1/4 beef fail? What do I tell my farmer neighbor?

[TravelingJ]

Yep. We did a 1/4 recently. My sister in law sells to most of the meat plants in the midwest, so she took the reins on the whole thing. I've been less than pleased with every single bit of it. I'll let a nephew take my spot on the next round, I'd rather just go and buy what I need when I need it, or stockup on sales. My freezer is currently filled with resentment.

[Sopchoppy]

I've had the best beef from a friend who raised Black Angus and would let a few know he was going to butcher one in 3-4 months. Grass fed then finished on grain. I bought a 1/4 beef from someone I did not know and it went in the garbage as it had the most terrible smell and taste of any meat I've ever had. Knowing the person who raised it helps the chances it will be good meat, but its no guarantee.

[kynmo2010]

I was fortunate when I atarted buying beef in blk again. During the early stages of the pandemic I heaard of a local family that raised cattle and ran a sell barn were selling private label beef out of their sell barn. I was able to try may cuts of meat and it was all excellent. I have now purchased my 2nd 1/4 beef and will continue getting from this source. Always good to purchase on a small scale before you go big.

[bowhnter]

Originally Posted by Mikhail

f you talk to him he might be able to fatten one up for you next time, finish it on corn or grain. Might cost a little more, but could be worth it. Plus you know where your meat comes from.

I do like knowing where it comes from. I can start asking questions on the process, and how much grain time they get. It can’t hurt to say we like more marbling.

[Titch]

Personally I would be honest upfront
He can't fix a secret

[Robert]

If your neighbor is taking the beef to a processor, then this might be easily solved without much hurt feelings. When/if he asks about your satisfaction, plainly tell him that you are big hamburger fan and other than the filet, not so much a fan of other steaks. But really emphasize how much you love the hamburger. Then end with a question of “ do you think it would be possible to have your quarter made into all hamburger?” If he doesn’t ask, just make that request with that statement the next time you order a quarter.

[bowhnter]

Originally Posted by Robert

If your neighbor is taking the beef to a processor, then this might be easily solved without much hurt feelings. When/if he asks about your satisfaction, plainly tell him that you are big hamburger fan and other than the filet, not so much a fan of other steaks. But really emphasize how much you love the hamburger. Then end with a question of “ do you think it would be possible to have your quarter made into all hamburger?” If he doesn’t ask, just make that request with that statement the next time you order a quarter.

I wanted to make a custom 1/4 order, it he said he could only custom cut a half. Basically he split his half with me.

[gcs]

If you can get just the front quarter, have the whole thing ground into burger.

[pmad]

Just say, "It was good, but we're not really steak people. The burgers were great. Can we get all ground beef next time?"

[Smokie185]

Since I now have a good bit of grass fed beef in the freezer I was doing some research and came across the following link.

https://www.grass-fed-solutions.com/grass-fed-beef.html

[bowhnter]

Originally Posted by Smokie185

Since I now have a good bit of grass fed beef in the freezer I was doing some research and came across the following link.

https://www.grass-fed-solutions.com/grass-fed-beef.html

Good info, thanks!

[Smokie185]

Here are a few more links about cooking grass fed beef.

https://www.primallyinspired.com/how...ass-fed-steak/

https://www.chelseagreen.com/2018/ho...rassfed-steak/

https://fatburningman.com/12-tips-fo...rass-fed-beef/

[jzadski]

I totally agree with what Wayne and Mik said

[SonVolt]

Originally Posted by Titch

Personally I would be honest upfront
He can't fix a secret

There's nothing to fix though. If you want a well-marbled steak you go walk into Publix and pick one out. You don't order a 1/2 side beef sight-unseen. This is like vacationing in India then complaining about the heat. Have some sense.

[kevinstaggs]

Lots of factors contribute to marbling scores. I’d ask him about his practices: breed of cattle, finishing techniques, how he manages genetics, does he butcher calves or yearlings, does he creep feed, etc. This will (or should) clue him into the fact that your quality focused. His operation may not be suited to you. If so, he’ll probably just tell you that. He might modify things for a little more $ for a friend...

Maybe buy a calf and finish yourself.


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