Industry Tips
Bulk Beef Buying
At the time of delivery, you should receive, among other things, the total net weight of the meat delivered, a list by name & count of each cut derived and a separate indication of any meat or other item received by the purchaser as an inducement in connection with the purchase of the carcass or primal cut. A 3-day cancellation period is also mandatory. Before you rush out to make a purchase, there are some considerations:
* Is an appointment required to look at the carcass? This should be a warning sign.
* What grade of meat is being offered?
* Are there certain cuts your family will not use?
After you have answered these basic questions, the next step is to visit the retailer. There are some additional considerations:
* Does the dealer show meat that is of poor quality & condition?
* Is the dealer insulted when you insist on buying the advertised low-priced meat? Watch out for hidden expenses:
* Find out if there is an extra charge for flash freezing.
* Find out if a processing charge will be added to the cost of the advertised beef.
* Is there an additional charge for wrapping the meat?
* Find out if the packages will be marked with cut, weight, & date - or is this extra.
Ask questions, Do Not Assume! How much you should buy depends primarily on the storage space you have, your finances, and your needs. Look for the yield grade stamp on the meat you decide to buy. This is important to determine the usable meat. Yield grades are stamped 1 through 5, 1 being the highest of greatest yield of usable meat after cutting. Do not sign any documents until you have read them carefully and thoroughly. Check to see if the meat carries the purple US Inspected marks showing federal inspection that is required if the meat crosses state lines to be sold.
