Final Packaged Weight (~35-45% of Live Weight): After aging, trimming fat, and removing bones, the final packaged weight is approximately 400-450 lbs for a whole cow.
Why Packaged Weight is Less
- Bone and Fat Loss: Non-edible parts (bones, extra fat) are trimmed to create high-quality cuts.
- Moisture Loss During Aging: Dry-aging enhances flavor but results in a ~10% weight reduction as moisture evaporates.
- Trim for Customization: Specific requests (like more ground beef or boneless cuts) also reduce the final weight.
What You’re Really Getting
Grass-fed beef is nutrient-dense and often leaner than grain-fed beef, meaning you’re getting:
- A high percentage of meat relative to fat.
- Cuts tailored to your preferences (e.g., more steaks vs. ground beef).
- Superior flavor and quality.
Freezing & Storage Tips
- Starter Pack (25 lbs): Fits in a standard refrigerator freezer.
- Quarter Cow (100 lbs): Requires ~4 cubic feet of freezer space.
- Half Cow (200 lbs): Needs ~8 cubic feet of freezer space.
- Whole Cow (400 lbs): Needs ~16 cubic feet of freezer space.
