Reserve your Whole Angus Steer to be processed this June at Christiaens' Meats in Valier, MT. A whole steer has an approximate hanging weight of 600-650 lbs. Christiaens Meats will contact you for cutting instructions after we deliver the animal to be processed.
The most economical way to purchase our beef is by the whole steer. If freezer space is an issue we also sell halves. We are unable to offer any quantity less than a half due to the logistics of cutting it equally. Our butchers cannot custom cut quantities less than a half. Therefore, to offer meat processed to your exact specifications, quantities of less than one-half are not possible. Often a group of friends with limited freezer storage will purchase a side to divide amongst themselves. This saves them money and freezer space by still allowing them to purchase wholesale beef.
Our prices are based on pounds of hanging weight, which is the weight of the animal after slaughter and dressing but before it has been cut. The average hanging weight of the animals is generally 600-650 lbs.; based on this weight the prices for animals processed last year would be as follows:
Total Price - (includes cutting and wrapping)
Whole animal: $6.25/lb or approximately $4,062.50
Side (or half): $6.40/lb or approximately $2,080.00
Please keep in mind that the above weight is just an average of the last year’s hanging weights and represents an ESTIMATE of what you can expect. It is impossible to know the hanging weight of an animal until after the steer has been killed & dressed. Two identical-looking animals butchered at the same live weight will ALWAYS have different hanging weights due to all the variables involved (we are dealing with live animals - not widgets).
What you actually receive, the take-home or boxed weight ranges from 60% to 70% of hanging weight. This percentage varies depending on the individual animal and how it is butchered. At a typical boxed weight of 65% of hanging weight, you would in effect be paying $9.62 per pound if you are buying a whole or $9.85 per pound if you are buying a side.
You will receive a variety of cuts, from steaks to ground beef, from each section of the animal. Usually, 20 to 25% will be in steaks, 30 to 40% will be ground beef and the balance will be roasts, stew beef, and other miscellaneous cuts. Yields of course will vary depending on the individual animal and how it is cut.
Your beef will come in “supermarket” sized portions, labeled, and frozen. A whole beef will take up approximately 15 cubic feet of freezer space