Our Meat
WHY GRASS FED BEEF?
100% grass fed beef is nutritionally superior to congenitally raised grain/corn fed beef. It is lower in saturated fat than corn fed beef, due to the fact that grass is high in protein and fiber, while being low in starch. Grass fed beef has higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These are the healthy fats found in salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts. Studies indicate these help prevent heart disease and bolster the immune system. Grass fed beef also has higher levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA’s) and vitamins A & E. Research indicates that these antioxidants and healthy acids help fight breast cancer, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes.
HOW DO I PREPARE GRASS FED BEEF?
Grass fed beef tastes the way nature intended. No added hormones or antibiotics allow the natural, rich flavors of the beef to come through. Don’t worry - we will send you off with preparation tips and keep you up to speed on great recipes! The key to preparing grass fed beef is to do it low and slow. This means to use low heat for longer periods of time. The goal is to cook the inside without overcooking the outside. Grass fed beef has high protein and low fat levels, the beef will usually require 30% less cooking time and will continue to cook when removed from heat. For this reason, remove the beef from your heat source 10 degrees before it reaches the desired temperature. Use a thermometer to test for doneness. Let the beef sit covered for five minutes after removing from heat to let the juices redistribute. Use tongs instead of a fork to turn your grilled beef in order to retain the tasty juices. Thaw your beef in the refrigerator. Since grass fed beef is low in fat, coat with virgin olive oil for flavor enhancement, and to prevent drying and sticking.
WHAT IS A SIDE OF BEEF?
A side of a beef is ½ of a whole cow.
HOW MUCH DOES A COW WEIGH?
Our finished cows usually weigh between 900-1000 lbs.
A whole cow is 60%-65% of the live weight, around 540-600lbs. in finished product.
That means if you want a side of beef you get 250-325lbs. of beef depending on how you choose to have it cut.
WHAT IS A PROCESSING FEE?
A fee the meat processor charges for the processing of the animal.
The buyer is responsible to pay the processing fee to the meat processor. This fee usually averages $175.00 $230.30 per side of beef.
The consumer paying the process directly makes the process legal according to the USDA regulations.
The last customer who purchased a side of beef at CCC ended up paying $3.50 per lb. That is less expensive than you can buy lower quality ground beef in local stores. This customer got a variety of cuts including sirloins, ribeyes, tomahawks, filet mignon, chuck roasts, briskets and ground beef.
HOW MUCH FREEZER SPACE DO I NEED?
A small deep freeze will typically hold a side of beef. But here is a breakdown of by the cubic foot.
1/8th Beef Share: 2 cubic feet
1/4 Beef Share: 3.5 cubic feet
1/2 Beef Share: 7 cubic feet
HOW DOES THE BEEF COME PACKAGED?
The beef comes fresh frozen and wrapped in vacuum sealed packaging which preserves its flavor and freshness for up to three years. Each piece is labeled with the cut and weight. It will come packaged in a box(s), easy to load into your vehicle.
IS THIS USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC BEEF?
Unfortunately, for small family farmers organic certification is cost prohibitive. "Organic Certification" means that the livestock weren't treated with hormones or antibiotics and were fed a pesticide-free diet. All of our farmers adhere to these same organic standards and even go so far as to say they are "beyond organic."
WHAT DO THE CATTLE EAT DURING THE WINTER?
All of our cattle are only fed grass (and mothers milk) throughout their entire life. In the winter they are fed combinations of hay, bailage, or silage consisting of ryegrass, orchard grass, fescues, native warm-seasons, alfalfa, clovers, chicory, etc.
WHERE ARE THE CATTLE PROCESSED?
We use a USDA-approved small, family owned and operated processing facility, Lorentz Meats in Cannon Falls, MN. Lorentz specializes in a customized, stress-free processing method for each animal.
WHEN ARE THE CATTLE HARVESTED?
We harvest cattle at different times throughout the year depending on the season and the farmers herd availability.
WHAT IS THE FAT CONTENT OF THE GROUND BEEF?
Our beef's fat ranges between 10% – 15%. Keep in mind that the fats in grass fed beef are where the healthy acids are stored.
WHAT BREEDS OF CATTLE DO YOU USE?
We prefer the Red and Black Angus breeds.
WHY DO YOU PRACTICE ROTATIONAL GRAZING?
Rotational grazing (moving cattle from pasture to pasture) is good for the cattle, the feed, and the land.
ARE THE CATTLE FED ANY GENETICALLY MODIFIED GRASS OR SOY?
Never. Here is a list of grasses included in our feeding protocol: ryegrass, orchard grass, fescues, native warm-seasons. Also, legumes/forbs (Non-Rodeo Roundup alfalfa, clovers, chicory, trefoil, beets, and dandelions). What is prohibited from the diet are: grains (except flax seed), mature corn silage, any genetically modified organism, animal by-products, fish by-products, candy, potato products, soy, and distillers grains.