Questions, answered
Know before
you request.
Clear information about ownership, pricing, processing, freezer space and fulfillment.
Frequently asked questions
The details families ask about most.
Buying an ownership interest in a live animal is different from buying packaged meat at a store.
What am I purchasing?
A documented whole, half or quarter ownership interest in a specific live animal. The sale is completed before slaughter. The packaged meat results from processing the animal you already own; it is not sold as retail meat.
What are the prices?
Whole-animal ownership is $3,600, a half interest is $1,800 and a quarter interest is $900. Processing is charged separately.
How are processing fees divided?
The whole owner pays 100% of the shared processing cost, each half owner pays 50%, and each quarter owner pays 25%. Cutting, wrapping and vacuum sealing are included. Final charges depend on hanging weight, transportation and any owner-requested specialty services. Your estimate is confirmed before purchase.
Can I choose my cuts?
A whole-animal owner may submit a custom cut request. Half and quarter owners receive Curly’s Standard Cut with no substitutions so the available cuts can be divided fairly.
How much freezer space will I need?
Plan for approximately 13–16 cubic feet for a whole share, 6–8 cubic feet for a half, or 3–4 cubic feet for a quarter.
When will my portion be ready?
Our current processing appointment is scheduled for early December 2026. The beef will age for 14 days after harvest before it is cut, wrapped, vacuum sealed and frozen. We expect fulfillment in mid-to-late December, subject to the processor’s final schedule.
Where is the beef processed?
Our early December appointment is reserved with a USDA-inspected establishment. Final package labeling and inspection details will be confirmed before customer reservations are finalized.
Can I sell or give away my packages?
No. Custom-exempt meat must be marked “Not for Sale.” It is only for the registered owner, members of the owner’s household, nonpaying guests and employees. It may not be resold or donated.
Can my portion be delivered?
Local pickup is standard. Delivery to the registered owner may be considered only after the processor, destination, packaging and applicable requirements are confirmed. Delivery is not guaranteed.
Are ownership payments refundable?
Once the ownership agreement is accepted, the interest is assigned and the live-animal purchase is completed, payment is nonrefundable. If the ranch cannot provide the identified ownership interest before slaughter, the amount paid to the ranch will be refunded.