Buying Meat for Freezer Storage (2226)

A natural question when a family owns, or contemplates buying a food freezer is, "Can we save money if we buy meat in large quantities, like a side of beef?"

There is no clear-cut "yes" or "no" answer to this frequent question. It takes some figuring. Buying beef for the freezer is a different proposition than buying a one- to two- weeks’ supply from the grocery store. You'll need to know some facts:

- How much meat will there be from a side or quarter of beef?

- What is the quality of the meat?

- Will you be able to get the quality of meat you have been buying?

- What will it cost to process it…cut it, wrap it, freeze it?

- Will the meat be cut, trimmed and packaged to meet your needs?

- What would comparable cuts cost at retail?

- What cuts are included in a side quarter?

- Does your family like all of these cuts?

- Do we really have enough space in our freezer for over 200 pounds of meat at one time?

- Will the steaks and roasts be cut as we desire? Will the meat that is ground be low-fat ground (with up to 20 percent fat) rather than hamburger (with up to 30 per-cent fat)?

- Do we have the money to invest at one time?

- Are other charges, such as finance charges, interest, or carrying added on?

Consider other alternatives before buying a side or quarter, such as:

1. Buy wholesale cuts, such as rib which will give you just rib roasts, steaks, and some lean trim) or short loin (which will give you porterhouse, T-bone and club steaks). Many stores also handle sub-primals, which are smaller in size than the wholesale cuts and are very well-trimmed.

2. Buy retail cuts your family likes when your local store has them on sale. Many find this is the most practical method - and sometimes the best method of saving money, too.

Most important of all, ask lots of questions and know what you are doing before you buy.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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