Purchasing a custom share of beef or pork is a fantastic way to ensure your family has a steady supply of high-quality, farm-fresh meat at an economical price.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what it means to buy a custom share, the amount of meat you’ll receive, and how long it can feed a family of four.
What Does It Mean to Purchase a Custom Share?
When you buy a custom share of beef or pork, you’re purchasing a portion of a steer or a hog directly from a local farmer (hopefully us!). These shares typically come in halves or whole portions, meaning you're purchasing half or whole of an animal.
Once you’ve placed your deposit, the animal is processed at one of our butcher partners according to your specifications.
This is where the "custom" part comes in - you choose how the beef or pork is processed from a variety of cuts, including steaks, roasts, chops, ground meat, and more. For example, if you don't want a tenderloin and instead want it cut down into individual steaks, the butcher can do that!
How Much Meat Will You Receive?
Beef Shares:
- Half Share: A half share of beef will provide approximately 200-260 pounds of meat.
- Whole Steer: Purchasing a whole steer offers around 400-520 pounds of meat.
Hog Shares:
- Half Share: A half share of a hog typically yields about 70-90 pounds of meat.
- Whole Hog: A whole hog provides around 140-180 pounds of meat.
(Why are these numbers different from the numbers listed on the product pages? Because of the difference between hanging weights and take-home yields. Click here to learn more.)
How Long Can This Feed a Family of Four?
For a family of four, the duration that a custom share lasts depends on your meat consumption habits. Here’s a general guideline:
- Half Share of Pork: This amount can feed a family of four for approximately 3 to 6 months. It’s perfect for those who enjoy meat a few times a week and want a reliable source of high-quality beef or pork.
- Half Share of Beef or Whole Pork: This larger share can last between 6 to 12 months, providing a more extensive supply of meat that can cater to regular family meals, special occasions, and everything in between.
- Whole Share of Beef: Again, depending on your family's consumption, a whole share of beef can last you well over a year!
Why Choose a Custom Share?
1. Quality and Freshness: By purchasing directly from True North Meats, you’re guaranteed fresh, high-quality meat that’s been raised and processed to the highest standards.
2. Customization: One of the significant benefits of buying a custom share is the ability to tailor the processing to your preferences. Whether you prefer certain cuts, specific thicknesses, or want the meat packaged in particular sizes, you have the flexibility to get exactly what you want.
3. Support Local Farmers: Buying a custom share directly supports our family business, which in turn helps us contribute to our local economy and other small, family-owned businesses. It’s a win-win situation that promotes sustainable farming practices and ensures you know where your food comes from!
4. Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost might seem significant, purchasing a custom share often proves to be more economical in the long run. You’re buying in bulk, which typically lowers the per-pound cost of high-quality meat compared to purchasing individual cuts from the grocery store.
5. Convenience: Having a substantial supply of meat in your freezer means fewer trips to the grocery store and more meal planning flexibility. You can enjoy a variety of meats without worrying about running out or needing to restock frequently.
How to Get Started
Ready to take the plunge and purchase a custom share?
Click here to choose between beef or pork, place your deposit, and we'll reach out to you with the next steps!
