Post by: toothfangclaw on January 15, 2022, 09:42:30 AM
I called Kelso in Snohomish and the Ribeye was $18.99 lb and then I called DD they were $11.99 lb. I know DD is grass-fed grain-finished. But Kelso's website is pretty sparse.
What is the difference between them? Why is the price so different? I know GoldenSteers in Bellevue meat is made of gold, so I get that. But what is the difference between them? Why such a big change in price between butcher shops? They were on par with the sirloins.
Post by: Caseyd on January 15, 2022, 09:50:42 AM
Post by: Sandberm on January 15, 2022, 09:51:13 AM
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 15, 2022, 10:02:32 AM
Can't answer your question but the local news did a piece on Knutzens meats in Pasco the other day. At the 33 second mark it shows Ribeye at $24.99/lb , New York at 32.99, Top Sirloin at 12.99/lb...
I think meat prices are starting to come down. Even Kelso said his Ribeye came down $3 lb recently.
Post by: teanawayslayer on January 15, 2022, 10:07:18 AM
Post by: huntingaddiction on January 15, 2022, 10:13:29 AM
Post by: Southpole on January 15, 2022, 10:15:22 AM
Post by: jrebel on January 15, 2022, 10:33:37 AM
If you watch the flyers....all the grocery stores run pretty amazing deals. You just have to be wiling to buy when the sales happen.
Post by: GWP on January 15, 2022, 12:16:02 PM
Worth. Every. Penny.
Warning, VERY addictive.
Post by: Stein on January 15, 2022, 12:26:58 PM
Unfortunately you missed the Christmas sales, great time to load up stuff like rib roasts.
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 15, 2022, 12:40:51 PM
If you don't care where the ribeye comes from you might try CHEF'STORE. The have Prime Ribs for $9.99 a pound, then you can just cut the ribeyes yourself.
Oh! I kinda forgot about this place. They keep changing their name. I'll have to look into them again next time. :)
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 15, 2022, 12:42:19 PM
Buy a half a cow and bring down your price. Otherwise Costco's prices are pretty hard to beat. Pork loin is super cheap and amazing if cooked correctly also.
If you watch the flyers....all the grocery stores run pretty amazing deals. You just have to be wiling to buy when the sales happen.
I would love to buy half a cow. But it just isn't practical given my living situation.
I went to Costco after going to DD. The Ribeye was $1lb more than DD. But the NY strips were $3 cheaper.
Post by: HUNTIN4SIX on January 15, 2022, 01:11:19 PM
Post by: jackelope on January 15, 2022, 01:24:48 PM
If you don't care where the ribeye comes from you might try CHEF'STORE. The have Prime Ribs for $9.99 a pound, then you can just cut the ribeyes yourself.
Oh! I kinda forgot about this place. They keep changing their name. I'll have to look into them again next time. :)
This place has surprisingly good meat at great prices and they change their name way too often.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220115/883a8520096e8b090084422d3c83f786.jpg)
Post by: avidnwoutdoorsman on January 15, 2022, 02:02:58 PM
Part two is going to be the packager or in this case the butcher. Cow prices haven't increases over the last 10 years but almost flatlined. Packaging has tripled however, and in this case the packager is the butcher you are calling. One may have more overhead then the other. $7 difference I would assume half in the grade and half in the packaging/butcher fee.
(I'll take time to note its big packaging that has gotten out of hand and butcher to butcher probably isnt so bad)
No one has said WinCo... felt like they meet or exceeded (were better than) Costco prices.
Mike's Meats in Aberdeen always had stupid good prices and they were partnered I think with someone in Centralia....? Also a lot of turnover in the name, dont even know if they are still open. 7 years ago when I lived there the then owner would sell me the meat he had to freeze before it spoiled... that is how you fill a freezer... get yourself a set up like that where you can buy the meat that's hitting the freezer because it wouldnt sell. They did boxes too where you could buy lots of cuts and get a discount because of the quantity.
