FAQ

Q: Is our beef organic?

A: Organic beef requirements state that the animal must be allowed to perform their natural behaviors, be fed organic feed, and not be given antibiotics or hormones. This means organic beef from the store could be fed organic corn (which they don’t eat in nature and makes cows sick). They could be allowed a small patch of grass, or be let out to pasture for a short period of time. We go above and beyond these requirements by keeping our cows out to pasture 100% of the time. They eat grass, which is what they naturally eat, and we never need to give them antibiotics or hormones because pasture fed cows are healthier than even organic grain-fed cows. Though not certified organic, we would consider our practices beyond organic.

Q: What is a herd share? How does it work?

A: You purchase a whole cow, or a share of a cow from our herd--which makes you the owner, or part owner of that cow. When it comes time to harvest the beef, you get to tell the butcher exactly which cuts you want, and how you want it wrapped. This gives you more control, choice, and connection to the food you eat!

A deposit to HolyCow will claim your share. When the cow is weighed at harvest time, you will purchase the cow from HolyCow, and pay the butcher directly when they fill your cut and wrap order. Our pricing range on the product page reflects this.

Q: What do I get when I order a ½ or ¼ COW?

A: Picture going in with a friend on a purchase: each of you pays half the cost, and you split the product straight down the middle. If you bought ½ a cow, you would literally get half the cow, and since a cow is symmetrical, each person would get exactly the same cuts of beef, and, if wanted, half the bones and organ meat.

Q: How much freezer space will I need?

A: The general rule is 28 pounds of meat per cubic foot of freezer space. We recommend you invest in a 14 cubic foot freezer for a half-cow purchase. Your meat will stay fresh for more than a year.

Q: How much of the money goes to Doing Good?

A: 100% of profits! That means the price you pay minus what it cost to raise that beef. Since we are a volunteer organization, our costs to raise beef are at a minimum. We even volunteer labor to trade for equipment. In fact, 6 volunteers joined us to do manual labor as a trade for livestock panels so we wouldn’t have to spend money on them!