Better overall value
Enjoy a variety of cuts, including premium steaks, without paying separate retail prices for every cut.
Our farm products
Know your farmer, know your food.
GRAIN & GRASS FINISHED OPTIONS
BEEF SHARES
Looking to buy local beef in Central New York? At Burnt Feather Farms in Mexico, NY, we make it easy to stock your freezer with quality beef purchased directly from a local family farm.
Whether you’re searching for a quarter cow, half cow, whole cow, or bulk freezer beef near Syracuse, Oswego, Pulaski, or Fulton, we’re here to help you understand your options and get the most value for your money.
Skip the grocery store guesswork and fill your
freezer with beef your family will enjoy.
Why Buy Beef in Bulk From a Local Farm?
Buying beef in bulk is one of the most convenient ways to keep your freezer stocked with a variety of cuts without making repeated trips to the grocery store.
Instead of purchasing individual packages of ground beef, steaks, and roasts at different prices, you can purchase a larger portion of beef at one consistent price per pound of hanging weight. This also reduces your overall grocery bill. 1/4 Cow beef share from our farm is nearly $200 cheaper than purchasing from Walmart!
Benefits of Buying Local Freezer Beef
Quality
Instead of “mystery” meat from any number of cows, you know the cow you are purchasing from! We also do not do any CO2 in our packaging, and your ground beef comes from 1 cow rather than an unknown number of cows.
Ethical Practices & Animal Welfare
We believe quality beef starts with quality of life. Unlike cattle finished in crowded, muddy feedlots, our beef cattle are finished on pasture and/or in clean, sheltered environments where their comfort and well-being come first. By prioritizing proper living conditions and minimizing unnecessary stress, we provide a more humane environment for our animals from start to finish.
Stock your freezer
Keep beef on hand for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, grilling, and meal preparation.
Supporting Our Local Economy
When you buy beef from Burnt Feather Farms, you’re supporting more than just our family. Your purchase helps support a network of hardworking local farmers and small businesses, including our hay suppliers, grain farmers, veterinarians, and meat processors. These aren’t faceless corporations; they’re our neighbors, friends, and families right here in Central New York. Every dollar spent locally helps strengthen our agricultural community, support local jobs, and keep family-owned businesses thriving for generations to come.
More variety
Enjoy everything from ground beef and chuck roasts to ribeyes, sirloins, and other cuts.
Plan ahead
Purchasing beef in bulk makes budgeting, grocery shopping, and meal planning easier.
Buy Local Beef by the Cut, Quarter, Half, or Whole
At Burnt Feather Farms, we believe quality, locally sourced beef should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re looking for a few steaks for the grill, ground beef for weeknight dinners, or enough meat to fill your freezer, we have options to fit your family’s needs.
While we do offer individual cuts of beef for purchase, the majority of our beef is sold in bulk as quarter, half, and whole beef shares. By selling larger quantities directly to our customers, we’re able to reduce individual packaging, handling, and sales costs and pass those savings along to you.
Buying beef in bulk allows you to enjoy a variety of cuts, from premium steaks and hearty roasts to everyday ground beef, at one consistent price per pound of hanging weight. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way to stock your freezer while supporting local agriculture.
Not ready to commit to a quarter, half, or whole beef? No problem! Contact us about purchasing individual cuts, including ground beef, steaks, roasts, and more, based on current availability.
From a single cut to a fully stocked freezer, we’re proud to bring quality local beef to families throughout Oswego County and Central New York.
*PLEASE NOTE: All cows weigh different amounts. We charge our customer by the hanging weight- which is calculated at the butcher. We provide a ROUGH estimate of hanging weights above for the typical cow, however you may receive a larger or smaller 1/4,1/2 or whole depending upon the individual animal. We do our best to provide consistent beefers to the processor but do not guarantee a specific amount per share.
FROM OUR FARM TO YOUR FREEZER
How Buying Beef Works
Purchasing local beef doesn't have to be complicated. We're here to guide you through every step.
01
STEP ONE
Choose Your Beef Share
Decide whether a quarter, half, or whole beef best fits your household's needs, budget, and freezer space. If you're unsure, we're happy to help you choose.
02
STEP TWO
Contact Us About Availability
Reach out to discuss available beef, pricing, and upcoming processing dates. Planning ahead helps ensure we can accommodate your order.
03
STEP THREE
Customize Your Cuts
We'll explain your processing options and available cuts. Depending on your share and butcher, you may select steak thickness, roast sizes, ground beef packaging, and more.
04
STEP FOUR
Receive Final Weight & Pricing
Your beef purchase price is calculated using its hanging weight. We'll help you understand your final charges, processing costs, and pickup arrangements.
05
STEP FIVE
Stock Your Freezer
Once your beef has been cut and packaged, it's ready for arranged pickup. Fill your freezer and enjoy quality local beef whenever your family needs it.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Beef Buying FAQ
Everything you need to know about buying local beef from Burnt Feather Farms in Mexico, New York.
Buying & Pricing
Where can I buy local beef near Oswego, NY?
