4 hours ago3 min read

Buying a Half-Calf for the Freezer

Having your own freezer section at home is so convenient. I've taken a moment to answer some of the most frequently asked questions I receive below.

What Cuts do I get with a half-calf?

Here are our favorite cuts.

These are our favorite cuts, but it can be customized to your liking.

How many ribeyes should I expect to receive for a half-calf?

You can expect about 9-12 ribeyes.

How does the deposit work?

The deposit will hold a half-calf for a specific date you choose.

The price per pound for hanging weight depends on whichever percentage you choose

(50%, 75%, or 100%).

50% - $7.50 per pound hanging weight - Available for harvest in January, 2025.

75% - $8.50 per pound hanging weight

93-98% - $9.50 per pound hanging weight.

When do I have to pay the balance?

The minute we know the hanging weight we will invoice you for the balance less your deposit. It will be due upon receipt.

How long does it take from harvest date to pickup?

The calf will dry age for 2-3 weeks and then the butcher will cut it up and package it into cryovac packaging and label it and freeze it.

Is it frozen when I pick it up?

Yes - It will be frozen when you pick it up directly from the butcher.

What do I bring along when I pick up?

Take your own coolers or boxes as you transport it home frozen.

How do I know when it is ready to pick up?

I'll connect you with the butcher so you can coordinate a day that works best for both of you. Pickup is usually on a Thursday or Friday before 4pm.

Can we pick up from the butcher on a weekend?

Everyone likes a weekend off, including the butcher. It is best to arrange for pick up before 4pm on any weekday that suits you and the butcher.

What does hanging weight include?

Hanging weight is about 50-60% of the live weight because it doesn't include hide, head, intestines, organs or lower legs & hooves. If you want organs, I can let the butcher know.

Why do you sell by hanging weight?

This is the simplest way to sell bulk beef, because that is how the calf is weighed at processing.

What is the difference between hanging weight and package weight?

Package weight is about 50-60% of the hanging weight. This is because it loses water as it dry ages and it also loses more of the bones. Interesting to note that if it were not dry aged, the package weight would weigh more, but the meat would lose water weight in the cooking process. If a half-calf has a 400 pound hanging weight, it does not translate into 400 pounds of packaged beef. The packaged product would be around 200 pounds.

What determines the cost?

The cost to buy a 100% fullblood registered wagyu bull that has been DNA tested and verified is very expensive. Wagyu cattle grow slower than other breeds. Our animals are not force fed in order to grow them faster. We do not use antibiotics, hormones or steroids in the raising of our beef. And we do not take them to a feedlot. We raise them ourselves. And they live a very happy life. Our animals are around 30 months when processed. At almost three years old, we invest a lot of time and money to grow healthy and delicious prime-plus beef. We don't sell bulk by package weight, but if we did, the cost would dollar out to be the same.

What if I just want to buy specific cuts?

At the time of this blog post, these are our cut prices per pound for 50% wagyu.

We may also have higher percentages available, so be sure to ask. As the percentage goes up, so do the cut prices per pound.