Meat storage question

[Javamama]

I that the hanging weight or the processed and packaged weight? Cause that's alot of meat! Last year we got a quarter beef that was a little on the small side and the package weight was 65 pounds. That took about a shelf and a half in our freezer....and I have no idea what the dimension are at the moment I'll check when I go out to it later.

That is a great price, too!

 

[Javamama]

Another thought, do you have any family near you that could hold some of it for you? Or maybe you could find a used freezer for cheap? I would go to the extra trouble because I hate canning, but that's just me, lol

 

[1stepcloser]

Yah, no family. :/ The weight would be the processed/packaged. The steer's live weight was 1000 lbs.

$13 for a dozen jars?! Seriously?? That is horrible!

 

[FarmerChick]

If you don't want to can meat (I don't know how)-----best bet is buy another small freezer.

You just can't go wrong with many freezers..LOL

And if not needed in use, unplug and use it when needed.

But it can freeze up corn and other produce from your gardens.

Plus you can freeze water bottles as emergency water if needed. Freeze and thaw and drink for emergencies.


You could check for a great sale at a store new or buy a used one thru the sale paper.

 

[rebecca100]

I imagine you are having the processing done for you, but we process meat ourselves and debone it. Meat takes up about a quarter less room without the bone and it all packs together better. You don't have the fancy cuts of course, but the meat is still just as good. ALso if I remember right, the bone is like a third of the weight. Anyway just for everyone's info, since i know most people don't process themselves.

 

[rebecca100]

Yea, seriously! At Wal-Mart, too! If I had been there I would have never gotten them at that price. I guess when your the only place around that has them then you can charge a lot more.

 

[1stepcloser]

You are right. Someone else is processing and we opted to keep the bones in for our dogs. Kinda kicking myself now. :/

 

[TanksHill]

I have a really big freezer. Would you like me to "store " some for you? Actually do you know of a family who might like to get in on the deal with you? I know beef stores well but do you really think you can get through that much before freezer burn sets in? Maybe you could sell some and use the money to buy an extra freezer. That way your ready for next time.

Canning would include a pressure canner. Do you have one? I have never done meats before but I hear they are very convenient to have on hand.

Good luck!!!

 

[1stepcloser]

Yes, I already have a pressure canner. I kind of liked the idea of being able to pop open a can and whip up some tacos on the spot. LOL

I really don't know anyone who might want to go in with us. I asked around but my friends aren't terribly thrifty. They do things like eat out constantly and only buy processed crap. I really need new friends. I have nothing in common with those people. Anyone in TN wanna be my friend? LOL

 

[me&thegals]

Nah--don't get new friends. Just convert the ones you have

I would go for canning what doesn't fit in the freezer. I used to pressure can small chunks of venison meat. It was great for whipping open a jar, stirring in some flour or cornstarch and cooking it until thickened, then dumping over potatoes, pasta, rice or other.

You could also make a lot of jerky. Dehydrating REALLY shrinks things down.

I've read on here of someone (Freemotion?) canning meatloaf, too.

If you need cheap canning jars, just get the word out. It's amazing how many people have them in their attic collecting dust and would be happy to give them to you!