Ebersole Cattle Company

What is a share?  This is a question for each specific farmer (or rancher).   Basically, I have found that when you buy a share in a CSA you are buying a portion (share) of the produce for that particular season or crop. 

In our case, you are buying a share of our beef calves.  When selling beef, there are many ways producers sell their beef.  The traditional way to sell beef on the farm was "locker beef".  Technically, you were buying a live calf, or a side or quarter of that calf.  Our meaning of the word “share” is just like this, but using the new verbiage.

I know that I can't, and don't, speak for other producers, just ourselves.  So, if you purchase from another CSA, make sure you know their details and feel comfortable with how they operate.

What determines the size of a share?

We have researched the statistics for the "average” American's beef consumption and found it to be around 70# per year.   The "typical" yield from one beef calf is 500 - 800 pounds.  We consider one share to be half a beef.  This will typically feed a family of four for an entire year.  A half share would feed a "typical" family of two for a year.  We generally give you a little extra because we're in Iowa and WE LOVE BEEF, and eat more of it.

In the grocery store, the average is $5 to $8 per pound on all cuts of a conventionally fed and harvested calf.  And when purchasing from a grocer you would also have to question where your beef came from, and what was in your beef; not to mention that the quality and amount of fat will come into question. 

When purchasing from a small rancher, you will know how your beef is raised, the type of care and handling it received, and the ingredients it was fed. Most small ranchers are very dedicated to improving their land and taking care of it for the next generation.  .  You also know that you are helping the environment.

How do we figure our price per share?  First, we take into account the current market price.  Second, we have to figure how much the feedstuffs will cost us to finish each beef.  And third, we have to take into account the minimum we need to earn per head to make our farm payments.

  Current market price for a conventionally fed calf is (1200 to 1450 pounds live weight) $1200 to $1450 on the hoof.   Current calf market price (weaning weight of approximately 550 pounds) is around $500 dollars per head.

Right now, feed is the huge variable.  Last year it took around $800 in pasture, hay, and mineral to finish a grass-fed beef.  The cost to finish a corn-fed calf was about $750.  Both of these prices begin after the calf has been weaned.

At the current time, we have figured our base cost of a calf from the live calf market.  This is what we would receive at the sale barn, and thus is needed to pay our farm payment.  In addition, with the current share price, we are not making anything in labor.  We have just enough figured in for the processing fees that the meat cutter will charge to harvest and package your beef.

A full share is currently $800, and a half share is $450.  If you figure by the pound, this averages under $2.50 per pound.  With grass-fed beef, you will have more ground beef with only Premium Steaks and Select Roasts.  But, the flavor of grass-fed beef is far superior to store bought beef, and the nutritional qualities much are better!  Take a look here to get more details on the benefits of grass fed beef.

The initial cost of a beef share may be high for some to purchase at one time, this is why we have designed our "pay-as-it-grows" plan.  With this plan, you would put 25% down, and pay the remaining balance in a plan to fit your budget.  When you reserve your share, we will deliver some ground beef, so you know the GREAT taste of the beef you are growing.

I know that this has been very long, and I truly appreciate your interest.  Please contact me with all of your other questions and your beef share reservations. 

Please remember that I can only speak for our ranch as others’ plans may be different. 

I currently have ground beef ready to go; it will be harvested this week!  Imagine this, a Rancher almost ran out of beef!

 Thanks for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you! Shanen