Thistledown Ranch sells meat in three different ways.  We sell steers by the pound at what's called "market price" which varies from day to day.  We will sell a half a beef at "hanging or carcass weight" (also called on the rail).  Or most frequently we sell a half or a quarter "cut and wrapped" and you pay for the meat by the poundage you actually receive. When beef is sold "cut and wrapped" the buyer incurs no other expense.  If you want the carcass custom cut you must order a half which generally weighs 200 to 250 pounds.  If you're interest in only a quarter (approx 100 pounds) we suggest you find someone to split the half with  or we can pair you up with another buyer but you must be able to agree on how you want the meat cut.  The cutting choices include things such as thickness of steaks, types of steaks cut, size of roasts etc. 

Grass fat beef is not only better for you for many reasons but is more expensive than grain fed beef to raise.  It takes an animal on grass much longer to reach harvest weight than one that is fed grain.  It also takes more land to have the pastures to grass fatten beef.  The Highland cattle are slow growing animals and they take longer to reach maturity.  This slow growth is one reason the meat is so good. 

Grass fat beef must also be cooked differently than grain fed beef.  It has much less fat and must be cooked slowly and at low heat.  We frequently add olive oil to our hamburger when it's cooked to add healthy moisture.  No fillers are added to the hamburger and it's very lean as are all the other cuts.  The Highland cattle produce leaner beef naturally than many other breeds.

The quality of the meat reflects what the animal eats and drinks.  Our animals drink only well water so never drink chlorinated water.  Our land has never been treated with any insecticides or chemical fertilizers. Other than transporting animals we try very hard not to be petroleum based. 

Our next beef will be sold at $5.75 per pound and is expected to be ready mid September 2010.  A deposit of $250 is necessary to reserve a quarter or $500 for a half at the time the order is placed.

send check to                                                                                                         Wendy Pearse     P. O. Box 1242    Elizabeth, Co.  80107