Homestead Natural Meats

Homestead Meats is the premier USDA Inspected Custom Processing Facility in Western Colorado.

  • Full-time USDA Inspection
  • Qualified, Knowledgeable Staff
  • Documented Sanitation and Food Safety Program
  • 14 day aging--on the rail
  • Proven tracking system--you always get your meat 

The folks at Homestead Meats have been processing meat animals in the North Fork Valley for over 20 years.  We understand that you have invested a great deal of time and money in these animals and our goal is ensure that you get the most satisfaction from this investment.

Beef Processing;

Pork Processing;

Lamb Processing;

Please schedule your processing appointments as early as possible.  This will ensure that we can harvest your animals when they are ready.  Make Appointments by Calling 970-874-1145 

 

Tips on Feeding a Beef for the Freezer

First Things First – Have You Got the Facilities to Raise a Feeder Beef?

Start by evaluating your facilities at home for raising and feeding a beef animal. Feeder animals need plenty of room to exercise for improved health. Make sure all fences and gates are secure and won’t fall down. Feed bunks should also be in good repair – don’t feed hay and grain on the ground, and clean water must be available at all times.

Next, Select Your Calf

Select a calf that is at least six months old – but choosing an older calf is also acceptable. Consider the frame size of the calf - calves with larger frames typically take a little more time and feed to “finish.” Determine initial weight by weighing the calf on a scale - or refer to the sale ticket.

Feed Your Feeder Right

Beef convert six pounds of feed into one pound of gain. When your animal is on full feed, it will gain 2.5 pounds per day; therefore, your animal needs to eat 15 pounds of feed per day to gain 2.5 pounds. Your animal will eat approximately 450 pounds of feed per month. Start calves on one pound of grain (typically corn) per head per day, and free choice grass hay. Increase grain by one pound per head per day every three to four days. Feed your calf at the same time each day. It is best to feed twice a day – morning and night - and split the grain equally between the feedings. Clear uneaten feed from feed bunk before the next feeding to avoid dusty, moldy or spoiled feed.

Approximate Feeding Chart

Calf Approximate feed amounts (after initial start-up ration)
Weight          Grain          Grass Hay
600 lbs.      10 -12 lbs.      3 - 4 lbs.
700 lbs.      12 -14 lbs.      4 - 5 lbs.
800 lbs.      14 -16 lbs       4 - 5 lbs.
900 lbs.      16 -18 lbs.      5 - 6 lbs.
1000 lbs.    18 -20 lbs.      5 - 6 lbs.
1100 lbs.    20 -22 lbs.      5 - 6 lbs.
1200 lbs.    22 -24 lbs.      5 - 6 lbs.

Good Processing Means Good Eatin’

When your animal weighs between 1100 and 1300 pounds (depending on its frame size), it’s ready for processing. Be sure to contact Homestead Meats early to book your processing appointment! Homestead Meats can be reached at (970) 874-1145.

Still Got Questions?

Contact Robbie Baird LeValley, at Colorado State University’s Cooperative Extension Office, at (970) 874-2195, to answer any questions on rations, feeding or the care of your meat animal.