Buying beef for home freezer

Many consumers are contemplating the purchase of bulk beef for home freezers. Beef can be purchased as a live animal or as a dressed beef carcass. Buying beef in quantity may be the way to save money but it depends on your situation. When buying beef in bulk many questions will arise.

• Is it wise to buy a side or a quarter of beef to be cut, packaged, and quick froze for freezer storage?

Consider these factors before deciding: The meat cuts served most often; amount of freezer storage space; how much the family consumes in a certain period of time; the community facilities for cutting, packaging and quick freezing.

• How many pounds of meat will my freezer hold?

A rule of thumb is one cubic foot of freezer space for each

35-40 pounds of cut and wrapped meat. Allow slightly more space when the meat is packaged in odd shapes.

• What are the advantages to buying a whole carcass or a side?

When you buy a whole carcass or a side, a variety of highand low-priced cuts are obtained. You will get some cuts such as the brisket short ribs, and shank not normally purchased. Usually, locker plants and meat markets will convert such cuts into ground meat or stew meat. Meat processors will often age the meat for 10 days or the period desired and will cut it according to specifications. In addition, you may specify how the side or wholesale carcass is cut. For a carcass or a side to be a “good buy” the purchaser must utilize every cut that is made from the carcass. If the family will not eat certain cuts, then it may be wise to have the unacceptable cuts processed into ground beef. If a great deal of ground beef is used, then it may be wise to purchase only the forequarter. Buying a carcass or a side may be less expensive per pound, but remember that

24-45% is lost from cutting, trimming, and boning depending on the yield grade of the carcass. In comparing alternatives include the cost of cutting, wrapping, quick freezing, any interest for financing the purchase, and the finance costs on the freezer, as well as the freezer operation cost.

• How long can meat be frozen and still maintain its quality? Beef can be stored from nine to 12 months. Ground beef can be stored three to four months. Most meat items can be safely stored for longer periods, but they lose some quality. Long storage periods contribute to freezer burn, dehydration, and broken packages, which result in sacrificing quality and quantity. Shorter storage periods can reduce storage investment costs. Decide whether or not your family can eat a side of beef within a year before you buy.

The steer is not all steaks nor is the carcass all steak. Consumers contemplating the purchase of carcass beef should calculate the approximate cost per pound of edible meat and then consider if it is cheaper to buy bulk meat in the form of a live animal, a carcass, or buy meat on a special in the supermarket. 4-H information

There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available for youths, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office, 623-6841, or email cmcafee@uaex.edu. Master Gardener information

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. The meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information, call Alex Dykes at the Extension office, 623-6841, or email him at adykes@uaex.edu. EHC information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call Alison Crane at 623-6841 or email acrane@uaex.edu.