The price of this premium lower of beef is influenced by a number of elements, together with weight, grade (e.g., USDA Prime, Alternative, Choose), whether or not it is bought entire or pre-cut (e.g., filets, steaks), and the seller (e.g., butcher store, grocery store, on-line retailer). Sometimes, costs are quoted per pound, and might differ considerably primarily based on these elements. For instance, an entire, untrimmed tenderloin could be cheaper per pound than individually packaged filet mignon steaks from a high-end butcher.
Understanding the market value for this prized lower helps shoppers make knowledgeable buying choices. It permits for correct budgeting and comparability buying throughout completely different distributors. Traditionally, this lower has been thought-about a luxurious merchandise as a consequence of its tenderness and delicate taste, leading to typically increased costs in comparison with different cuts of beef. Figuring out the market worth empowers shoppers to evaluate the relative worth being supplied and to keep away from overpaying.
This dialogue will additional discover the aforementioned elements affecting value, present steerage on deciding on a tenderloin primarily based on particular wants and budgets, and supply tips about preparation strategies that maximize the worth and delight of this particular lower of beef.
1. Weight
Weight considerably influences the general price. A heavier tenderloin naturally instructions a better value than a smaller one. Nonetheless, understanding the connection between whole weight and value per pound provides helpful insights for cost-effective buying.
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Complete Tenderloin vs. Parts
Buying an entire, untrimmed tenderloin usually leads to a decrease price per pound in comparison with shopping for pre-cut parts like filets or steaks. This is because of decreased processing and packaging. An entire tenderloin permits flexibility in portioning and makes use of the whole lower, minimizing waste and maximizing worth.
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Common Weights and Value Ranges
Complete tenderloins usually vary from 4 to six kilos. Bigger tenderloins, whereas costlier total, could supply a barely cheaper price per pound. Figuring out the everyday weight vary permits for real looking funds planning and facilitates value comparisons throughout completely different distributors.
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Trimming and Loss
Untrimmed tenderloins comprise a “chain” and a few fats that must be eliminated earlier than cooking. This loss, usually 10-20% of the full weight, needs to be thought-about when calculating the precise usable yield and the efficient value per pound of the edible portion.
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Portion Dimension and Serving Prices
Figuring out particular person portion sizes influences the full variety of servings obtainable from a given weight. Calculating the fee per serving offers a helpful metric for assessing worth and planning meals inside a selected funds.
Cautious consideration of weight, together with portioning and trimming elements, empowers shoppers to optimize their buy, balancing desired serving sizes with total cost-effectiveness. Evaluating costs per pound throughout completely different weights and vendor choices facilitates knowledgeable decision-making, making certain most worth from this premium lower of beef.
2. Grade (USDA)
USDA beef grades, primarily Prime, Alternative, and Choose, considerably affect tenderloin pricing. These grades mirror the marbling (intramuscular fats) and maturity of the meat, impacting taste, tenderness, and juiciness. Prime, the very best grade, signifies ample marbling, contributing to distinctive tenderness and a wealthy taste profile. Consequently, Prime tenderloins command the very best costs. Alternative, providing average marbling, balances high quality and cost-effectiveness, making it a well-liked alternative for shoppers. Choose, with much less marbling, is probably the most economical possibility however could require extra consideration to cooking strategies to make sure tenderness.
The worth distinction between grades will be substantial. For example, a Prime tenderloin may cost a little 20-30% extra per pound than a Alternative grade, with Choose providing additional value reductions. This value stratification permits shoppers to pick a tenderloin that aligns with each their funds and desired consuming expertise. Eating places typically function Prime grade for premium menu objects, whereas house cooks may go for Option to steadiness high quality and worth. Understanding these grade distinctions empowers knowledgeable decision-making on the butcher counter or grocery retailer.
