Understanding Bulk Beef Purchase: Live Weight, Hanging Weight, and Packaged Weight

When considering buying beef in bulk—whether it's a half, quarter, or eighth—you might encounter the terms "hanging weight" and "packaged weight." Let's clarify the differences between these measurements to ensure you make an informed decision.

Live Weight: This is the weight of the beef animal when it's alive. It's a straightforward measure similar to how we weigh ourselves.

Hanging Weight: After the animal is slaughtered, bled, and has had its head, hide, feet, entrails, and organs removed, we get the hanging weight. It's typically around 60% of the live weight. For instance, if a steer weighs 1000 lbs live weight, its hanging weight would be approximately 600 lbs. The butcher uses this weight to calculate cutting and wrapping fees, and when you buy in bulk, these fees are covered in your total cost.

Packaged Weight (Final or Take Home Weight): This is the weight you, as the customer, take home after the meat has been packaged. Usually, it's around 60-65% of the hanging weight. The reduction comes from water loss during the dry aging process (10-14 days to tenderize) and cutting the meat off the bones. While a lower packaged weight may suggest fewer bones, it doesn't mean less meat. If you request bones for broth-making, some of this weight is retained.

It's important to note that these weights are approximate and can vary between individual animals and butchering styles. Although we aim for consistency by using the same butcher, occasional variations might occur!

Below is an example of what comes with a whole beef order. We more commonly sell half beef or quarter beef orders, but this gives you an idea of what’s included.

Note that all items on here are customizable, anything can be turned into ground beef if you don’t think you’ll use it!