✦ Ellison Land & Cattle · Texas Panhandle

What Is a Processing Date for Beef Orders?

A processing date is the scheduled date your cattle will be processed at the facility. Understanding how scheduling works helps you plan your order and know when to expect your beef.

How Processing Dates Work

Processors like Keeters Meat Company in Tulia, TX operate on a scheduled basis — specific dates are reserved for each rancher's animals. These slots are limited. When you place a deposit with Ellison Land & Cattle, Kyle reserves a spot in the processing schedule for your order. The deposit holds your place.

Why Deposits Are Required to Hold a Date

Processing facilities schedule weeks or months in advance. Without a deposit system, ranchers would have no way to guarantee capacity for each customer. Your deposit confirms your commitment and allows Kyle to plan the processing schedule accurately.

How You Will Be Notified

Kyle communicates directly with each customer about their processing timeline. When your order is processed and ready, he contacts you personally to coordinate pickup at Keeters or arrange shipment.

Current Availability

Processing slots are limited each season and often fill quickly after word gets out about the next batch. The best way to secure a date is to call Kyle as early as possible in the season. Contact 806-683-3110 to ask about current and upcoming availability.

Common Questions
What Is a Processing Date for Beef Orders?
How far in advance should I order?
As early as possible. Processing slots fill quickly. If you are planning a holiday order or want beef by a specific date, contact Kyle well in advance.
What happens if the processing date changes?
Kyle communicates any scheduling changes directly. Deposits are transferable to a future processing date if your circumstances change.
Can I choose my processing date?
Availability is scheduled by Kyle in coordination with Keeters Meat Company. You can express a preference for timing and Kyle will do his best to accommodate it based on availability.
How long after the processing date is beef ready?
After processing, beef is typically aged briefly and then cut, vacuum-sealed, and frozen at the facility before pickup or shipment is arranged. The total timeline from processing date to ready-for-pickup varies — Kyle will give you a specific estimate for your order.
Is the deposit refundable if I need to cancel?
Deposits are non-refundable but are transferable to a future processing date. Contact Kyle as early as possible if your plans change.

Get on the Schedule Now

Don't wait until you need beef to order it. Call Kyle to check current processing dates and secure your deposit.

Call Kyle Direct — 806-683-3110