This column in the Chicago Tribune about buying meat in bulk has really piqued my interest. You can buy grass-fed beef for much cheaper per pound than at the grocery store–you just have to have the storage space for it.

Think about it: seemingly endless ground beef (chili, tacos, Sloppy Joes, spaghetti, etc.), steaks (mmm, ribeye) and roasts (no more waiting until Saturday for prime rib) for a fraction of the cost. It’s a meat-lover’s dream!

I went to eatwild.com for a directory of some nearby purveyors of bulk meat. Trautmann Family Farm in Stoughton sells sides (and whole) cows; in fact, they sold out for the 2010 season (whatever that means).

Ruegsegger Farms in Blanchardville sells 1/4 beef processed, meaning the slaughter, cutting, processing and delivery are including in the $4.75/lb price. The 1/4 beef weighs between 150-175 lbs., so that’s a range of $712.50-$831.25.

If I ate a pound of beef each day, it would take at least five months to consume it all. Of course, I would probably throw some major barbecue/tailgate parties (pot roast, anyone?) and even consider splitting the beef with some other carnivores.

Assuming I can figure out how to store it, should I order a side (or quarter) of beef?