• Question:  If I order beef from you, do I have to take a standard package of cuts?
  • Answer: No. Your order will be custom cut to your own specifications and packaged according to your own directions.

  • Question:  How much freezer space do I need to have for my order?
  • Answer: A quarter of a beef will take 4-5 cubic feet of freezer space. One half a beef will require 8 to 9 cubic feet of freezer space. A whole beef will require 16-18 cubic feet of freezer space.

  • Question: Once I place my order, when can I expect to receive my beef? 
  • Answer:  Our steers are harvested at two years of age, typically in late September.  The carcass will age at the butcher for 21 days after harvest before being cut and wrapped.  Therefore, your order will be ready for pick-up from the butcher mid to late October.

  • Question:  Where is the butcher located and how do I contact them?
  • Answer:  We have changed our location to Heritage Meats located in Rochester just off of Hwy 12.  It  is owned and operated by Tracy Smaciarz.  You can preview the shop at http://heritagemeatswa.com/about.html

  • Question:  What are the health benefits of Scottish Highland beef?
  • Answer:  Highland beef is naturally lean.  University studies have shown it to be among the leanest red meat available, leaner even than buffalo.  In addition, if it is grass-fed, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in omega-8 fatty acids.  At Bitterroot Farms, our animals also are free of artificial hormones, antibiotics and animal based feed products.

  • Question:  How long will a half of beef last?
  • Answer:   Although individual consumption rates will vary, generally a family of four will consume 1/2 beef in less than one year.  However, it will last one year in an upright freezer and even longer in a chest freezer.

  • Question:  Can I buy highland beef in a grocery store?
  • Answer:  No.  At this time, the only way to purchase highland beef is through a local breeder.

  • Question: Why does highland beef cost so much?
  • Answer:  First, it takes longer to raise highlands than other breeds to harvest age, so feed costs are greater.  Second, highland beef is heart healthy due to it's low fat content.  Third, a lower production rate (not being mass produced) leads to higher costs.  Most farms in Western Washington harvest only a few  animals each year.

  • Question:  Can my order be shipped to me?
  • Answer:  Unfortunately, we cannot ship orders at this time.  You will be required to pick up your order at the site previously mentioned above.

  • Question:  Do you sell any other meat?
  • Answer: Yes.  We also sell pork by the half or whole.




Q&A