Whereas USDA grades present helpful info relating to anticipated high quality and corresponding pricing, different elements contribute to the general consuming expertise. Correct cooking methods play an important function in maximizing tenderness and taste, whatever the grade. Dry growing old, one other issue influencing tenderness and taste, can additional elevate the standard of any grade of beef. Contemplating these points holistically permits for optimum tenderloin choice and preparation, attaining a satisfying culinary expertise inside a given funds.
3. Complete or pre-cut
The choice to buy an entire beef tenderloin versus pre-cut parts considerably impacts price. This alternative entails trade-offs between comfort, potential waste, and value per pound, requiring cautious consideration primarily based on particular person wants and culinary plans.
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Complete Tenderloin Benefits
Buying an entire tenderloin typically leads to a cheaper price per pound in comparison with pre-cut choices. That is attributed to decreased labor prices related to butchering and packaging particular person parts. An entire tenderloin provides versatility, permitting for customized portioning into steaks, roasts, or different desired cuts, minimizing waste and maximizing worth. Nonetheless, it requires trimming and portioning expertise.
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Pre-cut Comfort
Pre-cut parts, resembling filet mignon steaks or chateaubriand roasts, supply comfort for many who desire to not trim and portion an entire tenderloin. These individually packaged cuts are prepared for cooking, simplifying meal preparation. Nonetheless, this comfort comes at a premium, as pre-cut choices usually command a better value per pound.
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Waste Discount Methods
Whereas an entire tenderloin presents potential for waste if not correctly utilized, strategic planning can reduce this concern. The “chain,” a thinner portion of the tenderloin, can be utilized for stir-fries or different dishes. Trimmings and smaller items will be floor for flavorful beef patties or utilized in stews and sauces, making certain that the whole tenderloin contributes to culinary worth.
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Storage Concerns
An entire tenderloin requires sufficient freezer house for storage, whereas pre-cut parts supply extra flexibility for these with restricted storage capability. Correct freezing methods, resembling vacuum sealing, are important for sustaining optimum high quality and minimizing freezer burn, no matter whether or not the tenderloin is bought entire or pre-cut.
Cautious consideration of the trade-offs between price, comfort, and potential waste guides knowledgeable decision-making. Evaluating particular culinary wants, accessible cupboard space, and funds constraints helps decide the best option, making certain a cheap and satisfying culinary expertise.
4. Vendor Kind
Vendor sort considerably influences beef tenderloin pricing. Completely different distributors function below distinct enterprise fashions, impacting their pricing buildings. Understanding these variations empowers shoppers to make knowledgeable buying choices aligned with funds and desired high quality.
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Butcher Retailers
Butcher outlets typically specialise in high-quality meats, doubtlessly together with dry-aged or specialty-sourced beef. Their experience in meat choice and preparation typically instructions premium costs. Personalised service and customised cuts contribute to the upper price. Whereas typically costlier than supermarkets, butcher outlets can present entry to distinctive high quality and tailor-made cuts not available elsewhere.
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Supermarkets
Supermarkets supply a broader collection of beef grades and cuts at aggressive costs. Their large-scale buying energy permits for economies of scale, translating to decrease prices for shoppers. Whereas supermarkets won’t supply the identical stage of specialised service as butcher outlets, they supply a handy and cost-effective possibility for a lot of.
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Specialty Grocery Shops
Specialty grocery shops, typically specializing in natural, grass-fed, or domestically sourced merchandise, usually place themselves at a better value level. These distributors cater to shoppers prioritizing particular manufacturing practices or supporting native agriculture. The emphasis on high quality and moral sourcing contributes to increased prices.
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On-line Retailers
On-line retailers current a rising marketplace for buying beef tenderloins. Pricing varies relying on the retailer’s enterprise mannequin and product sourcing. On-line platforms supply comfort and infrequently function value comparisons throughout completely different distributors. Nonetheless, transport prices and potential delays in supply require consideration.