Like jrebel said though, just buy yourself half a cow....you wont get a ton of rib eyes as proportionally that will make up idk 5% of the weight probably less, but man is it cheap compared.
Post by: NRA4LIFE on January 15, 2022, 02:27:27 PM
Post by: Alchase on January 15, 2022, 07:33:30 PM
Grass fed vs grain fed
Grain fed means to be finished the cow on grain for a certain amount of time. (I can’t remember the length of time ) This can give a more consistent marbling over cows grass fed the whole time.
Grass fed usually contains less fat (marbling) then grain fed, making it more lean, and a different flavor profile.
Others who raise cows can add what I missed.
Post by: brew on January 15, 2022, 08:23:37 PM
Answering your question specifically as to why the large gap in the price of a ribeye is all in grade of the meat.... Prime, Choice, Select...Mike's meats is in Centrailia on the one way road outside of town heading towards Bucoda before the skookumchuck bridge. If you are just looking for burger go to an auction house and buy an old milk cow...they have been fed good but milk cows aren't developed for steaks. Grass fed to me have a nasty taste.
Part two is going to be the packager or in this case the butcher. Cow prices haven't increases over the last 10 years but almost flatlined. Packaging has tripled however, and in this case the packager is the butcher you are calling. One may have more overhead then the other. $7 difference I would assume half in the grade and half in the packaging/butcher fee.
(I'll take time to note its big packaging that has gotten out of hand and butcher to butcher probably isnt so bad)
No one has said WinCo... felt like they meet or exceeded (were better than) Costco prices.
Mike's Meats in Aberdeen always had stupid good prices and they were partnered I think with someone in Centralia....? Also a lot of turnover in the name, dont even know if they are still open. 7 years ago when I lived there the then owner would sell me the meat he had to freeze before it spoiled... that is how you fill a freezer... get yourself a set up like that where you can buy the meat that's hitting the freezer because it wouldnt sell. They did boxes too where you could buy lots of cuts and get a discount because of the quantity.
Like jrebel said though, just buy yourself half a cow....you wont get a ton of rib eyes as proportionally that will make up idk 5% of the weight probably less, but man is it cheap compared.
Post by: NRA4LIFE on January 15, 2022, 08:49:57 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 18, 2022, 11:39:01 AM
Post by: elkchaser54 on January 18, 2022, 12:27:05 PM
Post by: Caseyd on January 18, 2022, 01:52:23 PM
If anyone is around Dayton, a new butcher shop has opened up called Table Rock meat Co and they do butcher boxes variety packs or custom cuts. Everything is super local, grass fed and high quality. They do wagyu and Angus cows . Operated by a couple bad ass ladies too !
:yeah:
Don’t leave Clayton out :chuckle:
Post by: LDennis24 on January 18, 2022, 01:58:18 PM
According to an article I read a few days ago, beef prices are up 20% and chicken up 15% over a year ago. Brandon, Newsome, and Inslee are killing us.
Yeah in the store, somehow the prices are still in the dirt in the feedlots and the auctions. It's BS!
Post by: LDennis24 on January 18, 2022, 02:02:36 PM
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 18, 2022, 10:15:58 PM
Post by: Stein on January 18, 2022, 10:32:21 PM
Anyone have a 2nd freezer in an apartment? That's the issue I have. I just don't have the freedom like people in houses to have multiple fridges, no bbq, no smoking, no fire. 😕
I did, still have it but it's in my garage now. I had a small patio with a very small storage closet out there - just big enough to squeeze a standup freezer in there.
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 18, 2022, 11:13:39 PM
Anyone have a 2nd freezer in an apartment? That's the issue I have. I just don't have the freedom like people in houses to have multiple fridges, no bbq, no smoking, no fire.
I did, still have it but it's in my garage now. I had a small patio with a very small storage closet out there - just big enough to squeeze a standup freezer in there.
Ah, that was smart. But no storage or plugs outside for me.
