Buying Beef by the Cow: How to Fill Your Freezer With Locally Raised Meat

Buying meat in bulk, directly from a local farmer, can save you money and broaden culinary horizons—if you’re up for the task.

Each order comes with a variety of cuts, and the customer can make specific requests according to their preferences. Katarzyna Hurova/Shutterstock

It wasn’t long ago when everyone stocked freezers, pantries, and smokehouses each fall with beef, chicken, pork, wild game, and any other available protein source in preparation for the looming winter. A stocked freezer was reassurance that there would be food for the family even if roads were too treacherous for travel or money was scarce.

Mouths would still be fed and bodies would be nourished.