From Farm to Freezer
Preparing your kitchen when purchasing a side of beef or pork
Advantages of Purchasing Freezer Meat
Just imagine never having to worry about not having enough beef or pork on hand for your next family gathering. The days of chasing grocery store meat sales for the best deal will be behind you. Whether you're making famous baby back ribs or your favorite beef stew, you can now prepare all of your favorites from your very own freezer. Keep those freezers stocked!
When you buy a quarter, half, or whole portion of beef or pork, your freezer will be so full that you’ll barely have room to squeeze in the fries and chocolate ice cream! Freezer beef and freezer pork give you the capability to plan and have the cuts you love on hand without a last-minute trip to the grocery store.
Another advantage of ordering in bulk is that you get to choose what cuts you enjoy the most. Work with your local farmer or butcher to identify what cuts are best for your household and best maximize the use and value of the quarter/half/whole you have purchased. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Beef:
- Ground beef
- Steaks (Filet, Ribeye, Sirloin, Skirt, Strip)
- Brisket
- Roasts (Chuck, Arm, Rump, Round)
- Stew Meat
- Kabob Meat
- Beef Ribs
- Miscellaneous (Liver, Heart, Tongue, Soup Bones)
- Pork:
- Chops
- Tenderloin
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Ground pork
- Loin roast
- Shoulder
- Spareribs
- Miscellaneous (Heart, Liver, Head, Shanks, Lard)
Preparing to Store Freezer Meat
When you have decided that you will test things out and purchase a quarter (or go all-in and buy a half or whole), don’t forget to use these tips to understand the protocol for having properly stored meat in the most organized freezer of the century.
- Beef and pork products are known for how easily they freeze. Products can be frozen in their original packaging but should be transferred to airtight packaging to preserve the great quality. Don’t forget to label the package with cut information and the date.
- Raw beef and pork products generally keep well in the freezer for up to 12 months. Raw ground beef or ground pork keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cooked beef or pork products that have been frozen should be used within 3 months.
- Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, microwave, or immersed in cold water.
Farm to Freezer: Bringing the Beef to You
In the U.S., more than 26 billion pounds of beef are consumed every year. Whether you’re searching for a pound of ground beef or sizzling sirloin steak, selecting the perfect cuts of meat has never been so easy and convenient. Ever wonder how delicious cuts like these end up in your freezer throughout the year? The combination of our efficient supply chain and local farmers enables you to make your famous baby back ribs or award-winning pot roast while barely lifting a finger.
Beef cattle spend most of their lives on the farm. Calves are weaned at 6-10 months of age. After the calves are no longer dependent on their mothers for food, they are fed a diet with a mix of grass and grain-based foods (including grass in the pasture during the summer and hay in the winter). Their balanced diets are often prescribed by animal nutritionists to provide the best quality of meat.
Once they reach market weight (usually 1,200-1,400 pounds), cattle are taken to the processor in semi-trucks which are special by providing a safe and comfortable environment for livestock during transportation.
Once the meat has been harvested and processed, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspects all meat to ensure it is safe, accurately labeled, and correctly packaged. This process enables you to have the safe, high-quality meat you need.
The final beef products are shipped to retail and food service establishments for consumers to purchase and enjoy. Try to think of the road your dazzling steak took to arrive at your dining room table the next time you sit down to eat.
Beef and Pork for All Seasons
Freezer stocked full of premium beef and pork and no idea what’s for dinner tonight? With a stocked freezer, you'll have endless options for meal preparation throughout the year. Eat your way through the freezer with these recipe ideas for all seasons!