Post by: Timberstalker on January 19, 2022, 05:01:07 AM
Anyone have a 2nd freezer in an apartment? That's the issue I have. I just don't have the freedom like people in houses to have multiple fridges, no bbq, no smoking, no fire.
I did, still have it but it's in my garage now. I had a small patio with a very small storage closet out there - just big enough to squeeze a standup freezer in there.
Ah, that was smart. But no storage or plugs outside for me.
Nothing a spade bit and some matching paint for the freezer can’t fix.
Post by: HillHound on January 19, 2022, 06:57:43 AM
Anyone have a 2nd freezer in an apartment? That's the issue I have. I just don't have the freedom like people in houses to have multiple fridges, no bbq, no smoking, no fire. 😕Back in the day I lived in a apartment for about a year and I found a small chest freezer that fit in the walk in closet. Not ideal but it was out of the way. If that won’t work just replace a table or tv stand with a Chest freezer. Unless of course your married, don’t think the wife would be down with the decor and hiding it in a closet or bedroom might be a better option
Post by: 300rum on January 19, 2022, 07:37:27 AM
If you are looking for "Grass Fed", look for a "Grass Finished" animal. A grass fed animal is likely finished on grain a "Grass Finished" animal has only eaten grass. It takes at least two years to finish an animal on grass, you cannot finish an animal on grass in 18 months, you have to take the animal over two winters so you should pay more.
You are looking for a smaller framed animal on an operation that is irrigated and moves their animal's frequently, once a day. You want the brisket to be filled out to at least a volleyball or a girls basketball. You want three wrinkles on the tail head. You want to see a "ball sack" bulge on a steer and a braided rope like line on a heifer from the girl parts running between her "cheeks".
You should not be giving up any marbling on a grass finished animal. If you are, its an animal that isn't finished. It should have a slightly "beefier" taste (unlike a grain finished animal that doesn't have any flavor or very mild flavor) if it is gamey or has a strong flavor, the animal was on bad grass, bad forage, likely unirrigated continuous grazing. A grass finished animal should be butchered June-August (irrigated). Do not buy a grass animal butchered in October on. Be careful in September.
Post by: LDennis24 on January 19, 2022, 07:46:06 AM
Anyone have a 2nd freezer in an apartment? That's the issue I have. I just don't have the freedom like people in houses to have multiple fridges, no bbq, no smoking, no fire. 😕Back in the day I lived in a apartment for about a year and I found a small chest freezer that fit in the walk in closet. Not ideal but it was out of the way. If that won’t work just replace a table or tv stand with a Chest freezer. Unless of course your married, don’t think the wife would be down with the decor and hiding it in a closet or bedroom might be a better option
Nothing a tablecloth can't hide!
Post by: jrebel on January 19, 2022, 08:03:07 AM
Anyone have a 2nd freezer in an apartment? That's the issue I have. I just don't have the freedom like people in houses to have multiple fridges, no bbq, no smoking, no fire. 😕Back in the day I lived in a apartment for about a year and I found a small chest freezer that fit in the walk in closet. Not ideal but it was out of the way. If that won’t work just replace a table or tv stand with a Chest freezer. Unless of course your married, don’t think the wife would be down with the decor and hiding it in a closet or bedroom might be a better option
Do you have friends or family remotely close that can store a freezer? They you can retrieve 10-15 lbs at a time and keep it in your house freezer. Throw the friend or family member a case of beer or couple steaks for helping you out. Another option would be looking into a small storage unit locally that has an outlet. $35 dollars a month for extra storage and a freezer spot could be well worth it.
Just a couple thoughts.
As for cooking....I tried moose steaks in the air fryer last night and was shocked at how good they turned out. I will be doing it again. It is super easy, cooked to the perfect temp and was easy clean up. Probably the best moose steak I have ever done. :tup:
Nothing a tablecloth can't hide!
Post by: luvmystang67 on January 19, 2022, 08:09:02 AM
In all seriousness, the QUALITY vs PRICE at Costco is really tough to beat. You might find cuts elsewhere, but Costco is great stuff.
