FAQS
HOW IS YOUR BEEF RAISED AND FINISHED?
Life for our calves begins on the farm. The first four to six months of their lives are spent with their mother. They are weaned, vaccinated for disease, wormed, and then placed in a pasture and started on feed. Once their stomachs are acclimated to grain they are then allowed to eat the grain free choice as well as grass hay. The corn based feed ration that we use is specially formulated by a feed nutritionist. Studies show that the longer calves are on a high grain diet, the more marbling potential that they have. The length of time that our calves are on grain is between 300-540 days depending on their breed. Our calves are never given hormones or steroids or preventative antibiotics. Happy and healthy calves make better beef!
WHAT TYPE OF BEEF DO YOU OFFER?
We have different breeds of calves available for purchase. Our premium Texas Wagyu beef calves are a cross of Japanese Black Wagyu Bulls and our Brangus and Hereford cows.
These calves cost more due to the longer feed time that they require for marbling and growth. We also offer Brangus/Hereford calves that finish out at 18 months vs. the 24-30 months for the Wagyu cross calves.
CAN I PURCHASE INDIVIDUAL CUTS OF BEEF?
Yes, you can! We offer individual cuts and custom boxes that can be put together at the ranch. Shipping can be arranged for individual orders, but a bulk box is more economical for the price. Shipping one steak costs about the same as shipping 10lbs of beef.
HOW MANY POUNDS OF MEAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A WHOLE BEEF?
If we have enough beef in stock (in the freezer), we can put you together a whole beef which will be 500lbs. 500lbs fits in a 16 cubic ft freezer. However, we can also select a beef to be processed and you will pay by the hanging weight plus processing. Finished boxed beef on a whole animal can range from 500 to 650lbs. You will need a larger than 16 cubic ft freezer if getting more than 500lbs. Halves and quarters can be done the same way, either from our freezer when in stock or from the processor.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRAIN FED AND GRASS FED BEEF?
Grain fed beef will generally be more meat, milder flavored, and have more marbling and white fat.
Grass fed is leaner, stronger flavored, and will have less marbling and fat, and the fat will have a yellow tint.
If you have the time watch this great 45-minute video from the Bearded Butcher on this topic.
WHAT IS WAGYU?
Wagyu is a breed of cattle originating from Japan. What makes this breed special is that they distribute most of their fat intramuscularly, which is also known as marbling. Their meat is very tender and carries a distinctive buttery flavor. Wagyu are very slow maturing in comparison to most breeds raised in the U.S. While most breeds here are ready to harvest in 15-18 months, full Wagyu take approximately 30-36 months to mature. Here on our ranch, we raise Texas or American Wagyu which simply means that we have crossed Wagyu with other breeds of cattle. These calves still grow at a slower rate but should mature a little earlier than a full Wagyu.
WHAT IS DRY AGING BEEF?
The aging process helps to bring the flavor out in the beef. There are two methods of aging beef, wet and dry. Most people prefer the dry aged beef over wet aged beef. We suggest dry aging for a minimum of 14 days. It can be dry aged for 12-21 days, or longer, if you choose.
This is an excellent video by The Bearded Butchers compares dry aged beef vs. wet aged beef.
(174) Why is Dry Aged Beef better? | The Bearded Butchers - YouTube
CAN YOU SHIP and HOW DO YOU SHIP?
Yes, shipping is available! Free shipping is available within a 50 miles radius of our ranch on quarter, half, and whole beef. We deliver this beef to you packed in boxes straight from the freezer. Smaller boxes may be picked up at the ranch. We do have some boxes in our online store that can be shipped via USPS Priority Mail. These boxes are double insulated and shipped with dry ice to help keep your beef frozen.
HOW IS BEEF PACKAGED AND LABELED?
Our beef is individually vacuum packaged, flash frozen, and Texas State Inspected.