Vendor choice entails navigating the trade-offs between value, high quality, comfort, and entry to particular product traits. Cautious consideration of those elements empowers shoppers to establish the optimum vendor for his or her particular person wants and funds, making certain a satisfying buy.
5. Market Situations
Fluctuations in market situations instantly affect beef tenderloin costs. These situations embody a posh interaction of provide, demand, financial elements, and international occasions. Understanding these dynamics offers helpful context for deciphering value traits and making knowledgeable buying choices.
Provide-Aspect Elements: Beef manufacturing is topic to numerous influences, together with feed prices, climate patterns, and illness outbreaks. Elevated feed prices can result in increased manufacturing bills for ranchers, doubtlessly translating to increased tenderloin costs. Drought or different opposed climate occasions can disrupt cattle manufacturing, limiting provide and driving costs upward. Illness outbreaks, impacting herd sizes, can even prohibit provide and exert upward strain on costs.
Demand-Aspect Elements: Shopper preferences and financial situations play a major function in tenderloin demand. In periods of financial prosperity, shoppers could also be extra inclined to buy premium cuts like tenderloin, growing demand and doubtlessly driving costs increased. Conversely, financial downturns can result in decreased demand for luxurious objects, doubtlessly softening tenderloin costs. Shifting client preferences in the direction of different protein sources or dietary traits can even affect demand and affect market costs.
International Occasions: Worldwide commerce insurance policies, forex alternate charges, and international occasions can affect beef tenderloin markets. Commerce restrictions or tariffs can disrupt import and export flows, impacting each provide and value. Fluctuations in forex alternate charges can have an effect on the price of imported beef, influencing home costs. International occasions, resembling pandemics or geopolitical instability, can create uncertainty in provide chains, doubtlessly impacting each availability and value stability.
Navigating these interconnected elements requires consciousness of present market traits and potential disruptions. Monitoring business information, financial indicators, and international occasions can present insights into potential value fluctuations. Flexibility in buying choices, contemplating different cuts or adjusting portion sizes, permits shoppers to adapt to altering market dynamics and preserve budgetary management.
6. Seasonality
Whereas much less pronounced than with another meals merchandise, seasonality can subtly affect beef tenderloin costs. Sure instances of the 12 months expertise elevated demand, doubtlessly resulting in slight value changes. Understanding these seasonal traits permits for knowledgeable buying choices and doubtlessly figuring out intervals of relative worth.
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Elevated Demand Throughout Holidays
Demand for beef tenderloin typically peaks throughout main holidays resembling Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New 12 months’s. These events often function elaborate meals, with tenderloin serving as a centerpiece for festive gatherings. This heightened demand can result in briefly increased costs as retailers reply to elevated client curiosity.
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Summer season Grilling Season
The summer season grilling season witnesses elevated demand for varied cuts of beef, together with tenderloin. As outside cooking turns into extra prevalent, shoppers search premium cuts for grilling, doubtlessly contributing to slight value will increase. This seasonal demand is influenced by favorable climate situations and a cultural emphasis on outside entertaining.
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Relative Value Stability All through the 12 months
In comparison with produce or seafood, beef tenderloin costs exhibit relative stability all year long. The constant demand and established provide chains for beef contribute to much less pronounced seasonal value fluctuations. Nonetheless, recognizing the refined affect of vacation demand and grilling season can inform buying methods.
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Particular Promotions and Gross sales
Retailers typically function particular promotions and gross sales on beef tenderloin, notably in periods of decrease demand. Monitoring these promotional provides can present alternatives for cost-effective buying. Consciousness of seasonal traits and retailer promotional calendars can help shoppers in figuring out optimum buy timing.
By understanding the refined affect of seasonality, shoppers could make knowledgeable choices relating to tenderloin purchases. Whereas seasonal value fluctuations are typically much less pronounced than with different meals merchandise, recognizing intervals of peak demand and leveraging promotional provides permits for optimized buying methods and doubtlessly enhanced worth.
