2 local suppliers selling bulk beef in the Knoxville area — including 2 grass-fed, 1 grain-finished options. Prices in Tennessee typically range $8.00-11.50/lb per pound.
Tennessee has two peak harvest windows: late spring (May-July) during the 'spring flush' when cattle have maximized gains on lush cool-season forages, and late fall (November-December) after the 'fall flush' before winter feeding begins. Avoid August-September when fescue toxicosis creates the 'summer slump' with potential quality issues.
Knoxville
★5.0(4)Leading East Tennessee supplier of 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef. Farm to table whole and half beefs delivered to Knoxville and surrounding areas.
Knoxville
Locally owned Knoxville, Tennessee cattle farm providing grass-fed Black Angus beef. Whole cow averages 400 lbs, half cow 200 lbs. Both grass-finished and grain-finished options.
Tennessee's distillery industry creates a unique beef product: some producers finish cattle on spent distillers grains from bourbon production. This 'whiskey-finished' beef is marketed as a specialty product. Ask about feed sources—local by-products can enhance both sustainability and flavor.
A half cow in Tennessee costs $1,800-2,500 total. At $4.50/lb hanging weight (360 lbs), expect ~$1,620 for meat, plus $50 kill fee (half share) and $1.00/lb processing (~$360), totaling ~$2,030. Tennessee's competitive pricing reflects the state's strong cattle industry. Take-home yield is about 215-235 lbs.
The 'summer slump' (July-September) occurs when fescue toxicosis reduces cattle performance. Toxic endophytes in Kentucky-31 fescue cause cattle to retain heat, reducing appetite and weight gain. Beef harvested during this period may be leaner and potentially tougher. Target late spring (May-July) or late fall (November-December) harvest for optimal quality.
Some Tennessee producers finish cattle on spent distillers grains from bourbon production—a high-energy by-product from the state's whiskey industry. This adds a unique finishing feed that may impart subtle flavor characteristics and represents sustainable use of local resources. Ask producers about their finishing program; it's a distinctive Tennessee specialty.
Tall fescue is Tennessee's dominant pasture grass. While it's resilient and productive, most contains a toxic endophyte that causes cattle stress in summer heat. Forward-thinking producers manage toxicity through novel-endophyte varieties, clover integration, or careful harvest timing. Ask about fescue management—it separates knowledgeable producers from average ones.