Anyone ever slaughtered a cow at home? *pictures in reply*

[GBov]

I am thinking of buying a steer off of Craigs List, shooting it in its field, loading it in the van adn butchering it at home.

Does anyone have any tips on butchering a cow?

I have done 200 plus hogs and the steer I am trying to buy is under 300 pounds so other than being TALLER, are cows any different to process?

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

i have a buddy who does his own steers about that size - i'd love to butcher one also.

he said the biggest problem is what you've already said, you gotta hang 'em high. however, you can just make a cradle with 2x4's on saw horses to lay them out. and of course you'll want somewhere to age them if you can. a loader would help tremendously to move the carcass, of course.

the other thing he said was to make sure you get a good shot -- you want to drop that steer, not make him mad (happened to my buddy the first time).

dont know if it would be harder to move first than dress?? or just easier to work on in the field?

good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[freemotion]

I asked my dad and he says nope, it will be similar, but the cow needs a higher place to hang from if you will be hanging it...they are a bit taller, which I'm sure you noticed! And of course, you skin, not scald, with a cow.

Do I get some steaks for being the first to reply?

eta: Hey, OFG, you hit reply before I did! Hey! I still want those steaks!!!

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

ha! hey Free! are you followin' me?

gosh with all these butchering questions we need a section just for home butchering. it would be my favorite! whee!
;-)
ps dibs on steaks for getting my suggestions in first

 

[freemotion]

Go eat cake, OFG!

 

[Beekissed]

My mother and I butchered a 6 mo. old heifer here at our place last year. Hanging high is a consideration and having some heavy pullies and ropes helps.

We were able to cut up the carcass with a sawzaw....made things easy!

I have pics of our butchering with an easy skinning technique if you are interested.

 

[GBov]

My mother and I butchered a 6 mo. old heifer here at our place last year. Hanging high is a consideration and having some heavy pullies and ropes helps.

We were able to cut up the carcass with a sawzaw....made things easy!

I have pics of our butchering with an easy skinning technique if you are interested.

Oooo Yes PLEASE!

I - well, my husband really - have an engine hoist that I will use to lift it with.

Sadly, no where to hang the meat to age it. Might be able to take the standing ribs and just have them in the fridge for two or three weeks as they are best aged. Will have to wait and see.

At least, even un-aged, the meat will be miles better than a poor feed lot beast.

Hmmmmm, sawzall, wonder if hubby would get me one of those

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

no where to hang the meat to age it.

garage if you have cold weather? you might also check with our local, custom butcher shop (or deer processor?) they might have locker space for rent

and yep - regardless it will be better than anything you can buy.

good luck!
ps for those who are wondering what to do if you dont have an engine hoist.. we used "come alongs" to hoist up our pork sides and hung them from our garage rafters. easy peasy!

 

[GBov]

no where to hang the meat to age it.

garage if you have cold weather? you might also check with our local, custom butcher shop (or deer processor?) they might have locker space for rent

and yep - regardless it will be better than anything you can buy.

good luck!
ps for those who are wondering what to do if you dont have an engine hoist.. we used "come alongs" to hoist up our pork sides and hung them from our garage rafters. easy peasy!

Forgot to mention I'm way down here in the land of sunshine so while its unseasonably cold, tis not cold enough to hang meat lol.

And the last pig I butchered was before we got the hoist so had to skin it and cut it up while on the ground on a tarp.

I hurt for a solid week from all the bending and lifting! Cant wait to try the hoist for something bigger than turkeys.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

I hurt for a solid week from all the bending and lifting!

oh no! baby whatcha doing on the ground?

we wised up and now use a pallet - which gives a LITTLE relief and keeps the carcass from rocking all around (if you use 4x4's to brace it)

so

did you decide about the cow?? doing it? not doing it? still mulling?


ps sunshine? whats that? nothing but snow snow and more snow here!