7. Particular Promotions
Particular promotions play a major function in influencing beef tenderloin costs. These promotions, typically strategically timed by retailers, supply shoppers alternatives to buy this premium lower at decreased costs. Understanding the dynamics of those promotions offers helpful insights for cost-conscious shoppers searching for to maximise worth.
Retailers make use of varied promotional methods to stimulate gross sales and handle stock. These methods can embody non permanent value reductions, “buy-one-get-one” provides, or bundled offers that mix tenderloin with complementary merchandise. Vacation gross sales occasions, resembling Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day, typically function discounted costs on grilling objects, together with tenderloin. Moreover, retailers could supply promotions tied to particular retailer loyalty packages or bank card partnerships.
Promotional timing often aligns with intervals of predicted decrease demand or strategic stock administration. For instance, a retailer may supply discounted tenderloin after a significant vacation to scale back extra stock. Alternatively, promotions could be applied to drive visitors throughout slower gross sales intervals. Recognizing these patterns permits shoppers to anticipate potential promotional alternatives and plan purchases accordingly. Comparability buying throughout completely different retailers throughout promotional intervals facilitates identification of probably the most advantageous provides.
Consciousness of promotional cycles and retailer methods empowers shoppers to optimize buying choices. Subscribing to retailer e-mail lists, following social media updates, and consulting retailer flyers present helpful info on upcoming promotions. By strategically timing purchases to coincide with these promotional intervals, shoppers can considerably scale back the price of beef tenderloin with out compromising high quality. This proactive strategy to buying maximizes worth and permits shoppers to get pleasure from this premium lower extra often.
8. Packaging
Packaging performs a nuanced but important function within the last price of beef tenderloin. Whereas seemingly a minor element, packaging decisions affect preservation, presentation, and perceived worth, all contributing to the general value.
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Vacuum Sealing
Vacuum sealing extends shelf life by eradicating air and inhibiting bacterial progress. This preservation methodology minimizes waste and permits retailers to supply a wider choice, together with doubtlessly higher-priced aged cuts. The price of vacuum sealing supplies and gear contributes to the ultimate value, albeit typically marginally. Shoppers profit from prolonged freshness and decreased spoilage, justifying the slight value increment.
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Modified Environment Packaging (MAP)
MAP makes use of a modified gasoline combination throughout the packaging to take care of coloration and decelerate spoilage. This method enhances visible enchantment, doubtlessly growing perceived worth and justifying a better value level. Whereas MAP extends shelf life, it provides to packaging prices, mirrored within the last value. Shoppers prioritize the prolonged freshness and vibrant coloration, offsetting the incremental price.
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Overwrap Tray Packaging
Overwrap tray packaging offers a cheap answer for displaying and defending pre-cut parts like filet mignon steaks. This packaging provides primary safety and visibility however could have a shorter shelf life in comparison with vacuum sealing or MAP. The decrease packaging price contributes to a extra aggressive value level for shoppers searching for worth over prolonged preservation.
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Butcher Paper
Conventional butcher paper provides a easy, economical packaging answer, primarily for entire tenderloins or cuts bought instantly from a butcher. Whereas providing restricted shelf life, it contributes minimally to the general price. Shoppers choosing butcher paper prioritize rapid consumption and worth over prolonged preservation. This conventional strategy aligns with a deal with minimizing packaging supplies and price.
Packaging decisions mirror a steadiness between preservation, presentation, and price. Shoppers searching for optimum shelf life may settle for the marginally increased value related to vacuum sealing or MAP, whereas these prioritizing worth and rapid consumption could go for much less elaborate packaging options like overwrap trays or butcher paper. Understanding these packaging nuances empowers knowledgeable choices aligned with particular person wants and budgetary issues.
