FAQ
I’ve never bought meat from anywhere other than a grocery store. How does this process work?
Everything we sell is raised here at Davidson Family Farms and is processed off site usually at Link’s Country Meats in Crestline, Ohio. We also have a relationship with D&H meats in Vanlue, Ohio. We have beef and pork available throughout the year, but not always. When the beef is ready, we deliver it to the processor where it will be butchered to your specifications. Once the beef is butchered and packaged, we can deliver to the zip codes listed below, we can ship to the lower 48 states for an additional fee, or you can pick the beef up at the butcher yourself.
How much beef will I get?
We sell beef in wholes, halves and quarters. The beef is sold based on hanging weight. When you buy a whole beef, you will be taking home approximately 450 lbs of meat to your freezer. A half will weigh approximately 235 lbs and a quarter approximately 120 lbs. You will want to make sure you have some freezer space! A whole beef will take up approximately 15 cubic feet of freezer space, a half 7.5 cubic feet, and a quarter 3.75 cubic feet.
How much pork will I get?
Our pork is sold in wholes and halves. The pork is also sold based on hanging weight. When you buy a whole pork, you will be taking home approximately 110-120 lbs of pork to your freezer. A half pork will weigh approximately 55-60 lbs. You will want to make sure you have some freezer space! A whole pork will take up approximately 3.5 cubic feet of freezer space, and a half will take up approximately 1.75 cubic feet.
How often is meat available?
We are a small farm and only have 10-15 beef per year to sell. We try to make it available throughout the years so you’ll have to check the inventory page for availability.
How much is shipping?
This depends on the amount and shipping address so there’s no way to give a specific price. However, we only charge what it costs us. Delivery by one of our family members is an option to the Ohio area north to the north of Columbus, Delaware, and Marion areas. A list of delivery zip codes is listed below.
43302, 43341, 43332, 43337, 43323, 43351, 44849, 44820, 44833, 43335, 43314, 43320, 43338, 43315, 43334, 43003, 43356, 43342, 43066, 43344, 43015, 43016, 43040, 43074, 43011, 43021, 43082, 43035, 43240, 43065, 43017, 43016, 43002, 43235, 43081, 43231, 43229, 43085, 43214, 43220, 43224, 43210, 43211, 43219
How far can you ship?
Anywhere in the lower 48 states.
Is this beef really better than what I can get at a reputable grocery retailer?
This is a subjective question to which we say YES. However, we do not have a way of quantifying that statement as we do not know where the major retailers’ beef comes from; nor do you for that matter. The majority of beef imported into the United States comes from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico. Some of it comes from national slaughterhouses whose practice is to buy as cheap as possible. We do know where our meat comes from: right here on our farm. The animals are born here and do not leave until harvest time. We see and care for them every day. We know precisely what they eat and drink and keep them well fed with locally grown hay, oats, and corn.
Can I really save money this way?
Absolutely! Not only are you getting the best quality available, but when you break it down, your average price per pound in your freezer is around $7.00… compare that with a prime rib at your retailer!
What cuts of beef will I get with a quarter, half or whole beef?
There are various cuts available and we process on a custom basis. You can get any cut available but not all cuts, as different cuts come from the same section of the carcass. For instance, you can’t get both a New York strip and a T-bone steak or a prime rib roast and ribeye steaks as these come from the same cut.
How do I know what types of cuts to order?
We will work with you to help you decide.
How do you raise your cows?
The way my Father taught me as his taught him.
What do your cows/pigs eat?
The cows are fed a free choice ration of hay when pasture is not available. They have an automatic waterer that provides an unlimited amount of freshwater 24 hours a day. They are offered free choice mineral and protein tubs as well. The beef we sell have free choice of corn and a vitamin and mineral supplement mix in addition to the above. All-natural feed with no hormones or antibiotics added.
The pigs are fed a free choice ration of corn and supplement mix. The same mix my father used.
Are your cattle treated humanely?
By definition if they weren’t, I could go to jail! I would classify our animals as more spoiled than anything.
How long can the beef last?
One year in a properly maintained freezer
Do you sell smaller quantities?
Not at this time. A lot of people will get together with family or friends and share a quarter or half.
How do I pay?
Through our online store.
Why should I buy from Davidson Family Farms and not another farm?
Because you’re the only one who cares more than we do about your family and what they eat.
What are the benefits of eating locally grown foods?
We will let the experts at Michigan State tell you in this article on the 7 benefits of eating local foods.