So, yesterday I mentioned that we are looking into splitting a beef with MIL’s sister. I spent some time last night looking up local farms and researching the process to order a whole beef. My aunt raises cattle, so I reached out to my cousin to get some background info on weights, processing fees, and just how it all works. My cousin was such a great resource; I wish we were closer so we could get some beef from my aunt when she slaughters one of her older cows later this year.

It is quite interesting when you start looking into purchasing a beef, or even a pig. First, once you get over the shock at farmer’s retail prices (they are definitely more than what you are used to paying at the local meat department), you have to learn the difference between hoof and hanging weight. Then there are processing fees. The processors will slice the meat up to your specifications, so you need to start learning your beef cuts and making decisions as to your preference. I know with my aunt, she just gets the whole darn cow made into ground beef. We did learn the hard way that to go 90-10 it is waaaaay too lean, and I believe she now has it about 80-20 or 85-15. If you want ground beef, be sure of how lean you actually want it.

We are also looking into deep freezes. Now, I had mentioned early last week that it may be a good idea to start looking for one. Now, none of the local stores have any, and they are out until at least early June. The other thing to look for, like I mentioned a few weeks ago, is canning supplies. Squatch and I are starting to pick up seals and jars whenever we see them at the store, just so we have them. We’ve been poo-poo-ed on the idea of stocking up “We can always get those things in the fall when we need them.” Well, we’re not going to fall victim to that trap, and are making sure we are ready for all of the veg we get from our gardens this summer.

What normalcy biases have you run into lately? It seems like people are still freaking out and panic buying, but there are still those who are ignoring it all and just not understanding why things are changing so much. All you can do is focus on yourself and make sure you have what you need to get by.