Frequently Asked Questions
When & How Do I Place My Order?
Unlike some beef providers, Needwood Farms sells our cattle year round. Some providers want to sell their cattle in the Fall because they don't want to feed hay or don't have pasture for the Winter. But we feed our cattle to finish in a feedlot not on pasture. We usually have a few animals ready almost anytime year round. Therefore, the answer to "when do you place an order" is as soon as you decide that you want Needwood Beef in your freezer. Give us a call to see when our next booking is and we can place you on "the list" or you can place an order well in advance. You can call in June and ask for a November pick up time and if possible we'll come as close as we can to accommodate your needs. The wait time can been as soon as 2-4 weeks or may be a couple of months. There is a variation due to the volume of orders versus the number of cattle ready at a given time. We promise to give you good guidance from your 1st call until your beef is in the freezer. The short answer is call us as soon as you may be considering a beef purchase. We'll give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
How Do I Decide What To Order?
We'll be happy to help guide you through your decision. We'll talk about the size of your family and whether or not you have small or older children. These are factors in deciding on ordering a 1/4 beef (which is a split side) or a larger amount. Sometimes it's good on your first order to start with a 1/4 and see how long that will last your family. I sometimes suggest when your beef is about half gone in your freezer it's time to call us and get on the pre-order list. This method will help you to not run out and will allow us to put you in line where you would be best accommodated. As far as what cuts to order, Tim Pry is a well trained and skilled butcher, which means he'll be able to make suggestions and answer all of your questions. A week or two before your order is to be cut at the processors, Tim will call you and go through the cuts available for you to choose from, along with specifics on how thick you want your steaks, and what size you want your roasts. You'll be able to choose the ground beef package size, such as 1lb, 1.5lb, or 2lb packs. He'll ask if you want patties made from some of the ground beef. There will be other cuts available and he will be happy to guide you through this process quickly and painlessly.
How Do I Pick Up My Beef Order?
When our processor calls Needwood Farms and says your beef order has been cut, wrapped (vacuum sealed), and frozen, they will give us the hanging weight of your order. Then we will total your amount due and give you a call. We will tell you the hanging weight, the amount due and we will give you directions to pick up the order in Mt. Airy, MD. It's an easy drive, approximately 5 miles from I-70. Very Easy!! When you pick up your order, the processor will not ask for any money. You simply will tell them your name and that you are picking up an order from "Pry's" and they will bring your order out to your vehicle. You'll go home and put your great beef in your freezer and drop us a check in the mail. Again EASY!!
How Long Will My Beef Order Last?
That very much will depend on your family. How many times a week you prepare beef? How many servings are prepared for each meal? Sometimes when you have children or parents not living with you, you may share with them. All of these will factor into how slow or fast you will go through your freezer beef. Once again I'll suggest that you kind of track your usage by the above and when it is approximately half gone. If you use half in about three months - then call us to place an order in advance for approximately three months later. However, if you choose to wait until your getting low, that will work as well. We will do our best to accommodate whatever your ordering style may be.
More Questions - 301.834.8752
Please call us. That's what we're here for. We would enjoy hearing from you!! Getting to know our customers and having them know us enhances our customer service.
We will be happy to provide references from a number of satisfied customers, you would be able to ask how the experience has been for them.