Like many others have suggested, buy a half of a beef and toss it in a freezer, just get good at cooking burger recipes.
Also, I want that diet... usually when I diet I cut ribeyes out!
Post by: LDennis24 on January 19, 2022, 08:13:17 AM
Never ever buy meat from a grocery store, lord only knows where that garbage came from (foreign countries), you might as well eat Spam or vienna sausage.
If you are looking for "Grass Fed", look for a "Grass Finished" animal. A grass fed animal is likely finished on grain a "Grass Finished" animal has only eaten grass. It takes at least two years to finish an animal on grass, you cannot finish an animal on grass in 18 months, you have to take the animal over two winters so you should pay more.
You are looking for a smaller framed animal on an operation that is irrigated and moves their animal's frequently, once a day. You want the brisket to be filled out to at least a volleyball or a girls basketball. You want three wrinkles on the tail head. You want to see a "ball sack" bulge on a steer and a braided rope like line on a heifer from the girl parts running between her "cheeks".
You should not be giving up any marbling on a grass finished animal. If you are, its an animal that isn't finished. It should have a slightly "beefier" taste (unlike a grain finished animal that doesn't have any flavor or very mild flavor) if it is gamey or has a strong flavor, the animal was on bad grass, bad forage, likely unirrigated continuous grazing. A grass finished animal should be butchered June-August (irrigated). Do not buy a grass animal butchered in October on. Be careful in September.
It's a marketing trick with grass fed vs grass finished, that's correct. I would agree with most of what you said. Practically all of it. I don't believe you could ever get as good of marbling on a grass finished animal as you can a grain finished one though. I've never seen it or heard it from anyone who does it. I run my cows for myself exactly as you have stated. My cattle are a cross of my own making. Great for small acreage and easy to work with. They are Lowline/Aberdeen Angus crossed with White park Galloway. Small framed animals and they finish well on grass due to the Galloway being an ancient grass fed breed from Scotland. My ground is green all year, although not irrigated it's sub irrigated and always stays green. In fact I hate mowing my lawn because of it! Lol I had 2x two year old bulls butchered last year and they turned out great for me. The only thing is the marbling is less than grain fed or finished. The taste is different but since everyone on here eats game it's not gonna bother you. Here is my bull Earl.
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 08:28:46 AM
Anyone have a 2nd freezer in an apartment? That's the issue I have. I just don't have the freedom like people in houses to have multiple fridges, no bbq, no smoking, no fire. 😕Back in the day I lived in a apartment for about a year and I found a small chest freezer that fit in the walk in closet. Not ideal but it was out of the way. If that won’t work just replace a table or tv stand with a Chest freezer. Unless of course your married, don’t think the wife would be down with the decor and hiding it in a closet or bedroom might be a better option
Nothing a tablecloth can't hide!
:chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 09:48:27 AM
Never ever buy meat from a grocery store, lord only knows where that garbage came from (foreign countries), you might as well eat Spam or vienna sausage.
If you are looking for "Grass Fed", look for a "Grass Finished" animal. A grass fed animal is likely finished on grain a "Grass Finished" animal has only eaten grass. It takes at least two years to finish an animal on grass, you cannot finish an animal on grass in 18 months, you have to take the animal over two winters so you should pay more.
You are looking for a smaller framed animal on an operation that is irrigated and moves their animal's frequently, once a day. You want the brisket to be filled out to at least a volleyball or a girls basketball. You want three wrinkles on the tail head. You want to see a "ball sack" bulge on a steer and a braided rope like line on a heifer from the girl parts running between her "cheeks".
You should not be giving up any marbling on a grass finished animal. If you are, its an animal that isn't finished. It should have a slightly "beefier" taste (unlike a grain finished animal that doesn't have any flavor or very mild flavor) if it is gamey or has a strong flavor, the animal was on bad grass, bad forage, likely unirrigated continuous grazing. A grass finished animal should be butchered June-August (irrigated). Do not buy a grass animal butchered in October on. Be careful in September.
