Frequently Asked Questions

A 1,000-pound live cow does not yield 1,000 pounds of meat. Here’s how the breakdown works:

Step 1: Hot Carcass Weight (HCW)

After slaughter, the cow is processed into a hot carcass weight (HCW), which is typically 60% of the live weight.

• 1,000 lb live weight × 60% = 600 lb HCW

Step 2: Final Yield of Usable Meat

The HCW includes bones and fat, which are trimmed during processing. The final yield of packaged meat is usually 60-65% of the HCW, depending on how much fat and bone are removed.

• 600 lb HCW × 60-65% = 360-390 lb of packaged meat

Breakdown of Packaged Meat:

• Steaks (ribeye, sirloin, strip, etc.): ~25%

• Roasts (chuck, rump, sirloin tip, etc.): ~25%

• Ground beef & stew meat: ~45-50%

• Bones, fat, and organs: ~varies based on processing choices

Summary:

A 1,000-pound cow typically results in 360-390 pounds of packaged, take-home meat, depending on how it is butchered.

Estimated Cuts for a ¼ Cow Package:

• 2 Chuck Roast B/O

• 1 Shoulder Roast

• 2 Chuck Eye Steaks

• 1 Brisket

• 6-7 Ribeye Steak B/O 1”

• 1 Back Rib

• 2 Skirt Steaks

• 4 Beef Stew

• 4 Stir Fry

• 5 Sirloin Steak B/O 1”

• 6-7 NY Strip Steak B/O 1”

• 3-4 Tenderloin

• 1 Sirloin Tip Roast

• 2 Londan Broil

• 1 Eye of Round Roast

• 1 Rump Roast (2.5lb) or 1 Flank Steak

• 35-50lb Ground Beef

How We Compare to Grocery Store Prices:

1. Higher Quality for the Price – Grocery store beef is often sourced from feedlots and lacks the rich flavor and tenderness of farm-raised beef. Our cattle are pasture-raised with ethical and sustainable practices, ensuring a superior product.

2. More Prime Cuts Included – When you purchase from us, you're getting a variety of high-quality cuts at a bulk price. Grocery store pricing varies significantly by cut, with steaks like ribeye or tenderloin often exceeding $20–$30 per pound, while ground beef may be priced lower. Our pricing balances the cost across all cuts, making premium cuts more affordable.

3. No Hidden Costs – Grocery store beef prices typically do not include bones, fat, and organ meats, which are valuable for making broth, rendering tallow, or pet food. We include these at no extra charge, adding value beyond standard store-bought options.

4. Consistent Pricing – Unlike grocery stores, where beef prices fluctuate based on supply chains and inflation, our pricing is straightforward and transparent.

When you factor in the quality, ethical sourcing, and variety of cuts included, our pricing is competitive with high-end grocery store or butcher shop beef—but with the added benefit of knowing exactly where your meat comes from and how it was raised.

We make the payment process simple and flexible for our customers:

1. Reservation Fee (15%) – To secure your order, we require a flat reservation fee that equals about 15% of the total estimated bill. This ensures your portion of the beef is reserved.

2. Final Payment (85%) – Once we take the cows to the processor and receive the actual weight once packaged, we calculate the remaining balance, which is approximately 85% of the total cost. Customers must pay this balance before picking up their meat from the processor or before we deliver it.

3. Payment Plans Available – If you pre-order early enough (for example, 6 months before processing), we offer monthly payment plans leading up to the processing date. However, all money must be paid in full before pickup or delivery.

This system ensures fairness and transparency while giving you an opportunity to plan your payments in a way that works for you.

You can pick up your beef directly from the processor once it’s ready. We will send you an email with detailed pickup instructions, including the processor’s location and hours.

We work with two local USDA-certified processors, selecting the one with the best availability to ensure timely processing.

Delivery Option: If you live in Moore County, NC, you can order home delivery through our website for added convenience.

At Round 2 Cattle Company, we are proud to uphold the highest standards in beef production. Our certifications include:

• USDA Inspected – Our beef is processed in a USDA-inspected facility, ensuring it meets federal safety and quality standards.

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) Certified – We comply with NCDA regulations for locally produced beef in North Carolina.

• Homegrown By Heroes – As a veteran-owned farm, we are certified under the Homegrown By Heroes program, which recognizes agricultural products produced by U.S. military veterans.

• Certified Hereford Beef – Our beef meets the strict quality standards of Certified Hereford Beef, known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and flavor.

These certifications guarantee that our beef is safe, high-quality, and raised with integrity, giving you confidence in every purchase.