From Hanging Weight to Freezer Cuts: Understanding Your Beef Share

When you purchase beef directly from Firewater Ranch, you’re not just buying meat—you’re investing in the whole animal and the way it’s been raised. We believe in transparency, so here’s a simple breakdown of the difference between a hanging cow and what ends up in your freezer.

Hanging Weight vs. Take-Home Weight

When a cow is processed, the first measurement taken is the hanging weight—this is the animal after harvest, with the hide, head, hooves, blood, and internal organs removed. This weight is larger than what you’ll eventually store in your freezer because further trimming, deboning, and portioning reduces it.

Typically, your take-home weight (the neatly packaged cuts you put in your freezer) is about 60–65% of the hanging weight. That’s because bones, excess fat, and non-edible portions are removed during processing.

Nothing Goes to Waste

At Firewater Ranch, we take pride in using the entire animal. Beyond your steaks, roasts, and ground beef, we also make available:

• Bones for broth or your canine companions

• Organs for traditional cooking or specialty diets

• Soup bones and marrow for rich, nutrient-packed meals

This whole-cow approach ensures respect for the animal and gives you access to cuts and extras you won’t often find at the grocery store.

How Our Cattle Are Raised

Our beef is:

• Grass-fed, grain-finished for a balance of flavor and marbling

• Raised without added hormones, antibiotics, or steroids

• Grazed freely in natural pastures with no spray, no herbicides

• Carefully tended right here in Vulcan County

This means you get beef that is not only healthier and cleaner, but also raised in harmony with the land.

Convenience for Your Freezer

We deliver within 200 km of Vulcan County, making it easy for you to fill your freezer with local, high-quality beef. And for those who don’t need a half or quarter cow, freezer boxes are coming soon—perfectly portioned bundles that make it simple to enjoy ranch-raised beef without the big commitment.

Next Harvest

Our next harvest will be ready in July 2026—reserve your share now and experience the difference between store-bought beef and beef that’s been raised with care, respect, and tradition.