Frequently asked questions...

What is a beef/pork share?

A beef or pork share means you're buying a portion of a whole animal, rather than just individual cuts from a grocery store. This allows you to get a variety of cuts at a better price per pound while supporting local, high-quality meat production.

How it works:

Choose your share size:
- Whole (entire animal)
- Half (½ of the animal)
- Quarter (¼ of the animal) *BEEF ONLY*
Processing & Customization:
- Once you purchase a share, you can choose how it's processed. For example, steak thickness, roast sizes, ground beef packaging, or specialty cuts like ribs and brisket.
- If you prefer, we can also process it using a standard cut package with a balanced mix of steaks, roasts, ground meat, and more.
Pricing & Payment:
- Price is typically based on hanging weight (the weight of the carcass before cutting and trimming).
- The final take-home weight is less after the bones and fat are removed.
Pickup & Freezer Space:
- Once processed, your meat will be vacuum-sealed and frozen. We will call letting you know it's ready for pickup.
- A quarter beef typically needs about 4-5 cubic feet of freezer space, while a whole pig takes about 5-6 cubic feet.

Why buy a share?

Better value: Lower cost per pound than buying individual cuts.
Custom processing: Get the cuts you love, how you like them.
Farm-fresh quality: Local, pasture-raised meat with no added fillers.
Stock up: Conveniently fill your freezer with high-quality beef or pork.

How much beef should I expect from my cow?

Not all of the cow makes it to the table. On average, a 1,000 pound steer will only weigh approximately 58% of its live weight once it makes it to the rail (before being cut and wrapped to bring home). This approximate 42% loss during the slaughter and dressing procedure is a result of the animal being bled and the hide, hooves, off all (viscera), lungs, and head being removed. The remaining 58% is often referred to as the "hanging weight" or the weight "on the rail".
But, the loss doesn't stop there. Once the carcass is on the rail it begins to leach moisture (shrink) which accounts for additional weight loss. This, along with the fat and bone being removed during the cutting process account for an

additional 18% loss. In summary, a steer weighing a 1,000 pounds on the hoof will average around 400 pounds of retail cuts to go in your freezer. If there are many deboned cuts, the take home weight may be between 330 and 350 pounds. Also, if the beef animal is over 30 months of age, it has to be deboned and the head and spinal tissue removed.

How much pork should I expect from my hog?

Not all of the hog is edible pork. On average, about 54% of a hog makes it from the pen to the pan. A 250 pound hog will yield approximately 134 pounds of retail cuts. Around 32% of a hog's live weight is inedible and the product will be removed during the slaughter and dressing procedure, bringing our 250 pound live hog to 170 pounds dressed. The internal organs, hair, blood, and other inedible products account for most of this loss. Once the carcass is sanitarily dressed, it is hung on a rail and placed into a cooler where it is quickly chilled. After the carcass is thoroughly chilled, it can be cut into retail cuts where another 21% of the weight is removed, brining our 170 pound carcass to 134 pounds of retail cuts. Bone dust, fat trimming, boning, grinding, and moisture loss account for this unpreventable waste. Hams and bacons are typically cured and smoked after cutting. Please keep in mind that this information represents an average.

(These statistics were provided by Penn State Department of Dairy and Animal Science 1999 and University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.)

Buying Meat In Bulk:
Buying meat in bulk is a cost-effective and convenient way to stock up on high quality protein while often saving money compared to purchasing smaller portions. This is a popular choice for families, meal preppers, and those who value sustainability and supporting local farmers.

Quality:
Bulk meat that is purchased here is fresher and of higher quality than anything you will find at a chain grocery store. All of our beef is vaccine, antibiotic, and hormone free.

Convenience:
Stocking your freezer with large amounts of meat reduces the need for frequent trips to the grocery store. Perfect for meal planning to have a variety of cuts always on hand.

Sustainability:
Buying in bulk from local farmers/ranchers reduces packaging waste and transportation emissions. It also supports local agriculture and sustainable farming/ranching practices.

Freezer Space:
Bulk meat requires significant freezer space, especially for orders like 1/4, 1/2, and whole cows or hogs. You should consider investing in a dedicated chest freezer for your bulk meats. (1/4 Beef = 5 cubic ft, 1/2 = 10 cubic ft, Whole = 20 cubic ft.)

Packaging:
Bulk meat purchases, along with non-bulk items, that are purchased from Pure Farms are always vacuum sealed, ensuring longer life in the freezer (up to a year), and essentially eliminating the risk of freezer burn. All cuts from Cool Springs are labeled with the cut name, ensuring you can always find what you're looking for in your freezer.

Cut Preferences:
Make sure to give us a call with any questions you may have while you're fillling out your cut sheet so we can ensure you're getting your favorite cuts. Anything you don't choose gets put into your ground beef (except organs, unless told otherwise).

USDA Inspected and Regulated:
Beef shares purchased from Cool Springs are always slaughtered and processed under USDA Inspection, ensuring the safety and legality of the meat.

Buying meat in bulk can be a fantastic way to save money, grants access to high quality cuts of meat, and ensures a steady supply for all of your meals. Planning ahead for storage and customization will make the process smooth and rewarding, for both us and your family!