Shipping & Processing

From pasture to your table with care and quality

Beef Processing Timeline

From order to pickup, here's what happens with your grass-fed Highland beef

1

Order Placed

Reserve individual cuts, quarters, or bulk shares online or by phone

2

Animal Selected

We select a finished Highland from our herd based on age, weight, and quality

3

USDA Processing

Transported to our USDA-inspected processor for humane, professional handling

4

14-Day Dry Age

Beef is dry-aged for minimum 14 days to enhance tenderness and flavor

5

Custom Cut & Sealed

Hand-cut to your specifications, vacuum-sealed, and labeled with cut name and date

6

Ready for Pickup

We notify you when your beef is ready for farm pickup, delivery, or shipping

Beef Pickup & Delivery

Farm Pickup (Free)

Location:
1234 Highland Drive
Sanford, NC 27330

Hours:
Friday & Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
By appointment only

Bring a cooler with ice. We'll load your order frozen and help you get it home safely.

Local Delivery

Service Area:
Within 30 miles of Sanford, NC

Fee: $25 flat rate

We deliver to your door on scheduled delivery days. Orders must be $100+ for delivery. You must be home to receive—beef will be frozen.

Nationwide Shipping

Service Area:
Southeastern United States
(NC, SC, GA, VA, TN, FL)

Fee: $45 flat rate

Shipped in insulated boxes with dry ice via FedEx or UPS. Orders ship Monday-Wednesday to ensure arrival before weekend. Signature required.

Bulk Orders (Quarter, Half, or Whole Beef)

Bulk beef orders require advance scheduling and farm pickup only. Processing takes 3-4 weeks from order date. We'll contact you when your order is ready. Due to the size, local delivery can be arranged for an additional fee—contact us for a quote.

Cattle Pickup & Hauling

Whether you're buying breeding stock, feeder cattle, or finished animals, we offer flexible transport options to get your new Highlands home safely.

Buyer Pickup

You're welcome to load cattle at the farm with your own trailer. We have a covered loading chute and working pens to make the process smooth and safe.

Requirements:

  • Stock trailer appropriate for Highland cattle
  • Scheduled pickup appointment (call ahead)
  • Proof of destination property (for health papers)

We'll assist with loading and provide tips for transporting Highlands safely. Allow 30-60 minutes for loading depending on number of animals.

Professional Hauling

We can arrange professional livestock transport for an additional fee. Our hauler is experienced with Highland cattle and can deliver anywhere in the Southeast.

Transport Rates:

  • Within 50 miles: $150-$250
  • 50-150 miles: $300-$500
  • 150+ miles: Contact for quote

Rates vary based on distance, number of animals, and scheduling. We'll provide an exact quote after purchase. Transport typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks of sale.

Health Papers & Interstate Transport

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)

All cattle sold include a current CVI (health certificate) issued by a licensed veterinarian. Valid for 30 days for in-state transport, required for interstate movement.

What's included: Physical exam, breed verification, identification (tag numbers), origin and destination, health status, and veterinary signature.

Quarantine & State Regulations

If you're buying cattle for out-of-state transport, the destination state may require additional testing or quarantine. We'll help coordinate any required documentation.

Buyer responsibility: Check your state's import requirements before purchase. Some states require advance notice or permits. We can provide guidance but cannot guarantee interstate compliance.

Processing Details

We partner with a USDA-inspected facility that shares our commitment to quality, cleanliness, and respect for the animal. Every cut meets federal safety and handling standards.

USDA Inspection

All beef is processed at a USDA-inspected facility, ensuring the highest standards for food safety, sanitation, and humane handling. Our processor is family-owned and has been serving local farmers for over 30 years.

Dry-Aged 14+ Days

After processing, beef is hung and dry-aged for a minimum of 14 days in a temperature-controlled environment. Dry aging breaks down muscle fibers, concentrates flavor, and creates the tender, rich beef Highland cattle are known for.

Vacuum-Sealed Freshness

Each cut is vacuum-sealed in heavy-duty plastic to lock in freshness and prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, vacuum-sealed beef stays fresh in your freezer for 12+ months. Each package is labeled with the cut name, weight, and date.

Custom Cut Options

For bulk orders (quarters and halves), you choose your preferred steak thickness, roast sizes, ground beef package weights, and specialty cuts. We provide a detailed cut sheet to guide your selections. Individual cut orders come pre-portioned in standard sizes.

Handling Your Grass-Fed Beef

Freezer Storage Times

Cut Type Vacuum-Sealed Standard Wrap
Steaks (ribeye, strip, sirloin) 12-18 months 6-9 months
Roasts 12-18 months 9-12 months
Ground beef 12-15 months 6-9 months
Stew meat, short ribs 12-18 months 6-9 months

Storage times assume a consistent freezer temperature of 0°F or below. Beef remains safe indefinitely when frozen, but quality begins to decline after the timeframes listed above.

Thawing Instructions

Refrigerator (Best)

Place sealed package on a plate in the fridge. Allow 24 hours for steaks, 2-3 days for roasts.

Cold Water (Faster)

Submerge sealed package in cold water. Change water every 30 min. Thaws in 1-3 hours.

Never Microwave

Microwaving causes uneven thawing and begins cooking the meat, ruining texture.

Refreezing Policy

You can safely refreeze beef that was thawed in the refrigerator and has not been cooked, as long as it was kept at 40°F or below and has not been thawed for more than 2 days.

Note: Refreezing may slightly affect texture due to moisture loss, but the beef remains safe to eat. We do not recommend refreezing beef thawed in cold water or at room temperature.

Questions About Shipping or Processing?

We're here to help. Whether you need clarification on delivery options, cattle transport, or storage tips, reach out anytime.

Contact Us

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