Gerald the Cow Survives

Should we buy meat from a local farmer in bulk?

When buying a quarter of a cow (200-300) dollars which equates to 3 full grocery bags of various cuts of meat.

Local farmers charge 3-5 dollars/lb. for grass fed meat.  I estimate the final cost to be $7-14/lb. costs per average cut of meat.  Hidden costs as follows:

-100-150 dollar butcher fee

-50-150 dollars on extra electricity usage per year to preserve

-Sunk costs of having you freezer packed to the brim

-Transportation costs to travel to farm

Conclusion: To buy a whole (quarter) cow is fun however unless you have a family of 8 and already have the freezer storage space I suggest buying grass fed beef in the supermarket.  Bill the butcher has several locations which sell for equal to or less than the cost of buying a quarter cow. http://billthebutcher.com/

Woodinville Shop
12637 N.E. Woodinville Dr     Woodinville, WA 98072
425-949-8277

Laurelhurst Shop
3600 NE 45th St     Seattle, WA 98105
206-588-2539

Redmond Shop
7990 Leary Way NE     Redmond, WA 98052
425-636-8901

Magnolia Shop   

3800 34th Ave W      Seattle, WA 98199
206-829-9741

Edmonds Shop
323 Main St      Edmonds, WA 98020
425-361-1341