Frequently Asked Questions
Why does StoneBridge Beef sell directly to its family of customers?
We believe selling directly offers unbeatable benefits: improved flavor and freshness, the health advantages of grass-fed beef, and the opportunity to connect face-to-face with our customers. By buying in bulk, our customers enjoy both savings and the convenience of always having meat in the freezer.
Is it safe to buy directly from a local supplier like StoneBridge Beef?
Yes! We believe buying direct is even safer than purchasing "commodity beef" with an unknown source. Studies show that E. coli 0157:H7 and other foodborne contaminants are far more common in crowded, confined feedlot conditions. Our customers know us personally, and our trusted processor is a local, family-owned, state-inspected business. Every package of beef in our short supply chain is fully traceable.
I haven’t ordered before—where’s a good place to start?
As a beginning point, consider ordering a Classic Quarter or a Classic Half. Note that all the above orders allow you to customize the cuts, the packaging, etc., to suit your needs. Our processor will guide you thought the cutting order decisions by phone. We encourage you to take liver, heart, tongue, and soup bones. They are included in the hanging weight of orders for quarters, halves and whole beef. You must, however, indicate to the processor which of these products you desire. Further processed products like sausages, smoked items, etc., do add to your processing charges.
How much of each cut of beef comes in a quarter or half order?
For a general guide, expect roughly 100 lbs for a quarter beef and 200 lbs for a half beef. Each order is custom-cut to your preferences, and our processor will guide you through your options during a brief phone interview. See our Classic Quarter or Classic Half examples for typical order contents.
What cuts of beef typically come with a quarter or half order?
Steaks
Ribeye
T-Bone or New York Strip (depending on how it's cut)
Sirloin
Filet Mignon (tenderloin)
Flank steak
Skirt steak
Flat iron steak
Roasts
Chuck roast
Arm roast
Rump roast
Sirloin tip roast
Brisket (may be split with other quarter)
Eye of round
Ground Beef
Usually 80/20 or 85/15
Packaged in 1–2 lb portions
Other Cuts
Stew meat
Short ribs
Soup bones
Shank
Liver, heart, or tongue
When can I order and how long does it take?
We offer beef year-round. From the time your order goes in for processing, the process takes about two weeks. Each carcass is carefully aged for 10 days, then cut, packaged, labeled, flash-frozen, and boxed for delivery or pickup.
How does pick-up or delivery work?
We deliver along the I-94 corridor from Alexandria to the Twin Cities every other Tuesday. You can also pick up your order directly from our farm—we love hosting visitors! If you live outside this area, visit our Local Food Networks page or contact us for additional Minnesota pick-up points.
Will I need a separate freezer? How big?
For reference, 25 lbs of beef takes up about one cubic foot of freezer space. Our 20 lb burger pack fits easily into most standard kitchen freezers. Most of our customers purchase a quarter, half, or whole animal (often sharing with friends or family) and store their beef for the year. Investing in a freezer saves time and reduces travel costs.
What do you feed your cattle?
Our calves stay on their mother's milk for several months before transitioning to grass-based forages, including grass, legumes, and supplements. During winter, they are fed hay or silage grown on our own farm. We never use corn, starchy grains, or pharmaceuticals to fatten our cattle.
Is StoneBridge Beef the right choice for me?
We invite you to visit both our farm and our processor to see firsthand how we operate. As one of Minnesota's most successful grass-fed beef producers, we proudly serve hundreds of families, as well as top restaurants and food co-ops across the state.