Right here at Burnt Feather Farms in Mexico, NY! We offer individual beef cuts as available and quarter, half, and whole beef shares. Whether you're coming from Oswego, Fulton, Pulaski, or another nearby community, contact us to ask about current availability and upcoming processing dates. Buying directly from our farm means straightforward communication and a local family business behind your order.
Where can I buy a quarter cow near Syracuse, NY?
Burnt Feather Farms in Mexico, Oswego County, offers quarter beef shares for customers throughout Central New York, including the northern Syracuse area. A quarter is a great way to try buying freezer beef without committing to a half or whole animal. Reach out and we'll walk you through the process.
Do you sell individual steaks and ground beef, or only bulk beef?
Both! We offer individual cuts, including steaks, roasts, and ground beef, based on availability. Most of our business is quarter, half, and whole beef shares, which helps us reduce individual handling and sales costs and pass savings along to customers. Not ready for a freezer full of beef? Ask what cuts are currently available.
What is the price per pound for your beef?
Our listed bulk beef price is $5 per pound of hanging weight plus processing. Hanging weight is not the same as the pounds of packaged beef you take home. Processing and specialty cut charges may be additional, so contact us for an up-to-date, complete estimate before reserving your share.
How much does a quarter cow cost in Central New York?
Using our estimated quarter hanging weight of 180–195 pounds and $5 per pound, the estimated beef purchase price is $900–$975, before applicable processing charges. The actual amount depends on the animal's measured hanging weight. We can help you budget before you commit.
How much does a half cow cost near Oswego or Syracuse?
For an estimated 360–380 pounds of hanging weight, a half beef at $5 per pound plus processing has an estimated beef purchase price of $1,800–$1,900, before applicable processing charges. A half beef is a popular option for families that want a substantial selection of cuts ready for everyday cooking.
How much does a whole cow cost?
At an estimated 720–760 pounds hanging weight, a whole beef at $5 per pound has an estimated beef purchase price of $3,600–$3,800, before processing. Your final price depends on actual hanging weight. Whole-beef customers also receive a 15¢ per pound processing-fee discount from our processor, as described in our beef-share information.
Is buying a quarter or half cow cheaper than grocery store beef?
It can be an excellent value, especially if your family regularly buys steaks, roasts, and ground beef. Instead of paying a different retail price for every cut, you buy a mixed share at one hanging-weight rate. For a fair comparison, divide your total beef and processing cost by the pounds of packaged meat you receive. We want you to understand the numbers, not just a headline price. Typically each quarter averages $200 less than walmart!
What is hanging weight, and why do you charge by it?
Hanging weight is the carcass weight after slaughter and initial dressing, before final cutting, trimming, and packaging. It provides a consistent basis for pricing a quarter, half, or whole share. Because bones and trim are removed during processing, your take-home packaged weight will be lower than hanging weight.
Are processing and cut-and-wrap fees included?
Processing costs can affect your final total, and specialty requests may add charges. Please ask us for the current processor fee schedule and though we charge by the pound plus processing, so you would pay the processor directly in addition to our standard rate.
Do you require a deposit?
We do require deposits. For 1/4 cow the deposit is $250, 1/2 is $500 and a whole is $1,000. This is a non refundable deposit. The reason our deposit is non refundable is because we specifically finish each cow for each butcher date, and if someone backs out last minute we have to absorb the remaining processing costs. .
Can I split a whole beef with friends or family?
A whole beef can be a smart option for two or more households that want to share a larger purchase. Agree on how you'll divide the cuts, processing preferences, costs, and pickup responsibilities ahead of time, and contact us to discuss how the order can be arranged.
What if my cow weighs more or less than the estimate?
Every animal is different. Our published share weights are rough estimates, not guarantees. The butcher determines the actual hanging weight, which is used to calculate the beef purchase price. We do our best to send consistent animals for processing, but your quarter, half, or whole share may be larger or smaller than the example.
Meat, Cuts & Storage
How much meat comes with a quarter cow?
Our planning estimate for a quarter beef is 180–195 pounds hanging weight and approximately 115–125 pounds of packaged beef. The final yield depends on the animal and your cut choices. A quarter can provide a useful mix of ground beef, roasts, and steaks for smaller households.
How much meat comes with a half cow?
We estimate 360–380 pounds hanging weight and approximately 230–250 pounds of packaged beef for a half share. That can keep a beef-loving family well stocked, with a variety of cuts for grilling, slow cooking, and quick dinners.
How much meat comes with a whole cow?
Our planning estimate for a whole beef is 720–760 pounds hanging weight and approximately 460–500 pounds packaged. Exact yield varies. A whole share is especially useful for large households or families purchasing together.
How much ground beef will I get?
Depending on your cut preferences, our rough estimates are 35–60 pounds for a quarter, 70–120 pounds for a half, and 140–240 pounds for a whole. Choosing more steaks and roasts generally leaves less meat for grinding. Tell us how your family cooks so you can make the most of your share.
What cuts come with a quarter, half, or whole beef?
