A few years ago I had a big older cow with a bad leg. Could not get her to the sale barn. I had the same thoughts about not wanting to waste all that meat so called the on farm slaughter and processing folks to butcher for family use. End result was an enormous amount of bad hamburger for over $500.

At that point I considered this a learning experience. After that I figure that for all the work and expense I go to to raise very good beef, my family and I deserve to eat the very best product I produce.