We have news to share about our Beef availabilities for the next year. Please know that I don't like making changes to what we offer...but things are changing on our end. I have never felt ok raising prices, and don't do it as simply a matter of routine.
The raising of our cattle and the quality of the beef we produce is still priority. They are rotated on a small piece of land that is very strategically maintained. Neighbors have stopped by to ask how we've made this land so beautiful, and they are impressed with the grasses. With the effort that David has put into the pastures, we are 100% sustainable with our own hay.
It is truly a family operation. Steers are purchased at weaning from David's cousin in Cottonwood, the land David grew up on. My cousin bails our hay. The land is my daddy's. My husband and sons pick out and purchase cattle, rotate and supply hay and minerals as needed, then drive them to the processing facility we've used for the last two decades. The cattle are grass-fed and grass finished. Grain is never given. Hormones are never given. It usually takes 24 months of life before they are the size needed to process.
All the years before 2020, David would let me know when he was ready to process a steer...I could call the Market and set a date, usually in the next 6 weeks. Since 2020, dates are set a year in advance. Because of this, we have to estimate a time frame as well set a date with destiny...before we even purchase the steer. It's been working okay, but our sizes are not as consistent.
Here's where things are getting tough...
In 2022, we were able to purchase a steer for $800-900. Then there was drought. Texans lined up to sale everything they had. In the beginning of 2023, we purchased 3 steers for $1500 each. Last week, we were quoted $1800 each. We did not add to our little herd.
So...
We only have 3 head available for Spring 2024. 6 halves.
1) Price will be increased to $4.50 per pound, hanging weight. Plus your portion of the processing fee. I will also need a deposit of $400 for each half. (This is refundable if necessary and will be applied to your full cost of meat.)
2) We will only be able to offer HALVES. Not quarters.
3) Meat will have to be picked up by customer, from butcher in Westphalia. You will pay them for the processing fee and send me a check for the balance.
4)I will give the processing date, let you know that it has been taken in....and then you can expect a 2-3 week time frame before the beef is ready. When I call you that they have the beef ready, I would like for you to pick it up in the next 2 days.
It is very important to me to keep a good reputation with my processor. They need to be paid promptly as well as the fact that they are not a storage facility.
They are only able to offer half. This saves me a second trip to pick up, inventory and freezer on my end, and delivery costs.
Here is an example of cost:
A steer has a hanging weight of 600# The processing fee usually average a bit over $1.00 per pound....so the total cow will be 600(4.50)=$2700.00 plus a processing fee of about $625. If you purchase a half...It will be $1350 + 312 for fee = $1662 for your half. You can then split it with someone as you see fit. Be prepared...last year, we had steers weighing 740 hanging.
On a small note, we are requesting that Round Steaks be made into smaller portions and that Rib Steaks are packaged single.
Please do research on the beef industry. A simple search of "Smallest beef heard" will give you many articles to read. We are seeing higher prices at the grocery store, but I'm thinking they are kept lower right now because the U.S is importing beef. The next year will bring challenges for producers and consumers.
Dates and available:
Dates are processing...pick up will be 2-3 weeks out.
March 6 (largest of season)
Half 1 Dana James
Half 2 Roz Lee
April 15
Half 1: Galveston?
Half 2:
May 13
Half 1: Dobecka/Moore
Half 2:. Angie Carswell
I may be having trouble with comments... please text 254.290.0778...and I will update this post. Thanks.
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