I’m not going to pasture a cow in our backyard, but have I decided that I need to opt out of the mainstream meat production as much as I can.
The first step in “buying our cow” is acquiring a deep freeze. If you aren’t going to get your meat from the market, you’ll likely be buying it in larger quantities and that will require a freezer.
In an effort to ensure anyone could do this – I found our deep freeze on craigslist in the free section. It took a few weeks of steady checking – but one day there it was – an upright, clean, free deep freeze.
I don’t think we’ll buy a whole cow, we don’t eat that much meat – a share will do us nicely.
Image courtesy of Universal Pops
So why am I doing this?
It’s my belief that the food system in our country is very broken and one of the areas that is of particular concern is the meat industry. It’s no wonder so many people turn to being vegetarian. About 70% of ground beef in America contains a filler product that is washed with ammonia in order to kill e-coli – it’s time to for a change.
For me and my family that means eating less meat, higher quality meats and whenever possible – supporting local farmers and ranchers.
Recently, I had an great discussion with a farmer named Xenia, from Rainbow Ranch Farms in San Bernadino, CA. She used to be a vegetarian – now she has a farm, and on her farm she has chickens, goats, cows, and 2 dogs. She raises these animals in the manner that we imagine all the farm animals are raised. Unfortunately meat we are getting from conventional grocers isn’t raised in this fashion.
Xenia can’t sell to any stores, she can’t sell to whole foods, she can only sell to folks who are shared owners of her farm. The good news is anyone can become a shared owner of her farm or many of the other CSA farmers around the country!
More good news – there are farms that are licensed to sell without requiring a CSA share. Farms like Lazy 69 Ranch in Central California. They will ship anywhere, but see if you can’t find a great ranch like this one close to you.
Don’t think you have a small farm in your area – you’d be surprised. Spend a few minutes with google or www.localharvest.org.
You can also find local farmers who sell meat and eggs through the Farmer’s Markets.
{ 7 comments… add one }
great idea! I am heading to Guatemala a month from today. One of the things we are doing is buying a cow… well a BIG part of the cow for a party that is. Hubby assures me that the meat is fresh and not laden with chemicals or fillers. While I can’t take it home with me, I will surely taste the difference and be looking to do the same here in Maine afterward. I will have to check out your links, I already get natural eggs and free range chickens from a friend and it makes a difference taste wise!
Do you have any idea how much it will cost per pound when you do it that way? I pay about $5/lb at the farmers market and would LOVE to get that price down. Hopefully when we move next year it will be into a house so we can have a deep freezer. I miss my deep freezer!
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I don’t think it will be as low as your local market! Our local farmer’s market doesn’t sell beef, only chicken and eggs. The market is also open at a time when I can not go…
thanks for the twitter follow… for it brought me here! yippee! if you ever need a go-to yoga lady, let me know :)cheers!emma
We bought a quarter of a cow. We live in Wisconsin and paid $1.70 per lb plus 48 cents for the processing. My first time and the taste is so noticable. I will do this again!
I’m very jealous of the pricing! That is phenomenal! Our local suppliers are significantly higher.
I first heard of this, believe it or not, on Jon and Kate Plus 8 back before their marital dysfunctions became evident. I’ve always wanted to try. When you decide to serve your cow for a dinner party, please put me on the list so I can taste! If it’s coupled with a pool party and a visit with the puppies, bonus!Love the new site design and logo!