9. Natural or grass-fed
Manufacturing practices, particularly natural and grass-fed designations, considerably affect beef tenderloin pricing. These designations mirror variations in animal husbandry, feed, and land administration, impacting each manufacturing prices and client perceptions of worth. Understanding these distinctions offers essential context for deciphering value variations and making knowledgeable buying choices.
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Natural Certification
Natural certification mandates adherence to strict USDA requirements, prohibiting using antibiotics, hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in feed. This stringent oversight will increase manufacturing prices as a consequence of extra intensive administration practices and specialised feed necessities. These elevated prices are mirrored within the increased value of natural beef tenderloin. Shoppers searching for assurance of those particular manufacturing practices settle for the related value premium.
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Grass-Fed Designation
Grass-fed beef comes from cattle raised totally on pasture, versus grain-based feedlots. This food plan can affect the flavour profile and fats composition of the meat. Grass-fed manufacturing typically entails longer elevating intervals and completely different land administration practices, contributing to increased manufacturing prices. These elevated prices translate to increased costs for grass-fed tenderloin. Shoppers valuing this particular dietary strategy and potential taste distinctions are prepared to pay the upper value.
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Mixed Natural and Grass-Fed
Some producers mix each natural and grass-fed practices, adhering to each units of requirements. This mixed strategy typically represents the very best manufacturing prices as a result of stringent necessities of every designation. Consequently, tenderloins bearing each labels command the very best costs, reflecting the mixed manufacturing bills and client demand for these particular practices. Shoppers searching for the assurances of each natural and grass-fed manufacturing are prepared to spend money on the very best high quality and moral issues.
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Typical Beef Manufacturing
Typical beef manufacturing typically makes use of grain-based feeds and should contain using antibiotics and hormones for progress promotion. These practices contribute to decrease manufacturing prices in comparison with natural or grass-fed programs. This price effectivity interprets to decrease costs for conventionally raised tenderloin, making it a extra accessible possibility for budget-conscious shoppers. Shoppers prioritizing affordability over particular manufacturing practices typically go for conventionally raised beef.
Manufacturing practices play an important function in figuring out tenderloin costs. Shoppers searching for particular attributes, resembling natural certification or grass-fed designation, will discover corresponding value variations reflecting the manufacturing prices related to these practices. Evaluating these value variations in mild of non-public priorities and budgetary constraints empowers knowledgeable buying choices aligned with particular person values and desired high quality attributes. Understanding the interaction between manufacturing practices, client demand, and market pricing permits for a extra nuanced strategy to deciding on beef tenderloin.
Often Requested Questions on Beef Tenderloin Pricing
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to beef tenderloin pricing, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable buying choices.
Query 1: What’s the common value vary for beef tenderloin?
Tenderloin pricing varies considerably primarily based on elements mentioned beforehand. Usually, anticipate to pay between $15 and $40 per pound, with increased costs for Prime grade, pre-cut parts, and specialty distributors.
Query 2: Why is beef tenderloin costlier than different cuts of beef?
The tenderloin’s tenderness, derived from its location throughout the animal and lack of strenuous use, contributes to its premium pricing. Restricted provide relative to different cuts additional influences the upper price.
Query 3: How does the grade of beef tenderloin have an effect on its value?
USDA grades (Prime, Alternative, Choose) instantly correlate with marbling and tenderness. Prime, with the very best marbling, instructions the very best value, adopted by Alternative, then Choose. Increased grades mirror elevated tenderness and richer taste, justifying the value variations.
Query 4: Is it cheaper to purchase an entire tenderloin or pre-cut parts?
Buying an entire tenderloin usually provides a cheaper price per pound. Nonetheless, it requires trimming and portioning. Pre-cut parts supply comfort however come at a premium value as a consequence of added processing and packaging.
Query 5: How can one discover cost-effective beef tenderloin with out compromising high quality?
Evaluating costs throughout completely different distributors (butcher outlets, supermarkets, on-line retailers), contemplating Alternative grade as a substitute of Prime, and buying an entire tenderloin as a substitute of pre-cut parts can yield price financial savings with out sacrificing important high quality.
