FAQ
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers that we encouter.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us.
Why choose Trautman Family Farms?
We’ve been locally raising beef in Moses Lake for over 30 years. We believe locally-raised grass-fed cattle are better for the health of our family, our community and our environment. We continually strive to improve our herd, our ranching methods and the experience for our customers.
How are your cattle raised?
All our cattle are born, raised and harvested on our farm. They graze on our pastures during spring, summer and fall; during winter they are fed alfalfa grown on our farm. They are slaughtered on our pasture, and never bear the trauma of feedlots or mass-kill facilities. They do not receive any artificial growth hormones, steroids, or anti-biotics (unless an individual animal is being treated for illness, in which case it is not sold for custom beef). Cows have access to mineral supplements and newborn calves receive a booster shot of selenium to account for mineral deficiencies in our region.
Why choose grass-fed, grass-finished beef?
Grass-fed beef is lower in cholesterol, lower in omega 6 fatty acids and higher in omega 3 fatty acids than feedlot or grain-finished beef. That puts the omega 3 to omega 6 ratio into the ideal range for human protein synthesis.
In addition to being less healthy, the effect of improving meat grade by grain-finishing is negligible, as fat distribution with muscle groups is a genetic trait. Most of the fat from grain-finished cattle settles on top of the muscle and is cut off during processing.
In addition to being less healthy, the effect of improving meat grade by grain-finishing is negligible, as fat distribution with muscle groups is a genetic trait. Most of the fat from grain-finished cattle settles on top of the muscle and is cut off during processing.
How does it work?
We sell live beef by the 1/4, meaning you essentially partner with a few other people to buy a steer, then pay the butcher to harvest and process the beef. You will pay Trautman Family Farms for the meat, and butcher for the processing.
How much does it cost?
- Our beef is invoiced at $4.50 per pound by rail weight, and the processing fee is approximately $1.40 per pound (paid to LimitBid Packing). Beef can be processed by LimitBid Packing in halves or wholes, but they do not subdivide into quarters. We may be able to help facilitate the sale of quarters, but only by special request. The packaged beef you receive is approximately 65% of the rail weight.
- Adjusted Average Cost of TFF Beef = $7.75/lb by packaged weight.
Cost Comparison:
Safeway Beef Prices as of Spring 2025
- Grass-fed 15% lean beef $9.49/lb
- Grass-fed stew meat $9.99/lb
- Grass-fed flank steak $10.99/lb
- Grass-fed chuck roast $12.99/lb
- Grass-fed top sirloin steak $18.99/lb
- Grass-fed ribeye $25.99/lb
- Average Store Cost = $14.74/lb by packaged weight
- Grass-fed 15% lean beef $9.49/lb
How much meat will I get?
Beef quarters vary between 140-180 pounds. The total weight of the packaged beef you'll take home is approximately 65% of that weight. The remaining 35% is accounted for by lost water weight during the dry aging process and the removal of unwanted bone, fat, connective tissue. If you order primarily bone-in cuts, your total packaged weight will be higher; if you order mostly grind (hamburger) or boneless cuts, you total packaged weight goes down.
How do I order?
By emailing Seth seth@trautmanfamilyfarms.com
How do I pay?
We will email you an invoice after your beef is butchered. Trautman Family Farms accepts cash, check or Venmo. LimitBid Packing accepts cash or credit cards for their processing fee. Payment must be made to both prior to picking up the meat.
Can I buy meat by the pound or cut?
Since LimitBid Packing is federally inspected by the USDA, we now can offer beef sales by the cut, pound or box. Arranged by special request only and depends on beef availability.
When my beef be ready for pickup?
Approximately 10-14 days after the butcher date.