FOLLOW US:

Hometown Hills Farm

295 Rt 284 Wantage, New Jersey 

FOLLOW US:

295 Rt 284 Wantage, NJ | Sussex County

Understanding Beef Weights: From Live Cow to Packaged Meat

February 22, 2025

  1. Live Weight (~1,200-1,350 lbs): This is the weight of the cow before processing.
  2. Dressing Percentage (~60-65%): After removing the hide, head, hooves, and organs, the remaining hanging weight is about 700-850 lbs.
  3. Hanging Weight (~700-850 lbs): This is the weight of the carcass before aging and cutting.
  4. 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.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Grass-Fed Beef & Pastured Pork

Order Online

We take pride in directly sourcing the finest meat for you. Our local grass-fed beef shares are thoughtfully chosen and expertly processed to ensure unparalleled freshness and flavor in every bite. Taste the exceptional quality that comes from our sustainably and humanely raised cattle, and turkeys right here on our local Wantage, New Jersey farm of Sussex County.

Browse our items
Hometown Hills Farm Logo

Taste the Difference with Grass Fed Beef

Are you ready to enjoy the unmatched flavor, tenderness, and health benefits of grass fed beef? At Hometown Hills Farm, we are dedicated to providing families with premium-quality, pasture-raised grass-fed beef that is both delicious and nutritious. Unlike conventional beef, which is grain-fed and often raised in confined spaces, our cattle graze freely on lush, pesticide-free pastures, resulting in healthier, more flavorful grass fed beef that you can feel good about serving to your family.

When you choose grass fed beef, you’re not just selecting a better cut of meat—you’re choosing a nutrient-rich, environmentally sustainable option that supports local farming and ethical animal care. Our 100% American, pasture-raised grass-fed beef is free from antibiotics and hormones, ensuring that every bite is as natural and wholesome as possible.

Whether you’re grilling a juicy grass-fed steak, preparing a slow-cooked roast, or crafting the perfect burger, you’ll immediately notice the rich, authentic flavor that only grass fed beef can provide. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, our beef isn’t just better tasting—it’s better for you, too!

At Hometown Hills Farm, we make it simple to bring fresh, farm-to-table grass-fed beef straight to your home. With customizable packages, including quarter, half, and whole cow options, you can stock your freezer with high-quality, grass-fed beef that’s perfect for any meal.

Don’t settle for ordinary beef—reserve your order today and experience the difference of locally raised, farm-fresh grass-fed beef from Hometown Hills Farm.

295 Rt 284 Wantage, NJ
Sussex County

usda-grass-feed-beef-hometwonhillsfarm-nj

© Copyright 2012 - 2025 | Hometown Hills Farm | All Rights Reserved

Go to Top