*PROCESSING DATES

Processing dates for 2024

• December 2024 - Pick up January, 2025  

HOW DO I ORDER?

If this is your first time ordering either a ¼, ½, or whole beef we admit there is a learning curve and a lot of questions.  We hope to help with some of these questions and provide clarity on the process, expectations on cost, and what cuts you can expect.

On our "Full Freezer Orders" page, you will see options to purchase either 1/4, 1/2, or a whole cow. Please select your preferred option and place your deposit to reserve your purchase. There are limited amounts of cows available per processing so please secure your “spot” as soon as possible. The deposit is non-refundable and must be placed to reserve your position at the processor.

You will see the processing date listed in the description.  The processing date is the date the animals are scheduled for processing at a local butcher. Please take a moment to view their website, and what they have to offer. www.lvmeats.com

Pilgrim Farms transports all of the live animals to the processor and will pick up all orders once they are fulfilled by the processor.

A cut sheet is provided on our website and on theirs.  Please fill this out and return it to use via email within one day of being sent to the processor. If you have questions regarding the cut sheet, please feel free to reach out to us or LV meats.

Each order can be “custom” however, the beef is split evenly amongst the ¼ ½ or whole, meaning equal steaks, roasts, etc. are distributed whether purchasing a 1 /4 or 1 / 2.  

Once at the processor, the animal will dry age for approximately 14 day. You will be notified 1-3 days prior to the cow being sent to the processor. Once your product is available for pick up, you will be notified and can then schedule a time to pick up your order at Pilgrim Farms Cattle Company in Zionsville, PA.

Once the hanging weight is given to us from the processor, Pilgrim Farms will email a final invoice with the exact hanging weight and amount owed. Payment of the remaining beef order is required prior to or during time of pick-up at Pilgrim Farms.

*WHAT SIZE IS RIGHT FOR ME & MY FAMILY?

Quarter Beef – Recommended for families with (1-2) adults and (1-2) small children.

Half Beef – typically provides a full year’s supply of meat for the average family of (4).

Whole Beef - will provide a full year’s supply of meat for a large family that likes their beef.

*WHAT IS THE COST OF A GRASS-FED BEEF ORDER?

The costs below are based on the hanging weight of the beef, which is not the live animal weight but the weight after initial “processing” where the hide, head, and organs are removed.  It is the “hanging weight” once ready for processing.

1/4 grass-fed beef = $5.25 / lb hanging weight

1/2 grass-fed beef = $5.00 / lb hanging weight

Whole grass-fed beef = $4.75/ lb hanging weight

Our average a whole cow is between 715 lbs – 800 lbs of hanging weight.  Please remember hanging weights vary from animal to animal and these weights and pricing are approximate.  You will be charged on the exact hanging weight given by the processor.

For Example:  If you are purchasing a 1 / 4 beef and the animal has a hanging weight of 775 lbs, you will be paying:  $5.25 * 193.75 lbs (775 lbs/4)= $1,017.20  

 Please note the customer pays the processor fees and any specialty cuts, and is not included in the price above

The cost for an average whole beef to be processed is $1.00 per pound hanging weights for the basic cuts including vacuum sealing, packaging, and labeling all the individual cuts. Please visit LV Meats website to find pricing of specialty cuts.

*HOW MUCH BEEF CAN I EXPECT?

 Our beef will have an average take-home weight as listed below, this is packaged meat in your freezer.

1 /4 : 175 - 250 lbs

1 / 2: 300 - 400 lbs

Whole: 600 lbs – 750 lbs

***These weights are approximate and vary by animal***

As a general rule, expect around 50% ground beef, 20% roasts, 20% steaks, and 10% miscellaneous cuts such as stew meat, ribs, and shanks. 

*HOW MUCH FREEZER SPACE DO I NEED?

1 / 4 – 5 Cubic Foot Freezer Space

1 / 2 – 10 Cubic Foot Freezer Space

Whole – 20 Cubic Foot Freezer Space

A few tips:

1. Clear your freezer space prior to picking up your beef order

2. Have more space than you think you need, it’s better to have it and not needed it than to need it and not have it

3. Keep your inventory sheet on the freezer door and mark it off as you use it.  Make notes on what cuts you liked and didn’t like for your next beef order

*HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY BEEF ORDER?

Once all orders are ready for pick up at the processor, Pilgrim farms will pick up all customer orders and disperse them to each customer at Pilgrim Farms. (please note, it is preferred that customers are available for pick up the same day we collect orders from the processor due to limited freezer space at the farm to store bulk orders. This date will be communicated once the processing date comes)

*DO WE FEED GRAIN?

To continue our commitment to high-quality beef, 4-8 weeks prior to sending our beef to the butcher, we add grain to their diet.

All grain is not created equal and we ensure at this time that we feed a Non-GMO (genetically modified) grain.    

This ensures there is not a “gamey” flavor and the meat is tender and succulent to the taste.