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Top 5 Reasons to Buy 1/2 Beef from a Local Farm

written by

Joe Wanda

posted on

July 10, 2024

If you've never bought beef in bulk before, the idea of investing in a large quantity of meat can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. In addition to being easy and economical, buying bulk beef comes with some wonderful benefits. Before we share our top five reasons to buy 1/2 beef from a local farm, let’s get a big misconception about bulk beef out of the way.

Weighing in on 1/2 beef

There’s a common misconception that you have to eat a lot of beef to consider buying bulk beef. That’s really not the case! According to the USDA, Americans eat an average of 56 pounds of beef yearly. In other words, a family of four can expect to consume roughly 224 pounds of beef over the course of one year.

At an estimated total weight of 200 pounds, 1/2 beef from Wanda Farms is appropriate for the average American family. Following that same logic:

  • 1/4 beef at an estimated total weight of 100 lbs for an average family of two
  • 1/8 beef at an estimated total weight of 50 lbs for an average family of one

Buying for a large family of eight or splitting an order among neighbors? In that case, one whole beef at an estimated 400 pounds is a great option.

Moral of the story: if you’re a beef eater, bulk beef is right for you.

Five reasons to buy 1/2 beef from a local farm

1. Bulk savings

Buying in bulk saves you money in the long run compared to purchasing meat à la carte (i.e., by- the-pound). When you purchase a whole, 1/2, 1/4 or 1/8 cow, you get premium steaks for the same price as ground beef. The cost per pound is significantly lower than buying individual cuts by the pound, making it an economically sound choice for families who eat beef.

2. Hedge against inflation

Meat prices have been steadily rising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, meat prices increased by 14.3% in the first quarter of 2022 (the highest jump since 1979!). Fast forward to this year, they continued to rise with the most recent Consumer Index Report dated May 2024 showing a 7.7% increase over May 2023. It’s hard to predict where prices might be next year, and although we hope prices don’t continue to increase, investing in bulk beef now may save you money in the long run.

3. Convenience

In addition to saving money, buying beef in bulk saves time that would otherwise be spent shopping. There’s no need to worry about what’s for dinner because you forgot to place your weekly order. With beef on hand there’s less guesswork when it comes to meal planning. At the end of a long day, having a full freezer is convenient.

4. Honor the whole animal

Buying in bulk honors the whole animal by allowing you to enjoy every cut of meat it has to offer. While we might all wish for a cow that only produces steaks or a pig that only produces bacon, the reality is that each animal provides a variety of cuts. Buying in bulk means you get to enjoy steaks, roasts, ground beef, and more (including organ meats if that’s your preference). Buying beef in bulk helps ensure that no part of the animal goes to waste.

5. Prepared for possible food shortages

With ongoing food shortages and other uncertainties, having a freezer full of beef can provide peace of mind. Knowing that you have a reliable food source to feed your family in the event of an emergency can be reassuring. Being prepared can alleviate the stress of uncertain times.

Bonus benefit: support a local farmer

Buying local helps keep family farms like ours alive and thriving. More than that, when you buy 1/2 beef from a local farm, your support goes a step further. Buying in bulk helps family farmers plan more effectively, by anticipating harvest dates, order volumes, and necessary freezer space. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Speaking of freezers, be sure to visit our Guide to Buying a Half Cow: Choosing The Right Freezer For Your Grass-Fed Beef if you’re looking to learn more about freezer types, freezer tips, and our favorite ways to protect your investment.

How to order 1/2 beef from Wanda Farms

Ready to buy 1/2 beef from Wanda Farms? Pre-order bulk beef for convenient home delivery or on-farm pickup through our online store today! Questions about placing a bulk beef order? Email us at info@wandafarms.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Related Articles:

How The Dark Side of Big Agriculture Inspired The Wanda Family's True Grass Fed Beef Farm

Guide to Buying a Half Cow: Choosing The Right Freezer For Your Grass-Fed Beef

Why are the grocery meat prices rising?

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