PASTURE to PLATE
Well it has been a really amazing adventure with "RIBEYE". From the pasture to the plate, this has provided us with an extraordinary experience. There is a deep sense of appreciation for where the meat on the table comes from, and just how much effort it takes to place it there.

This past Saturday we went over to the Bradshaw's for the final packaging of the cow quarters. After hanging the meat for four weeks I was a little unsure of what to expect.



The meat had a purple tinge to it along with some light mold growth. This required the removal of about the top 1/8 to 1/4 of inch on the carcass. With that removed the meat had an extraordinary good texture and smell.

We started by processing the rear quarters first. Keith had set up the HOW TO video in the basement, which turn out to be a real help getting started. We each processed our meat in a little different fashion.





The Bradshaw's went for a more conventional cut processing while we had chosen to try removing the meat as it was naturally grouped together. I can say in retrospect that Keith's turned out very nicely, but I was very satisfied with our results as well. Everything to me that wasn't clearly a steak cut (i.e. the tender loin) was either a roast, cube steak or hamburger. This method proved to be much quicker, but clearly either method produced good results.

Laura did such a wonderful job packaging up all of our meat. She used standard freezer paper and tape, while finishing off with labeling and placing it in a gallon freezer zip-lock bag. It was a lot of work but she really enjoyed the day, just being able to work together as a family.


The meat lost some weight during the aging process. It went from taking 3 men to carry and hang it to one man being able to carry it to the processing table. It would have been nice to have a before and after measurement. It will take another time or two before we can be sure whether 3 or 4 weeks is optimum for the hanging time.

Zechariah asked if he could cut up the meat for hamburger. I was a little hesitant at first, but then decided that it would be nice for him to be able to help. I kept a close eye on him because the knives were really sharp. He really did a wonderful job. When he was done he toes out some time to play with Luke. It really blessed my heart-to see some loving fruit in his life.

Joshua and Samuel took time grinding up the meat for hamburger. It took a lot of patience while dealing with the Kitchen Aid grinder. It tended to overheat frequently. We were very thankful to have it, but I believe it was too much strain upon this type of equipment (it was never intended for continuous operation like that). We would be well served in the future to purchase a commercial grinder

In the end we filled up a very large cooler, along with another smaller cooler and one larger water cooler. It filled up the bed of the truck nicely. We ended up with a freezer full of meat, but it looks like so much less when it is all packed up. I really cannot judge with any certainty how long a half of a cow will last our family. It will take a little more experience and planning to be able to provide for our meat usage for each year.


This is the best tasting meat I have ever had. I would like to thank the Bradshaws and Ribeye. The Bradshaws gave a lot, but Ribeye gave his all. :-)

The boys got in a few minutes of play before it was time to go home. Quite frankly I am not sure where they came up with the energy after all of the work they did.

This was by far one of the best times I have ever had with my family. There was no complaining, no fussing-just willing hearts working in peace and harmony together. Not perfection, but love in action. We were all tired-and I do mean totally exhausted, and yet there were no grumpy or self-centered comments. This is the way it should be, the LORD richly blessed this day in the life of our family.

I would just like to end this with a short thought. How are things in your household? Men I can tell you this much, the spiritual tone is set by you! What will you do with your God given leadership? Will you example out the love and peace that are only found in Christ or will you get frustrated, angry, and self focused? You will do one or the other. Do you make it a joy for your wife to be your help-meet? Do your actions tell your children they are a blessing from God? If you want peace and unity in your home it starts with your own spiritual condition and relationship with Christ. Examine your own heart and consider your own ways.


1 Peter 1:12-14 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things into which angels long to look. 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance