Choosing The Best Cuts When Processing A Whole Beef

Buying or raising a whole or half beef is one of the best ways to stock your freezer with high-quality meat. But when it comes time to fill out the cut sheet, many first-time customers wonder how to choose the best options.

Understanding the most common beef cuts can help you make the most of your processing order.

Steaks for the Grill

Steaks are one of the most popular choices when processing beef. Many families choose a mix of classic cuts including:

• Ribeye

• T-bone

• Sirloin

• New York strip

When filling out your cut sheet, you can typically choose the thickness of your steaks and how many steaks per package.

Roasts for Slow Cooking

Roasts are perfect for slow cookers, oven cooking, or family meals.

Common roast options include:

• Chuck roast

• Arm roast

• Rump roast

These cuts are flavorful and work well for shredded beef, pot roast, and other hearty meals.

Ground Beef for Everyday Cooking

Ground beef is often the most used product from a whole beef order. Many families choose to package ground beef in one- or two-pound packages for convenience.

Ground beef is versatile for meals like:

• Burgers

• Tacos

• Spaghetti

• Chili

Stew Meat and Specialty Cuts

Some cuts can also be packaged as stew meat, which is perfect for soups and slow-cooked meals.

Depending on your processor, you may also be able to request specialty items like beef snack sticks or sausage.

Custom Cuts for Your Freezer

Every household cooks differently, which is why custom beef processing is so valuable. A good processor will help you choose cuts that match how your family cooks and eats.

Families throughout Mid-Michigan often work with local processors serving areas like DeWitt and St. Johns to create a custom cut sheet that fills their freezer with the right mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef.

With the right choices, a whole beef can provide delicious meals for months.