Why buy a meat share? An interview with Amanda and Cody

Amanda, Cody and their adorable child.

Amanda, Cody and their adorable child.

Buying a share of meat can seem intimidating, especially for those people who are new to buying directly from farmers. It’s a lot of meat. We asked one of our loyal families, Amanda and Cody Lensing, to share their experience about buying a share from us and what they liked about having all that beef in their freezer.

We’re currently accepting reservations for shares that will be available July - December 2021. Check out our Shares page for a breakdown of share options and estimated prices.

Why did you and your family decide to buy a share from Stormy Creek Farm?

We feel strongly about supporting Stormy Creek Farm because of their sustainable farming practices. We've enjoyed Stormy Creek beef for many years so the decision to buy a share to get more value and variety was a no-brainer.

What (if any) are the benefits of buying a share? What have you liked about having all that meat around? 

Buying a share gave us a wide variety of cuts, which has made cooking lots more fun! Having meat from a share on-hand makes meal planning and prepping easy, which saves our busy family time. Ordering a share was simple and Stormy Creek even delivered it, so we didn't have to think about logistics at all.

You bought a 1/4 last summer. Where did you store all that meat and how long did it last your family?

Our 1/4 share took up about 30% of our chest freezer. The meat packaging is tidy and clearly labeled so we can quickly find exactly what we want. Our family (2 adults, 1 child) cooks most meals at home, so a 1/4 share lasted us about six months.

What are some of your family's favorite meals to make with Stormy Creek Farm beef? 

There is nothing more satisfying on a cold Minnesota day than a hearty chili or stew made with Stormy Creek roast meat. We find ourselves using the ground beef most often in quick but satisfying weeknight dinners like stuffed peppers and tacos. And when we want to celebrate something, a steak is the obvious choice. We make our Stormy Creek steaks in a cast iron pan with butter, salt, and pepper, and they always turn out perfectly! (Photos of Amanda’s taco bowl and chilli here.)

Why did you choose to buy beef directly from a small farm rather than the grocery store? 

Buying from a small farm gives us some peace of mind because we know exactly where our beef is from and how it was raised. We prefer to buy from small businesses whenever possible because we know that it has a positive impact on our local community.

What would you tell others who are considering buying a share?

 Even a small household can get a lot of value from buying a share. When you buy a share, you do get more bang for your buck, plus it's super convenient to have a variety of meat readily available in your own home.

Learn more about our shares and fill out an interest inquiry.

Valerie Hsu