✦ Ellison Land & Cattle · Texas Panhandle

How Does Beef Processing Work?

Understanding the processing step helps you make better decisions about your cut sheet and know what to expect when your order arrives. Here is how the process works from ranch to your freezer.

From Ranch to Processor

After cattle are raised to harvest weight, they are transported to the processing facility — Keeters Meat Company in Tulia, TX for all Ellison Land & Cattle orders. Keeters is a family-run, USDA-inspected facility with a long-standing reputation in the Texas Panhandle region.

Hanging Weight vs Take-Home Weight

After slaughter, the carcass is weighed before butchering — this is the hanging weight. The take-home packaged weight is less because trimming, bones (unless you request them), and moisture loss reduce the final amount. Typically, take-home weight is 60–65% of hanging weight. This is standard across the industry.

The Cut Sheet

Your cut sheet specifies exactly how you want your beef processed: how thick you want steaks, how large you want roasts, how your ground beef should be packaged (1 lb or 2 lb packages, for example), and whether you want specialty items like soup bones, liver, or tongue. Keeters processes to your specifications.

Vacuum Sealing and Freezing

After cutting, all portions are vacuum-sealed and labeled with the cut name. Vacuum sealing removes air to prevent freezer burn and significantly extends shelf life. Your order is frozen solid at the facility before pickup or shipment.

Common Questions
How Does Beef Processing Work?
Is the processing facility USDA inspected?
Yes. Keeters Meat Company in Tulia, TX is a USDA-inspected facility.
Can I get the bones?
Yes. Indicate on your cut sheet that you want the bones. They are useful for bone broth and other cooking purposes.
How long does processing take after the animal is dropped off?
Processing timelines vary. Kyle coordinates directly with you and the processor on specific timing for your order.
What if I don't know how to fill out a cut sheet?
Kyle can walk you through it. Most first-time buyers have the same questions, and the defaults on a standard cut sheet produce a good general-purpose result. Call 806-683-3110.
Does processing cost extra?
Processing at Keeters Meat Company is included in the pricing for Ellison Land & Cattle orders. Kyle will confirm the full cost structure when you place your deposit.

Questions About Your Order?

Call Kyle directly. He handles every order personally and will walk you through the entire process.

Call Kyle Direct — 806-683-3110