Query 6: Are there particular instances of 12 months when beef tenderloin is cheaper?
Whereas seasonal value fluctuations are much less pronounced for beef tenderloin than different merchandise, search for potential gross sales or promotions after main holidays or in periods of decrease demand. Monitoring retailer commercials and flyers can reveal cost-effective buying alternatives.
Understanding these pricing dynamics empowers shoppers to make knowledgeable buying choices aligned with funds and desired high quality. Strategic planning, vendor comparability, and consciousness of promotional cycles contribute to maximizing worth and having fun with this premium lower with out overspending.
The next part will delve into particular cooking methods and preparation strategies for beef tenderloin, maximizing its inherent tenderness and taste.
Suggestions for Optimizing Beef Tenderloin Purchases
Cautious consideration of buying methods maximizes the worth derived from this premium lower. The next ideas supply steerage for knowledgeable decision-making, balancing price and high quality.
Tip 1: Examine Costs Throughout A number of Distributors: Tenderloin costs can differ considerably between butcher outlets, supermarkets, specialty shops, and on-line retailers. Diligent comparability buying identifies probably the most aggressive pricing for desired high quality and grade.
Tip 2: Think about Alternative Grade: Whereas Prime grade provides distinctive marbling and tenderness, Alternative grade offers a steadiness between high quality and cost-effectiveness. Alternative tenderloin, with correct cooking methods, delivers a satisfying culinary expertise at a cheaper price level.
Tip 3: Buy a Complete Tenderloin When Attainable: Shopping for an entire, untrimmed tenderloin usually yields a cheaper price per pound in comparison with pre-cut parts. Whereas requiring trimming and portioning expertise, this strategy maximizes worth and minimizes waste.
Tip 4: Monitor Gross sales and Promotions: Retailers often supply particular promotions on beef tenderloin, notably round holidays or throughout particular gross sales occasions. Monitoring these promotions can result in important price financial savings.
Tip 5: Plan Forward and Freeze Extra Parts: An entire tenderloin will be portioned and frozen for later use. Correct freezing methods, resembling vacuum sealing, preserve high quality and reduce freezer burn, permitting enjoyment over an prolonged interval.
Tip 6: Think about Different Cuts for Budgetary Constraints: If tenderloin’s value exceeds budgetary limits, discover different cuts like sirloin or strip steak, which supply flavorful alternate options at cheaper price factors.
Tip 7: Consider Packaging Choices: Packaging influences each value and preservation. Vacuum-sealed choices prolong shelf life however could price barely extra. Think about storage wants and consumption timelines when evaluating packaging decisions.
Implementing these methods empowers shoppers to make knowledgeable buying choices. Balancing price issues with desired high quality attributes ensures a satisfying and cost-effective culinary expertise.
The concluding part offers a complete abstract of key takeaways and reinforces the significance of knowledgeable buying choices for this premium lower of beef.
Understanding Beef Tenderloin Pricing
A number of elements affect beef tenderloin pricing. Weight, grade, vendor, and packaging decisions contribute to price variations. Complete tenderloins typically supply decrease per-pound prices in comparison with pre-cut parts. Increased grades, resembling USDA Prime, command premium costs as a consequence of superior marbling and tenderness. Specialty butchers typically value increased as a consequence of experience and customized service, whereas supermarkets supply aggressive pricing. Understanding these elements empowers knowledgeable buying.
Strategic buying optimizes worth. Evaluating costs throughout distributors, contemplating different grades, and monitoring gross sales are essential methods. Recognizing the trade-offs between comfort and price, resembling buying an entire tenderloin versus pre-cut parts, permits for knowledgeable choices. In the end, knowledgeable buying maximizes culinary enjoyment whereas respecting budgetary constraints. Cautious consideration of those parts ensures a satisfying expertise with this prized lower of beef.
