Big box meat companies

[kenmac]

One note, the guys ive ordered from; which I like, but others may not; burger meat comes in 2# rolls, which is about right for us, but not for 2 people; and its pretty darn lean. Its also not cheap, even with some volume discount, $6.60/lbs.

Also, Barn2Door, one farm might be awesome, another trash, its independent sellers, using them for payments and some very minor advertising. With that, I think, you might save a bit by on the 2nd or 3rd order, calling them direct and cutting out Barn2Door, and whatever their take of the sale is? Probably 10%?View attachment 4419911

I have my ground beef processed at 80/20..... $6.60 per lb isn't a bad price. I sell mine at $8.25 per # and people are happy to pay it for fresh ground beef

 

[paulsharvey]

I have my ground beef processed at 80/20..... $6.60 per lb isn't a bad price. I sell mine at $8.25 per # and people are happy to pay it for fresh ground beef

Well, just from a strictly price side, it is more, even in bulk, than say Sam's club. So, by cutting out the middle men, you dont save money. Now, he has to haul the cattle about 60 miles to get processed, then go back a few weeks or so later. He also has to pay the processor. Im not blaming the farm, just point out.

Now, he isnt strictly grass feed, which I dont generally want. His steaks, honestly Publix has IMO better steaks, and with the price of steaks, we just dont buy them often, birthdays, mother's days, special occasions, and maybe 1/month. Buy 5 ribeyes isnt for the faint of heart these days.

Guy I have dealt with also is not a hobby farm; I dont know his exact scale; but hes in the few hundred cattle, and he also does guided gator and hog hunts. I believe he also leases out his base camp to special events, corporate parties, weddings, ect

 

[Cycledude]

I was gifted some Omaha steaks, they were ok but nothing to brag about, very expensive to buy.

 

[WinterDeere]

I was gifted some Omaha steaks, they were ok but nothing to brag about, very expensive to buy.

Having heard this several times in this thread alone, you have to admire their marketing guys. To be “good but nothing special”, while still maintaining an image lofty enough to charge top-of-market prices, those marketing guys are really earning their salaries!

 

[Stimw]

A few years ago my Sister asked me about the mail order meat and I told her to find a butcher locally (SE Indiana). She found one that offers packages that easily substitutes for her tastes. She has been very happy with them and their service and price. Dealing face to face has to have a better outcome.
I too have been making my own sausage. Local store had pork butts $1.49 lb. If you buy Jimmy Dean it is now $5-6. a lb.
I have been experimenting with seasonings, I like brown sugar, I tried 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a lb and it was too much, 1 is better. I make patties and fry them. I like salt and added what I thought was needed. Compared to store bought I was way light, store bought is very salty!
I have an OSTER Food center with a grinder attachment and it works great for the sausage.
I portioned out the butt about a lb and vac sealed and froze until I grind it.

 

[Oaktree]

even the cheapest cut of meat from the "used meat" bin tastes better ground than the stuff the stores sell.

What is "used meat"? Hope it's not what I'm thinking it is.

Well, just from a strictly price side, it is more, even in bulk, than say Sam's club. So, by cutting out the middle men, you dont save money.

Nearest Sam's club is ~2.5 hr from here, so needless to say it's not something we belong to. How does their meat compare to Walmart's (which is generally pretty low grade)?

 

[paulsharvey]

What is "used meat"? Hope it's not what I'm thinking it is.


Nearest Sam's club is ~2.5 hr from here, so needless to say it's not something we belong to. How does their meat compare to Walmart's (which is generally pretty low grade)?

We like the burger more, the steaks, ill pick my own out at Publix/Winn Dixie.

Also, im not one of those crazy folks, but I do like the idea of supporting a local farmer, IF his prices are in the ball park. Now, if hes at $9/lbs vs $4.50/lbs imported from South America, ill go import.

Sams club, ive always been happy with their meat.

Now, with prices where they are, we tend to eat much more pork than beef or chicken, except ground beef. Dnag steaks are up around $22/each for nice ribeyes; and even flank steaks and similar are High.

 

[gstrom99]

We still get that here. I usually pay extra for the ground round as it has a lot less fat... why pay for something I'm just going to pour off into a can and toss?

The fat or "marbling" keeps the cooked meat juicy and gives it flavor. I buy 80% instead of the 90% burger. 90% burgers are too dry, when grilled IMHO.

To the OP; search out a "real" butcher and/or locker/farmer for quantity/quality beef. Mail order? Not for me.

 

[Midniteoyl]

What, you guys don't have old Ford Rangers with chest freezers driven by sketchy guys knocking on your door selling 'high quality meat'?

 

[Tomtint]

My goal is to have enough for 2 people for a couple months in our freezer in our RV. It's a full size fridge so there should be plenty of room for that. I don't thing having to search out a butcher every time we want something on the road is realistic.. Thus why I asked about big box options.. I also like the idea of them being individually packaged.