Colorado Natural Longhorn Beef
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do we pick up our order, or can we have it delivered? |
Some producers offer delivery--although customers typically pick up their meat order at the ranch or USDA inspected processing plant. Different ranches may have different packaging and delivery options. Meat packed in boxes at sub-zero temperatures will normally remain frozen for a few hours of transport. Covering with a blanket or tarpaulin will keep the meat frozen for a longer period. If meat is not boxed, you may wish to bring coolers to keep the meat in its frozen state. |
How far in advance do I have to order my Longhorn Beef? |
That will vary with different ranches. Some will take your order and reserve exactly what you want, giving you a fairly accurate availability date. Some have meat available year 'round. |
Will my meat be cut and wrapped when I get it? |
Yes. Most producers provide meat that is cut, wrapped in packages, marked, flash-frozen and conveniently boxed for easy handling and transportation. However, if you wish, you may pick up a side or whole beef and make your own arrangements for custom cutting. |
How much space will a quarter or half require in my freezer? |
Each quarter of beef will normally take 3-5 cubic feet of freezer space. The volume and weight can vary as much as 50 percent, due to difference in the age and size of the animal. Texas Longhorns raised on grass in a natural environment will be smaller and lighter weight than the feedlot beef available in the supermarket or specialty meat shop. |
What does "Hanging Weight" mean? |
That is the weight of the quarter, half or whole beef when it is hanging in the processing plant cold storage--before being cut into steaks, roasts, filets, ground beef, etc. Usually the packaged weight is about 3/4 of the hanging weight. |
What is the difference between "Grass Fed" and "Grass Finished" beef? |
Every rancher in the Colorado Natural Longhorn Beef program raises registered Texas Longhorns on pastures of native grass, and most of us feed hay and a protein supplement in winter. However, none of our cattle are treated with steroids (growth hormones) or fed antibiotics. You can purchase grass fed Longhorn beef that has been "finished" on a special ration of grain and hay for several weeks--to enhance flavor and tenderness . . . or, you can also select "grass finished" beef that has gone directly from the pasture to the processing plant. Both provide a flavorful, healthy entree for your family table! |
What's so special about Texas Longhorn meat? |
The registered Texas Longhorn cattle being raised in Colorado today are the direct descendants of the Spanish cattle brought to the "New World" by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage. In Mexico and what became the Southern United States, these cattle survived in the wild, unassisted by man, over the next four centuries. "Survival-of-the-fittest" created a genetically unique animal that matures more slowly, withstands extremes of nature, and actually thrives on forage that so-called "modern" breeds of cattle won't eat. The Longhorn does not put on fat the way other breeds do. The meat is, quite literally, genetically lean--yet still tender and tasty. |