Montana Beef, Bought Direct.
Taylor Beef Company is a direct-to-consumer beef operation based in Miles City, Montana, offering whole, half, and quarter beef orders custom cut and shipped directly to families across Montana and the country. The questions on this page come from real buyers who wanted to know what they were getting into before committing to an order. They cover the ordering process, hanging weight and take-home yield, freezer storage, processing timelines, and shipping—everything you need to make a confident decision. If your question isn't here, call Gary Taylor directly at (406) 536-3141.
The Ordering and Waitlist Process.
How Do I Get Started Ordering Beef From Taylor Beef Company?
Getting started is straightforward. Call us at (406) 536-3141 or send a message through the Contact page. Tell us which share size you're interested in—whole, half, or quarter—and where you're located. We'll confirm current availability, walk you through the process, and get you on the waitlist if slots are filling.
How Long Is the Waitlist, and When Will I Know My Order Date?
Waitlist timing varies by season and how many orders are already placed ahead of yours. When you join, we give you an honest estimate. As your processing slot approaches, we contact you directly to confirm the details, finalize your cut sheet, and collect the deposit. You won't be left guessing where you stand.What Does a Deposit Cover, and When Is the Rest Due?
The deposit secures your processing slot and covers a portion of the hanging weight cost. The balance — based on the final hanging weight of your animal — is due at or before pickup or before we arrange shipping. We'll give you the final weight figure as soon as the animal has been processed so there are no surprises.Can I Place an Order if I Live Outside Montana?
Yes. Taylor Beef Company ships nationwide. Out-of-state buyers follow the same ordering process—join the waitlist, finalize your cut sheet, pay the deposit, and we coordinate shipping to your location. Local pickup in Miles City remains an option for anyone able to collect their order in person.
Weight Is Where Buyers Get Surprised.
Hanging Weight, Take-Home Weight, and What They Mean for Your Freezer.
What Is Hanging Weight, and Why Is That What I’m Charged for?
Hanging weight is the weight of the dressed carcass—after the hide, head, and internal organs are removed but before the bones, fat trim, and other material are cut away. It's the industry standard measurement used between ranchers and processors because it's the consistent point at which weight can be accurately recorded. You pay per pound of hanging weight, not per pound of packaged beef.
How Much Take-Home Beef Will I Actually Get From a Whole, Half, or Quarter?
Take-home weight—also called the cut-and-wrapped weight—typically runs 60 to 65 percent of the hanging weight, depending on your cut selections and how much fat and bone you choose to keep. A whole steer with a hanging weight of 700 pounds will yield roughly 420 to 455 pounds of packaged beef. A half yields approximately 210 to 225 pounds; a quarter, roughly 100 to 115 pounds.
Why Is There a Gap Between Hanging Weight and What I Bring Home?
That gap accounts for bones trimmed away, fat removed during processing, and moisture lost during aging. How your cut sheet is configured also matters — bone-in cuts retain more weight than boneless, and keeping fat on roasts adds to your total. We can walk you through cut choices that maximize your usable yield before your order goes to the processor.Is the Price per Pound Based on Hanging Weight or Take-Home Weight?
Pricing is based on hanging weight — the industry-standard measurement taken at the processor after the carcass is dressed. This is how direct beef sales work throughout Montana and nationally. We always explain this clearly before you commit so you can calculate your true cost per pound of packaged beef and compare it accurately against retail pricing.
Freezer Space Requirements for Each Share Size.
How Much Freezer Space Do I Need for a Whole Beef?
A whole beef at a take-home weight of approximately 420 to 455 pounds requires roughly 16 to 18 cubic feet of freezer space. A dedicated chest freezer in the 14 to 20 cubic foot range is the most practical option. If you're splitting the order with another household, each side of a half needs 8 to 9 cubic feet.
How much How Much Freezer Space Does a Quarter Beef Take Up?
A quarter of beef—approximately 100 to 115 pounds of packaged, vacuum-sealed cuts—fits in 4 to 5 cubic feet of freezer space. That's roughly equivalent to the bottom shelf of a standard upright freezer or a smaller chest freezer. Most households with an existing garage freezer can fit a quarter without buying additional equipment.
I’m Not Sure My Freezer Is Big Enough — What Should I Do Before I Order?
Measure your available freezer space in cubic feet before you join the waitlist. Empty the freezer, check the manufacturer's listed capacity, and allow some space for airflow. If you're between a quarter and a half, order the quarter first—it's the lowest-commitment way to confirm your setup works before committing to a larger share on a future order.
From Ranch to Your Door.
Processing Timelines, Aging, and Getting Your Order Delivered.
How Long Does It Take From Placing an Order to Having Beef in My Freezer?
The full timeline from joining the waitlist to delivery depends on where your slot falls in the processing schedule and the time of year. Once your animal is processed, aging takes additional time before cutting begins. After cutting and packaging, local pickup can be arranged quickly. Shipping adds transit time depending on your location. We give you a realistic timeline when you join the waitlist — not a best-case guess.Why Does Beef Need to Age, and How Does That Affect My Order Timeline?
Aging allows natural enzymes to break down muscle fiber, which improves tenderness and deepens flavor before the animal is cut. At Taylor Beef Company, every order is aged to the appropriate standard before custom cutting begins. This step takes time and cannot be rushed without reducing quality. It's built into the timeline we quote you—the wait is part of what you're paying for.
How Does Nationwide Shipping Work — And Will the Beef Still Be Frozen When It Arrives?
Orders shipped nationwide are packed with dry ice or appropriate insulation to arrive frozen. We coordinate shipping timing to minimize transit exposure and use packaging that maintains temperature through standard delivery windows. We'll confirm the shipping method and carrier before your order leaves Miles City so you know what to expect and when to be available to receive it.
Still Have a Question?