It's a marketing trick with grass fed vs grass finished, that's correct. I would agree with most of what you said. Practically all of it. I don't believe you could ever get as good of marbling on a grass finished animal as you can a grain finished one though. I've never seen it or heard it from anyone who does it. I run my cows for myself exactly as you have stated. My cattle are a cross of my own making. Great for small acreage and easy to work with. They are Lowline/Aberdeen Angus crossed with White park Galloway. Small framed animals and they finish well on grass due to the Galloway being an ancient grass fed breed from Scotland. My ground is green all year, although not irrigated it's sub irrigated and always stays green. In fact I hate mowing my lawn because of it! Lol I had 2x two year old bulls butchered last year and they turned out great for me. The only thing is the marbling is less than grain fed or finished. The taste is different but since everyone on here eats game it's not gonna bother you. Here is my bull Earl.
Great info guys!
I would say I haven't had the best experience with grass-finished beef yet. The only ones I've had, tasted fishie taste to it, which is not a flavor I was expecting or enjoying from steak. If I wanted that, I would have a salmon.
Post by: 300rum on January 19, 2022, 10:27:46 AM
Great info guys!
I would say I haven't had the best experience with grass-finished beef yet. The only ones I've had, tasted fishie taste to it, which is not a flavor I was expecting or enjoying from steak. If I wanted that, I would have a salmon.
Post by: LDennis24 on January 19, 2022, 10:41:08 AM
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 11:11:08 AM
Post by: Caseyd on January 19, 2022, 11:15:53 AM
If I were to buy half a cow. How big of a chest freezer would I need? Would a 4 CF work?
21+
Post by: jrebel on January 19, 2022, 11:22:15 AM
If I were to buy half a cow. How big of a chest freezer would I need? Would a 4 CF work?
8 would be the minimum for a half cow.....and that would fill it right up depending on the cows size. 10-12 would be about right.
21 is a big freezer. I run two 21's and two 16's....and the 16 will fit a full grown moose packed to the brim.
Post by: Mudman on January 19, 2022, 11:26:06 AM
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 11:31:10 AM
5ft wide (CF?) chest freezer holds most whole beef cut. I just did half beef. 406lb hang weight cut wrapped is about half my chest freezer of 5ft wide. Grass fed, finished grain. Low fat, beef flavor. Half pig coming next. A half of beef n pork is perfect for this size freezer imop. But bigger is better as it easier to pick through meats for specific package. Bear in Morton was about .75-.80cent lb cut charge for us but that was 2 beef and 2 hogs combined.
5 cubic feet freezer. It's small enough I could fit in my apartment.
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 11:33:40 AM
If I were to buy half a cow. How big of a chest freezer would I need? Would a 4 CF work?
8 would be the minimum for a half cow.....and that would fill it right up depending on the cows size. 10-12 would be about right.
21 is a big freezer. I run two 21's and two 16's....and the 16 will fit a full grown moose packed to the brim.
Hmm, I might be able to make a 8 work.
How much should I budget for a half cow? Yes, I know lots of variables of course. I am just looking for like $500, $700, $1000?
Thanks guys!
Post by: Mudman on January 19, 2022, 11:36:57 AM
Post by: jrebel on January 19, 2022, 11:38:27 AM
If I were to buy half a cow. How big of a chest freezer would I need? Would a 4 CF work?
8 would be the minimum for a half cow.....and that would fill it right up depending on the cows size. 10-12 would be about right.
21 is a big freezer. I run two 21's and two 16's....and the 16 will fit a full grown moose packed to the brim.
Hmm, I might be able to make a 8 work.
How much should I budget for a half cow? Yes, I know lots of variables of course. I am just looking for like $500, $700, $1000?
Thanks guys!
Or buy two 5 cf freezers. They don't use a lot of energy and they don't take up a ton of space.
Not sure on the cost of beef these days. Someone else will know better than I.
