A whole beef, which yields around 450–500 pounds of packaged meat, typically requires 16–18 cubic feet of freezer space — about the size of a large chest freezer. A half beef will need around 10–12 cubic feet, and a quarter share, roughly 100–125 pounds, will fit easily in most standard upright or 5-cubic-foot chest freezers. As a general rule, plan for 35–40 pounds of packaged beef per cubic foot of freezer space. It’s always best to have a little extra room, especially for larger roasts and bone-in cuts.

Pickup takes place on the farm. We’ll schedule a time for you to pick up your beef share at our Goldston, NC farm or at Haven Farms in Orange County. You’ll receive a message about a week before pickup to confirm your time and location.

Hanging weight is the weight of the animal after harvest, before it’s cut and packaged. It includes the bone and trim that will later be removed. It’s the standard way beef shares are priced across small farms and processors.

Vacuum-sealed beef will keep its flavor and quality for 12–18 months in a deep freezer. Ground beef and smaller cuts are best enjoyed within a year, while roasts and steaks can last longer if kept consistently frozen.

Once your animal is processed, aging, and cut, it typically takes 3 weeks before your order is ready for pickup. We’ll contact you about a week before pickup to schedule your time at either our Goldston farm or Haven Farms in Orange County.