GOOD TO KNOW
Questions?
We've Got Answers.
If you've never purchased beef this way before, you're not alone - here's everything you need to feel confident reserving your first order.
01 About the Beef
What does Grass Fed and Grain Finished mean?
Our cattle spend their entire lives grazing open pasture, exactly as nature intended. Toward the end of their time with us, we finish them on quality grain and hay — this simply means a carefully balanced diet that helps develop the marbling, tenderness, and flavor your family will taste in every cut. It's the same approach used by generations of Herring family farmers before us.
Why don't you use growth hormones?
We believe healthy animals, raised with patience and given time to grow naturally, produce exceptional beef on their own — no shortcuts needed. It's a slower approach, but it's the honest one, and it's the same standard we'd want for our own family's table.
Are antibiotics ever used?
We don't use routine antibiotics. Healthy cattle raised in healthy, low-stress environments simply don't require them. Our animals are cared for personally by our family, so we catch and address concerns early, the old-fashioned way.
02 Ordering & Your Cuts
How do I reserve a cow?
Just reach out through our Contact page or the Shop page to let us know whether you'd like a quarter, half, or whole. We'll walk you through availability, answer any questions, and get you scheduled for the next processing date.
What's hanging weight?
Hanging weight is the weight of the carcass after initial processing but before final cutting, trimming, and packaging. It's the industry-standard way beef is priced when buying directly from a farm, and it's what your deposit and final price are based on — typically a bit higher than the final packaged weight you'll take home.
What cuts will I receive?
You'll receive a well-rounded mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef, proportional to the size you reserve, when you order a quarter — for half and whole, you can order one of our predetermined packages or you can place a custom order using our custom cut sheet. A whole beef simply includes more of everything a quarter or half would. We'll go over exactly what to expect for your specific order before processing begins, if you need for us to step you through the process, or you can see all the details on the order form/cut sheet, once you make your deposit.
Can I choose my cuts?
Yes. Before processing, if you choose to place an order for a custom cut, you'll fill out a simple custom cut sheet — how thick you want your steaks, whether you prefer bone-in or boneless, how much goes toward ground beef versus roasts, and more. It's genuinely tailored to how your family cooks.
When do I pay?
A simple deposit secures your reservation and your spot in line for the next processing date. The remaining balance is due at pickup, calculated from the final hanging weight — so there are no surprises along the way.
03 Processing & Pickup
How does processing work?
Once your beef is reserved, we schedule a processing date with our trusted local processor. They handle the harvesting and custom cutting according to your cut sheet, then vacuum-seal and label everything for the freezer. We coordinate the whole timeline so all you need to do is show up for pickup.
Where is the beef processed?
Everything is processed with a local processor that is approximately 30 minutes from DeFuniak Springs, FL. The processor is Norris Custom Meats. Norris Custom Meats is located at 11977 Obie Lane, Florala, Alabama. Keeping it local means shorter travel time for the animals and a processor our family has known and trusted for years.
How much freezer space will I need?
A good rule of thumb is about one cubic foot of freezer space for every 30–35 lbs of finished, packaged beef. As a general guide: a quarter beef needs roughly 4–5 cu. ft., a half beef 8–10 cu. ft., and a whole beef 16–20 cu. ft. A standard chest freezer handles a half or whole beef comfortably.
How long will beef last in the freezer?
Vacuum-sealed and stored at a consistent temperature, our beef holds its quality in the freezer for 9–12 months, and safely well beyond that. Vacuum sealing makes a real difference compared to standard grocery-store packaging, which is one of the reasons families love stocking up. The only meat that is not vacuum sealed is the hamburger meat, which is sealed in bags and labeled for your convenience.
Do you deliver?
Beef is picked up directly from our local processor once it's ready. If delivery would make a real difference for your family, reach out on our contact page and we're happy to talk through options.
What if I've never purchased beef this way before?
That's completely normal, and you're in good hands. Most of our families are trying this for the first time too. We'll personally walk you through every step — reserving, the cut sheet, freezer prep, and pickup — so nothing feels unfamiliar by the time your beef is ready.
Ready to Fill Your Freezer
with Honest Beef?
Reserve your quarter, half, or whole beef today and taste the difference four generations of family farming makes.
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No question is too small - we'd rather you feel completely confident before you reserve.
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Quarter, half, and whole beef reservations open now for the next processing date.
© 2026 Herring Farms. From our family to yours.
Est. 1947 · 270+ Acres · DeFuniak Springs, FL