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: 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. 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. 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. 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: 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. 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. 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.

At Round 2 Cattle Company, we raise Hereford cattle because they offer exceptional meat quality and great temperament compared to other common beef breeds. 1. Superior Meat Quality Excellent Marbling – Hereford beef is well-known for its rich marbling, which enhances tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Balanced Fat Content – Compared to some other breeds, Herefords provide a leaner meat profile without sacrificing tenderness. Carcass Composition – Herefords offer a well-balanced carcass composition, providing a great mix of premium steaks, roasts, and ground beef. Size – Their size and structure result in consistent, well-proportioned cuts, giving customers a diverse selection of high-quality meat. 2. Gentle Temperament Herefords are known for their docile and calm nature, making them easier to handle than more temperamental breeds like Angus. Their ease of management results in lower stress, which contributes to better meat quality, as stress can negatively impact beef tenderness 3. Other Benefits Over Common Beef Breeds Efficient Grazers – Herefords convert grass to beef efficiently, making them a great choice for pasture-based operations. Hardy and Adaptable – They thrive in various climates, including hot summers and cold winters, making them well-suited for North Carolina. Strong Maternal Instincts – Hereford cows are excellent mothers, ensuring healthy calves with strong genetics. Overall, Herefords provide a superior balance of meat quality and farm efficiency, making them the ideal choice for our direct-to-consumer beef operation.

Yes, all of our mama cows and any calves born into our herd are registered with the American Hereford Association (AHA). As a growing ranch, we currently purchase additional Hereford steers each year to meet customer demand. Some of these steers are AHA-registered, while others are unregistered purebred Herefords. Our long-term goal is to raise all of our own steers from birth, ensuring full traceability and quality control from start to finish.

Yes! At Round 2 Cattle Company, we care deeply about the well-being of our cattle and prioritize ethical, humane treatment at every stage of their lives. We have invested significant time, effort, and resources to ensure our herd is raised in a low-stress, pasture-based environment, including: Well-Maintained Fences & Pastures – Providing a safe, comfortable space for our cattle to roam freely. Selective Breeding & Bloodlines – Carefully choosing genetics for strong, healthy cattle. Quality Nutrition – Sourcing the best hay and growing nutrient-rich grass to support optimal health. Veterinary Care & Calf Health – Ensuring our animals receive proper medical attention and hands-on care when needed. Sustainable Stocking Practices – We don’t overcrowd our land, allowing our cattle to live their entire lives on pasture, grazing peacefully in a natural, stress-free setting. At Round 2, happy cows mean better beef, and we are committed to raising our herd with respect, care, and integrity.