How would you cut up a 5yr old cow?

[NonTypicalCPA]

I'm taking one of my cows to the butcher in January. She calved in August and will have the calf on her up until the slaughter date. She has gotten around a gallon of feed daily for the past three years, and has maintained her condition well with the calf on her. I'm wondering how I should have her cut up? All burger? All burger except the best steaks/roasts? I've heard from a few folks on Facebook on being surprised how well a steak from a Beltie cow tastes. Any thoughts? Should I just wait and see what the butcher recommends?

 

[Bigfoot]

I had a 7 year old cow slaughtered once. I just assumed the steaks wouldn't be good, and had only the best cuts made steaks, and no roast, and the rest ground. I was very surprised how good the steaks were. I was kicking myself for not having it butchered like a finished steer.

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

I had a 7 year old cow slaughtered once. I just assumed the steaks wouldn't be good, and had only the best cuts made steaks, and no roast, and the rest ground. I was very surprised how good the steaks were. I was kicking myself for not having it butchered like a finished steer.

I've heard that now a handful of times. I guess I'll let the butcher guide me on how it should be cut based on what it looks like at the time of processing.

 

[Logar]

If she has been on grass I would do her up normally - some of the finest beef out there is a cow at this age - just my opinion.

 

[TexasBred]

And some of the worst beef out there is a cow at this age.

 

[dieselbeef]

personally a really sharp knife works best but..i mean a chainsaw or an axe will get the job done

 

[Bestoutwest]

I had a 12 y/o done a couple years ago. I didn't get any as I had her all sold. Sold her for less than one of my young ones. Never heard anything bad, just heard that she was great. Grass fed, not a lot of walking. I'd do it normal.