Post by: Mudman on January 19, 2022, 11:40:18 AM
$500-700 for the freezer. Half beef varies alot but to buy n slaughter n cut/wrap depending weight I would think $1400-$2000.If I were to buy half a cow. How big of a chest freezer would I need? Would a 4 CF work?
8 would be the minimum for a half cow.....and that would fill it right up depending on the cows size. 10-12 would be about right.
21 is a big freezer. I run two 21's and two 16's....and the 16 will fit a full grown moose packed to the brim.
Hmm, I might be able to make a 8 work.
How much should I budget for a half cow? Yes, I know lots of variables of course. I am just looking for like $500, $700, $1000?
Thanks guys!
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 11:41:26 AM
:chuckle: Mine is 15CF, 5ft wide. I think 8CF will hold Half beef but tight. It depends on the beef size. A Holstein half or a midget hereford? :dunno:I really do have to see them in person. I used to deliver stuff like this and they were always the kind you could stack bodies in them and still have room. :chuckle:
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 11:42:56 AM
$500-700 for the freezer. Half beef varies alot but to buy n slaughter n cut/wrap depending weight I would think $1400-$2000.If I were to buy half a cow. How big of a chest freezer would I need? Would a 4 CF work?
8 would be the minimum for a half cow.....and that would fill it right up depending on the cows size. 10-12 would be about right.
21 is a big freezer. I run two 21's and two 16's....and the 16 will fit a full grown moose packed to the brim.
Hmm, I might be able to make a 8 work.
How much should I budget for a half cow? Yes, I know lots of variables of course. I am just looking for like $500, $700, $1000?
Thanks guys!
Ah! Ok, Thanks! That is out of budget for me right now. Probably stick with buying as I go for now and wait.
Post by: Mudman on January 19, 2022, 11:47:08 AM
Post by: jrebel on January 19, 2022, 11:50:52 AM
https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=chest+freezer
Then start buying beef, pork, chicken, etc. as is on sale and your budget permits. I get it....grocery store beef....blah, blah, blah. Buy anywhere you can get it cheap and check local butchers. It's taste like beef and if you watch for the sales you can buy it cheap. Research cuts of beef and learn how to buy large roast on sale and cut them into stakes to save money. Saran wrap and butcher paper are cheap also so you can wrap and store for a couple years.
When money permits....buy a half or quarter beef that is finished the way you like. Then you can become spoiled to "good" beef.
Post by: 300rum on January 19, 2022, 12:44:01 PM
I don't know that kelp gives a fishy taste, I have heard people say that though, just never ran into it myself. If I am thinking about it I have and will pull them off the kelp a month before butcher and just give them the Redmond salt.
@300rum where do you get your dried kelp from? Thorvin organic? What's the price per lb? I use it for my Icelandic sheep but not my cattle. Never really thought about it. It should benefit them greatly but I don't know that it should give it a fishy taste? That's strange. Do you blend it also? With basic minerals?
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 12:50:47 PM
Freezer....300-400 plus tax.
https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=chest+freezer (https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=chest+freezer)
Then start buying beef, pork, chicken, etc. as is on sale and your budget permits. I get it....grocery store beef....blah, blah, blah. Buy anywhere you can get it cheap and check local butchers. It's taste like beef and if you watch for the sales you can buy it cheap. Research cuts of beef and learn how to buy large roast on sale and cut them into stakes to save money. Saran wrap and butcher paper are cheap also so you can wrap and store for a couple years.
When money permits....buy a half or quarter beef that is finished the way you like. Then you can become spoiled to "good" beef.
some good points right there. :yeah:
Post by: toothfangclaw on January 19, 2022, 12:52:27 PM
Hey keep in mind the Meat Markets are cheaper then Safeway n taste better. Last time I was in stewarts all cuts were much cheaper. We bought $150 in meat that would have been well over $200 at a store and it was quality steaks!
When I went to DD meats, I spent about $145 got 8 Ribeye, 4 top serloin and 1 of some other cuts. Should last me a week and a half to 2 weeks. :IBCOOL: