Beef Quarters Available for April 2026:
 
We are raising custom-butchered steers at our farm in Dover, PA. The steers have been raised on pasture and hay [grassfed] for the past 8 months and finished with a non-GMO grain fed in the last 90 days. The goal is a finished product with reduced cholesterol and fine marbling.  The 2026 steers are Angus crosses with Hereford and Limousin.
 
Typical Breakdown of an example 100 lb. Mixed Quarter:
• Steaks [~20%|lbs.]: Ribeye, New York Strip, Sirloin, Tenderloin (Filet), and Flank or Skirt steaks
• Roasts [~25%|lbs.]: Chuck, Arm, Rump, and Sirloin Tip roasts
• Ground Beef [~45%|lbs]: Usually the largest portion 
• Other [~10%|lbs]: Brisket, short ribs, stew meat, shank (soup bones), and organ meat
 
Smoked and Prepared Options include:  Jerky, Dried Beef, Sweet Bologna, Snack Sticks
Ask the butcher about minimum quantities of bologna and snack sticks and the option of hot and cheddar cheeses
 
FAQ’s:
 
How much will it cost?
Pennsylvania law requires that bulk meat be sold by ‘hanging weight’, which is also referred to carcass weight or ‘on the rail’:
If live weight is 100%, hanging weight for beef is ~62% and take-home packaged beef is ~38%
For example, a 1100 lb. steer would have a hanging weight of ~675 pounds, resulting in ~420 pounds of take-home packaged beef with a mixed quarter of 105 pounds
The price of beef and live cattle is currently under pressure from a very low number of steers in the United States – the lowest since the 1950’s.  Our 2026 beef price breakdown is:
Hanging Weight Price per Pound = $5.95
Butcher fees range based on choice of vacuum seal, freezer paper, processing, etc.  = budget $100/quarter
Using the example in FAQ 1.b: 
Steer live weight is 1100 pounds, with a hanging weight of 675 pounds or 170 pounds for a mixed quarter
170 lbs. x $5.95/pound = $1,000 + $100 butcher fees/quarter = $1,100 total cost
Based on this example, your take-home packaged price per pound would be $10.45
 
When will beef be available to me?  
The steers will be hauled to the butcher on Monday, April 13.  The finished product will be available late April or early May.  
Who is the Butcher?
We love Hughes Meats in East Berlin, PA and have been using them for our pigs for 15 years. After I drop off the steers, you will talk to the butcher and let them know how you would like your quarter: how thick you would like your steaks; the size of roasts; packaging size of ground beef, etc.
How will I pay? 
Please make payment, for both the beef and the butcher fees, prior to picking up the beef at the butcher, or when it is delivered to you
The butchering fees are dependent on processing and if you choose to have the meat vacuum sealed (more expensive) or freezer wrapped. The freezer wrapped meat will last 6 months to 1 year in your freezer, maintained properly. The vacuum sealed meat will last longer
 
Accepted Payment Methods:  Apple Pay, Zelle, or Check.  With Venmo [@PigMan717], a 3% credit card fee will be added to the invoice. 
 
Andrew Tarman:  tarmanan@gmail.com 220 Vida Lane, Dover, PA 17315
 
BJ Crawford: pennstatebeaver87@gmail.com 200 Vida Lane, Dover, PA 17315
 
The next round of quarters will be available in 2027.