Frequently Asked Questions
Our grass fed ranch beef are Black Angus and are harvested between 24-29 months of age. We graze longer as this produces more marbling and richer flavors. Once harvested, a half steer will have a hanging weight between 450-600 lbs. This is the weight we and the butcher charge you to custom cut and wrap your order .
The total cost depends on hanging weigh and will range from $2,500 to $3,400 per half beef. Final hanging weight varies based on the Steers age and is not determined until the beef is delivered to the butcher and weighed. The breakdown of the cost is $4.00 / lb hanging weight for the beef paid to Chili Hill Ranch. The butcher will charge an average of $1.70 / lb of hanging weight that you will pay directly to the butcher.
Cost per pound of final packaged meat will vary based on your cut selections. Typical total meat costs based on final cut weights will be between $9.00 – $10.00 per pound . This includes all your prime cuts, roasts, brisket, stew meat, carne asada, ground beef and beef bones for your bone marrow, soup stocks and your dog bones.
6-10 cubic feet for a 1/2 steer. The freezer should be a manual-defrost vs a frost-free model.
Once your order is placed, we will reserve a spot for the next harvest date. Once that date is confirmed, we require a $500 deposit to reserve a 1/2 beef via a check made out to Chili Hill Ranch. The balance based on hanging weight will be paid upon delivery of the beef to the butcher.
You will pay the butcher directly once the meat is ready for pickup. The costs are typically $1.70 / lb for cut and wrap.
We highly recommend the Gold Country Meat Company in Auburn. You can reach them at 530-745-4150 or goldcountrymeatcompany@gmail.com
Unfortunately we only sell 1/2 and whole beef. People interested in a 1/4 order will typically split a half with a friend or family.
Our Black Angus Steers arrive at Chili Hill Ranch from local ranches at 10 months of age.
Upon arrival, our cattle are free to roam/range on our ranch. Our cattle are always humanely treated, and they spend their entire life free ranging on our 50 acre irrigated pasture and are harvested on site to minimize stress on the animal.
Our cattle are never given any growth hormones, antibiotics or genetically modified foods or grains at any time throughout their lives.
Leslie and Richard are the owners of the Chili Hill Ranch in Newcastle, CA. We purchased the 150+ year old 50 acre ranch in 2015. The Santini Ranch was a place where many would come on weekends for their locally grown produce. We have worked closely with the USDA and the Placer County Resource Conservation District and have adopted regenerative agriculture practices.