FAQ
Questions about our beef & pork
Is your beef and pork antibiotic and hormone free?
Yes our beefs and pork are antibiotic and hormone free. The grain that these animals eat are an All-Natural grain that is high in protein and corn.
What age are your animals before they are harvested?
Our beefs are weened from their mothers at the age of 6-7 months old and will then enter into our beef program. The beefs will stay in our beef program until they reach around 1000lbs pounds. They can usually achieve this weight by the time they reach 12-14 months old.
Are your animals free range or are they in confined feed lots?
Our beefs and hogs are free range and have acess to acres upon acres of lush green pastures filled with legumes and grass as well as hay 100% of the time.
How often do you harvest and how far in advance should I place my order?
We are a high volume beef and pork business that harvests all year long. During certain times of the year, we may take as many as 5 beefs a week and 12 hogs a month to the processor. We are usually 1-3 months out at any given time. There are times where we are able to make some adjustments or someone cancels which allows existing customers to move up in line.
What is the difference between Live Weight, Hanging Weight, and Package Weight?
Questions about picking up & delivery
Do you ship?
Unfortunately we do not ship at this time. We have not found an economical way of transporting meat while keeping it frozen.
How do I get the meat when it is ready?
On the pickup date, you have the option of picking up the meat from the processor yourself or I can deliver the beef to you as long as it is within range.
I deliver anywhere between Chattanooga, TN to Kennesaw, GA and I try to meet multiple people at the same remote locations free of charge.
Do you charge for delivery?
Delivery is free as long as the destination is along I75 between Chattanooga, TN and Kennesaw, GA and directly off the interstate.
Questions about packaging and storing
Does the meat come in vacuum sealed packages or paper and is it frozen upon pickup?
All meat will be completely frozen upon pickup. The processors that we use most often does vacuum sealed packaging on all cuts with the exception of ground beef and sausage which will sometimes come in tubes depending on which processor your animal will be going to. Vacuum sealed packaging will keep the meat good for 2-3 years if stored in the freezer.
What kind of cuts do I get? What is the Cut Yield Percentage?
Do I get to choose which cuts I want?
For Quarter Beef purchases, there will be a standard cut sheet.
Questions about payments
How do I pay the remaining balance?
After the deposit is paid, you can make payments as often as you would like or you can pay the balance in full once you receive your invoice. I normally have the hanging weight and remaining balance one day after the processing date. I will then email you an invoice. It is Hillside Farm's policy that you MUST pay the full balance within 5 days after receiving the invoice. I accept Paypal, Venmo, Zelle (used by most banks), CashApp, Facebook Pay, Google Pay, Check, Cash, and Credit/Debit
Is a deposit required and if so, how much?
We do require a non-refundable deposit for all bulk orders and should be paid at the time of confirming your order.
What are your prices?
Your final cost will depend on the Hanging Weight of the animal plus processing fess.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, Google Pay, Check, Cash, and Credit/Debit
Questions about coolers and freezers
What size freezer do I need?
A 15 cubic ft. chest type freezer is suggested for a whole beef. A half beef would need about 7.5 cubic ft. As a general rule of thumb, a quarter beef should fit into a standup refrigerator freezer if the freezer was completely empty.
What size coolers do I need to pick up my meat in?
The recommendation for a Half Beef is a 152qt cooler with a small-medium size cooler for overflow(if any). The recommendation for a Whole Beef is two of these coolers and a Quarter would be about 76qts. You can purchase an Igloo 152qt cooler from Hillside Farm for $73.00, have it filled with meat, and easily transfer it into your vehicle upon delivery rather than transferring packages into your own coolers. Then the next time you purchase from Hillside Farm, you can simply swap your empty cooler for a cooler full of meat at no extra charge as long as both coolers are in good condition.