The most common reason a bulk meat order goes sideways is simple. The meat shows up and there is nowhere to put it. Here are the numbers you need before you reserve a share.
The rule of thumb
Plan on **one cubic foot of freezer space for every 35 to 40 pounds** of wrapped, frozen meat.
What that means in real freezers
Chest or upright
Chest freezers hold temperature better during outages and cost less to run, but you have to dig. Upright freezers are easier to organize and easier on your back. Either works. Pick the one you will actually keep organized.
Packing so you can find things
1. Group by cut. Chops in one bin, roasts in another, sausage in a third.
2. Use cheap plastic bins or reusable grocery bags as dividers.
3. Put things you eat weekly on top.
4. Keep a running inventory list taped to the lid and cross items off.
How long it keeps
Properly wrapped and frozen at zero degrees Fahrenheit:
Meat stays safe far longer than these windows. These are quality guidelines, not safety limits.
Power outages
A full chest freezer holds safe temperature for about 48 hours if you keep the lid closed. A half full one holds about 24. Keeping it full is not just tidy, it is insurance.
Ready to fill it
Once your freezer is sorted, reserve a pork share on the pork page. We will text you to coordinate pickup at the farm in Conway.
