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Did I ever tell you we bought half a cow?

Beef-1 

 I'm lucky enough to know lots of cool people and farmers on are that list. My friend Kathy isn't primarily a rancher, but raises a few cattle for herself and a few to sell. I've visited these cute little things many a spring as they are born on her property. Last fall she sent out an email to her friends asking if anyone wanted part of a cow. Bj and I decided that we couldn't pass up 100% grass fed hormone free happy beef from Kathy's yard so we went for it. I was in Vermont when Kathy texted me to say our cow was being killed (it is what it is) and Bj had to walk through a small family owned slaughterhouse to pay for the butchering and pick up our meat. I am trying to eat more vegetarian meals, but I live with a meat eater and I think this is probably as close to the right way to get meat as possible, if there is one. 

Beef-2 

Also it is delicious and we are completely spoiled for life. This is just ground beef but when you get half a cow you get all the parts. Bj is having fun experimenting with different cuts.

Beef-3 

Tuesday is finally up for tackling a bit of meat and handled this really well. If you ever get the opportunity I say go for it. It's not only money saving but it feels good to support a local farmer and butcher. She says next year she might raise a few pigs. Mmmm bacon…

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11 responses to “Did I ever tell you we bought half a cow?”

  1. CEARA Avatar

    I had totally forgot about your cow! How did you end up storing it all? I bet that tastes so good, being so fresh and all. And if she ends up getting pigs next year, you’ll have to make a pizza–pepperoni, banana peppers, and bacon! Mmmm!!!

  2. Amber Lee Avatar

    We ended up getting a small upright freezer for the basement, it’s working out great for all the baby food too.

  3. Carmen Avatar

    oh my gosh, poor cow! I know how you feel though, the animal has a much better quality of life than a regular “hamburger” cow. And you get hormone free, organic meat. Our friends give us moose meat….also free range (actually hunted in the wild), but i still feel bad eating it-although it is delicous. If or I should say WHEN Andrew reads this he is going to be so jelous that you got half a cow……the carnivore of the family really wants to do this too.

  4. Carmen Avatar

    also, when did you start Tuesday on bread and other non-pureed options?

  5. Erin Avatar

    We were totally going to do this, but would have had to buy a freezer and decided to wait until we have a house. I can’t wait to eat delicious meat!

  6. mary m Avatar

    We want to do this too. I’m thinking this spring we’ll find one to buy to get in the fall.
    Amber one of my co-workers sells pigs and she’d tried to get me to buy one, but I’d need to get a freezer first. Plus Tom isn’t a huge pork fan. Sad!

  7. Amber Lee Avatar

    We can’t remember exactly, I think around ten months.

  8. K@ Avatar

    One of my dad’s best friends is a cattle rancher in Idaho. We would get a 1/2 cow every year. Such a difference in taste! I’ll have to talk Brent into doing that next year. Hmmm…:)

  9. Jessica Avatar

    We live in the sticks, and therefore know lots of farmers. We always get a 1/2 of a cow & pig every year. Best meat you’ll ever eat, no doubt about that! Enjoy! (:

  10. emspahn Avatar

    I grew up in Farmland…so I grew up with all my friends raising cattle and selling it at the county fair. I always thought it was a little weird that they would take a photo of themselves with the cow and the buyer and then put a photo in the newspaper!

  11. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    Grass Fed Beef is definitely a more healthy option than grain fed beef. It is higher in omega 3 acids and beta-carotene. Additionally it is lower in fat and calories. I work with La Cense beef which sells 100% grass fed beef directly to consumers, and I have to say that it is delicious! After making the switch from grain fed beef to grass fed beef myself I would never go back.

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