We are here to answer your questions and help make the process simple & easy.

Nose-to-tail eaters are a valued part of our Farm Friend family!

Buying a whole hog or half beef cow isn't the right fit for everyone, but the "why" of bulk buying resonates with the values and lifestyles of many families who buy from us.

Folks like you who choose to invest in whole or half animals do so for a variety of reasons: 

• a desire to minimize food waste
• a wish to show respect for animals raised for human consumption
• a commitment to supporting and growing sustainable food systems
• appreciation for the broad range of rich nutrients and flavors available in lesser-known cuts and animal parts
• support of humane farming practices 
• interest in knowing and building a relationship with your farmer
• the comfort of having a known budget for several months (or years) of clean, wholesome proteins
• the ease of having premium, high-quality meats always at hand

Whether your reason is on this list or it's something else altogether, we're so glad you've come to learn how the process of bulk buying works on our farm.

This page is here to help you understand all of the finer details of purchasing in bulk, and give you an accurate idea of what you can expect from beginning to end.

And we're here to walk you through the process step by step. 

Let's go!

Whether you plan to use your whole or half animal in just a couple of months, or over the course of a couple years, easy, healthy, high-quality meats are always at your fingertips when you’re well-stocked in premium grass-fed beef or pasture- and forest-raised pork from our farm.

Let’s define a few terms:

1. Live Weight: Live animal standing on a scale.

2. Hanging Weight (H/W): Weight from the butcher after harvest, but prior to breakdown. It is from this number that your cost is calculated.

3. Take Home Weight (T/W): Final weight of the actual meat that is packaged for your freezer.

Remember, because every animal is different in size, everything is based on averages and will not be exact to what you will receive.

If you need to know exact quantities and not just a general idea of the amount of meat you will receive, purchasing individual cuts by the piece would be the best way to go.

How much does it cost?

The average cost of a whole hog is $1,300.

The average cost of a half beef is $2,800.

How much meat are we talking about?

Here's a quick average:

WHOLE HOG: The average take home weight of a whole hog is 150ish pounds. You can expect around 4 to 5 cardboard boxes (18x12x8 each).

HALF BEEF: The average take home weight of a half beef (half cow) is 240ish pounds. You can expect around 6 to 7 cardboard boxes (18x12x8 each).

What cuts come in the Bone-In & Boneless options?

We have created an easy-to-read chart to help you understand the average amount of cuts of meat in each of these options. For more experienced shoppers, we also have a custom option to create your own cut preference.

WHOLE HOG HERE.

HALF BEEF HERE.

How is the meat packaged?

Your meat will come in clear, vacuum-sealed packages that will last for years in your freezer without an issue.  Each package and cardboard box will be labeled appropriately.

How much freezer space do I need?

A whole hog takes up about 3-4 cubic feet.

A half beef takes up an average of 5-6 cubic feet.

Do I need to pay extra for the butcher cost?

No. The butcher cost is included in the cost.

How do I pick up?

> Pick up directly from the farm: You can pick up from our on-farm store located at 4010 Swover Creek Rd, Edinburg, VA.

> Drop Site Delivery: We have local drop sites located throughout Virginia and we can deliver your bulk purchase to any of these locations. The delivery cost is $100.

> Home Delivery By Farmer: If you qualify for Home Delivery by Farmer (check by putting in your zip code to see if this option shows up), we can personally deliver your bulk purchase to your door. The delivery cost is $125.

> UPS Home Delivery: We ship throughout the continental United States. So whether you live in central Virginia or California, we can ship your bulk purchase via UPS directly to your door. Please be sure to check our SHIPPING COST PAGE HERE to see list of rates.

1. RESERVE YOUR HALF BEEF & WHOLE HOG.

• Make your selection (Shop Purchase in Bulk).
• Choose Delivery or Pick-up method: Free Pick-Up - Choose On-Farm Store: Change your location by using zip code 22824 and choose ON-FARM STORE. Drop Site Delivery Fee is $100, Home Delivery by Farmer is $125, and UPS Home Delivery varies, please see sheet. (Please Note: Delivery cost is separate from the cost of your half beef, see Delivery Cost Sheet here)
• Payment Method: Pay $250 deposit by credit card at checkout or choose Pay at Pick-Up (to mail check right away to reserve your spot). Delivery cost will be added to your initial deposit.
• Date at checkout: Please note that the date given when placing your order is just for the reservation and NOT THE DATE your bulk order will be ready. Your order will be ready on the month and date listed you made the reservation for.

2. CHOOSE HOW YOUR MEAT WILL BE CUT. 

• After your order has been placed, within the next couple of days you will receive an email which includes Confirmation of Reservation and Cuts Preference Form for you to fill out. This sheet is where you will let us know how you want your beef or pork to be cut just by answering questions. Be sure to submit this form within a week to finish up the last touches!

3. HALFWAY DEPOSIT (BEEF ONLY).

• You will receive an invoice which is due 6 weeks prior to ready date for $800 to pay via credit card link or by mailing a check (whichever option you choose).

4. FINAL TOTAL.

• We will have your final invoice total emailed to you a couple of days prior to pick-up. Your payment is due within 7 days of receiving your invoice. Generally this is at pick-up, but if for some reason picking up is delayed, we ask that your check is mailed or credit card (3.5% fee) is charged.

5. PICK UP/DELIVERY DATE.

Woohoo! It's always exciting for us to send you quick note to let you know that everything is done and expected ready date is on schedule (or notify you if that date has to move due to butcher taking longer than expected). Either way, we are sure to communicate as time gets closer!

• ON FARM PICK-UP: You are expected to pick up your order on pick-up day.  If you are unavailable on that particular day, we will make an appointment for the next earliest day that works for both of us.
• DROP SITE & HOME DELIVERY: Order will be delivered to the next drop site date that is available after ready date.
• UPS HOME DELIVERY: Your order will be shipped via UPS at the beginning of the next week available.

PACKAGED & BOXED.

Your meat will come frozen in clear, vacuum-sealed packages in cardboard boxes.  Each box will be labeled with what cuts are inside.  Each package will come with a label of what cut of meat it is with the exception of ground beef or ground pork/sausage.  You can plan to transfer your meat home in these cardboard boxes.