Frequently Asked Questions
Beef share questions
What's in a quarter, half, or whole beef share?
Hanging weight is about 185-190 lbs for a quarter, 365-375 lbs for a half, and 740-750 lbs for a whole. Every share is custom cut and wrapped by Matt's Custom Meats.
How do I choose my cuts?
Matt's Custom Meats will contact you directly to go over what you want: roasts, steaks, ground beef, and so on.
How is the beef raised?
We raise our cattle on pasture on Youngs River Road, southeast of Astoria, Oregon. They never get growth hormones. We raise them without routine antibiotics. If an animal needs treatment, a veterinarian directs it.
Where and when do I pick up my beef?
Pickup is at Matt's Custom Meats in Longview, WA, about 50 miles from the ranch. Harvest is in October/November, and processing takes about 3 weeks.
How long are the cattle raised?
We raise each animal for 18 to 19 months before harvest.
What is hanging weight?
It is the weight of the carcass after harvest and before cutting. After bone removal and fat trimming, you take home less than that as packaged meat.
I've never bought a beef share. Where do I start?
Contact us with any questions. We will walk you through reserving, processing, and pickup.
Is beef available year-round?
No. We harvest once a year, in October/November. Fall 2026 shares are sold out. Contact us and we will get back to you when next season's shares open.
What size freezer do I need?
A quarter needs 5-7 cubic feet, a half 8-10 cubic feet, and a whole 16-20 cubic feet.
What does a share cost?
Beef plus processing costs about $1,354 - $1,390 for a quarter. A half costs $2,637 - $2,706. A whole costs $5,269 - $5,338. The final price depends on hanging weight.
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