Depending on the share and butcher's cut sheet, your order may include ground beef, chuck roasts, sirloin, ribeye, strip steaks, round cuts, brisket, short ribs, stew meat, and other options. Not every cut can be selected independently: some cuts come from the same section of the animal and are alternatives to each other. We'll help explain the options available for your share.
Can I choose my steak thickness, roast sizes, and ground beef packages?
Depending on your share size you will be able to choose steak thickness, roast sizes, ground beef package sizes, and other cutting preferences. Half and whole shares typically offer more flexibility than a split quarter. Ask us about the available cut sheet before processing.
Can I request more hamburger and fewer roasts?
Often, yes—some cuts that would otherwise be packaged as roasts or steaks can instead be ground, subject to the processor's options and your share type. If your household loves burgers, tacos, chili, and meatballs, let us know so we can discuss a practical cut plan.
How much freezer space do I need for a quarter cow?
Plan for roughly 4–5 cubic feet for our estimated quarter share. We recommend checking your freezer's usable space before ordering and leaving room to organize packages rather than packing everything tightly.
How much freezer space do I need for a half or whole cow?
Our planning guidelines are approximately 8–10 cubic feet for a half and 16–20 cubic feet for a whole. Actual space depends on packaging and how you organize your freezer. A dedicated chest or upright freezer can make bulk buying especially convenient.
How long will a quarter cow last my family?
That depends on how often you cook beef. At five pounds per week, a 120-pound quarter would last about 24 weeks. Families who eat beef less frequently may stretch a share much longer. Buying in bulk makes meal planning easy because your favorite cuts are already on hand.
How long does frozen beef last?
Beef kept continuously frozen at 0°F remains safe indefinitely, but quality can decline with time. For best quality, USDA guidance generally recommends using ground beef within 3–4 months and steaks or roasts within 4–12 months. Label and rotate packages so you enjoy your beef at its best.
Is your ground beef from a single animal?
Our beef-share program emphasizes knowing which animal your beef comes from. We describe our ground beef as coming from one animal rather than a mixture of an unknown number of cattle. If single-animal separation is important to you, confirm the handling and grinding arrangements with us for your specific order.
Do you use carbon dioxide (CO2) in your beef packaging?
We do not use CO2 in our packaging, as described in our farm's beef information. If you have specific questions about packaging materials or methods used by our processor, please contact us and we'll help clarify the details.
Our Farm & Ordering
Is your beef grass-finished or grain-finished?
We offer grain- and grass-finished options. Ask about the current options and availability when ordering, and we'll help you choose the right fit for your household's preferences.
Are your cattle finished in feedlots?
We prioritize animal comfort and quality of life. Our cattle are finished on pasture and/or in clean, sheltered environments rather than the crowded, muddy feedlot conditions we aim to avoid. Thoughtful care and minimizing unnecessary stress are important parts of how we operate.
Why buy from Burnt Feather Farms instead of a supermarket?
You get more than a freezer full of beef: you get a direct connection to a Central New York family farm, clearer information about your purchase, and a convenient way to buy a variety of cuts in bulk. Your purchase also supports the local hay suppliers, grain farmers, veterinarians, processors, and other businesses our farm relies on.
Do you sell beef near Fulton, Pulaski, Central Square, and North Syracuse?
Yes—we welcome inquiries from customers in Mexico, Oswego, Fulton, Pulaski, Parish, Central Square, and the northern Syracuse area, as well as other nearby Central New York communities. Contact us about availability and pickup arrangements before making the trip.
How do I reserve a quarter, half, or whole beef?
Start by contacting Burnt Feather Farms with the share size you're interested in. We'll discuss availability, pricing, upcoming processing dates, and next steps. If you're new to buying freezer beef, we're happy to explain the process so you can order with confidence.
How far in advance should I order?
Because bulk beef is coordinated around animal and processing availability, ordering ahead is the best way to plan. Contact us to learn about upcoming processing dates and whether the share size you want is currently available.
Can I pick up my beef at the farm? Do you deliver?
Pickup arrangements depend on the processing schedule and order details. Please contact us before ordering to confirm where your beef will be collected and whether any alternative arrangements are available. We don't want you to make assumptions about delivery or pickup locations.
Is your beef USDA inspected, and can I buy individual cuts?
We offer individual cuts as available, but inspection and sale requirements can vary by product and processing arrangement. Please ask us about the inspection status and processing details for the specific beef you're purchasing. We're happy to explain what is available for retail purchase versus a bulk share.
Can I order beef as a gift or share it with relatives?
Beef can make a practical gift or shared family purchase, especially for households that love to cook. Contact us to discuss what is available and how to coordinate payment, cutting preferences, and pickup with the recipient.
What if I have never bought freezer beef before?
You're exactly the kind of customer we love helping! We'll explain the difference between hanging and packaged weight, share sizes, cut options, freezer requirements, and processing arrangements. A quarter beef is a great place to start, and there's no pressure to order more than your family needs.
How do I contact Burnt Feather Farms about beef for sale?
Use the contact information or inquiry form on our website to ask about individual cuts, quarter beef, half beef, or whole beef. Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll help you take the next step toward a well-stocked freezer.