Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Exceptional Angus Beef. Raised by Our Family. Enjoyed by Yours.
Buying beef directly from a ranch is an investment in your family's meals, and we want you to feel confident in every purchase.
At Hilltop Beef, we believe you deserve to know where your beef comes from, how it's raised, and exactly what you're getting for your money.
Whether you're purchasing your first beef bundle or filling your freezer with a quarter, half, or whole beef, we're here to make the experience simple and enjoyable.
What Makes Hilltop Beef Different?
We are proud to be one of only 20 Certified Angus Beef® Ranch to Table providers in the United States—and the only one in Colorado.
This distinction allows us to offer qualifying Certified Angus Beef® directly from our family's ranch to your table.
Not all Angus beef qualifies for the Certified Angus Beef® brand. Each qualifying carcass must meet 10 strict quality specifications designed to deliver exceptional marbling, tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.
As a fifth-generation Northern Colorado ranching family, we combine generations of experience, carefully selected Angus genetics, responsible animal care, and modern ranching practices to raise beef we're proud to share with your family.
Our commitment is simple: exceptional beef, transparent pricing, and quality you can trust, so you feel confident you're getting the very best value for your hard-earned money.
About Our Cattle
Is Your Beef Locally Raised?
Absolutely! Our cattle are born, raised, and finished right here in Northern Colorado.
As a fifth-generation ranching family, we're personally involved in every step of raising our cattle. From selecting quality Angus genetics to carefully managing nutrition and animal health, we take pride in producing beef you can feel good about feeding your family.
When you purchase from Hilltop Beef, you're buying directly from the ranchers who raised your beef.
What Does Pasture-Raised, Corn-Finished Mean?
Our cattle spend the majority of their lives grazing on open pastures, where they have room to grow and develop naturally.
During their final months, they're fed a carefully balanced, corn-based ration developed with a professional cattle nutritionist.
This finishing process helps develop the marbling that contributes to exceptional tenderness, juiciness, and the rich beef flavor our customers love.
The result? Quality beef with the flavor and consistency you expect from a premium steakhouse, ready to enjoy at home.
What Kind of Cattle Do You Raise?
We specialize in registered Angus cattle and carefully selected Angus genetics.
Our breeding program focuses on traits that improve animal health, performance, carcass quality, and the overall eating experience.
With five generations of cattle-raising experience, we understand that exceptional beef starts long before an animal reaches the processor.
Do You Use Hormones or Antibiotics?
We do not use added growth hormones in our cattle.
Animal health and welfare are always priorities. If an animal becomes sick, we believe in providing appropriate veterinary care, including antibiotics when medically necessary.
All treatments are carefully documented, and animals must meet all required medication withdrawal periods before entering the food supply.
Our goal is to raise healthy cattle while providing safe, wholesome beef for your family.
About Our Beef
What Is Certified Angus Beef®?
Certified Angus Beef® is a premium beef brand recognized for its rigorous quality standards.
Beef must meet 10 specific quality specifications, including standards for marbling, maturity, and carcass characteristics.
Only about 3 in 10 Angus-influenced cattle meet the brand's requirements.
The result is beef selected for the qualities that contribute to exceptional tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.
When you invest in beef for your freezer, you want confidence that every steak, roast, and package of ground beef will deliver the quality you expect.
Learn More About Certified Angus Beef®
Is All Hilltop Beef Certified Angus Beef®?
We raise our cattle with the goal of producing exceptional quality beef, and qualifying animals are eligible for the Certified Angus Beef® brand.
Every carcass must independently meet the brand's specifications to earn that designation.
We also offer quality Hilltop Angus beef that may not carry the Certified Angus Beef® label.
We clearly identify our products so you know exactly what you're purchasing.
Is Your Beef USDA Inspected and Graded?
Yes. Our beef is processed under USDA inspection for food safety.
We also invest in USDA quality grading to evaluate the quality of our beef.
To qualify for Certified Angus Beef®, carcasses must meet the brand's 10 quality specifications, including marbling requirements within the upper two-thirds of USDA Choice or Prime.
We believe this additional evaluation is important because our customers deserve confidence in the quality they're receiving.
How Long Is Your Beef Aged?
Our beef is dry-aged for a minimum of 14 days in a carefully controlled environment at 307 Meat Company in Laramie, Wyoming.
Dry-aging allows natural enzymes to help tenderize the meat while developing its rich, distinctive beef flavor.
It's one more step we take to provide an exceptional eating experience.
How Is Your Beef Packaged?
All of our beef is professionally cut, vacuum sealed, labeled, and frozen.
Our freezer-ready packaging helps protect freshness and flavor while making it convenient to store and prepare meals.
Each package is clearly labeled with the cut of beef, making it easy to organize your freezer and plan meals.
Ordering Your Beef
What Are My Purchasing Options?
We offer several convenient ways to enjoy Hilltop Beef.
Ground Beef Bundles
Perfect for everyday family meals. Stock up on quality Angus ground beef without purchasing a large beef share.
Beef Bundles
Enjoy a variety of steaks, roasts, ground beef, and specialty cuts. Our bundles are an excellent way to try Hilltop Beef or give a thoughtful gift.
Ready-to-Go Quarter Beef
Want to fill your freezer without choosing every cut? Our Ready-to-Go Quarters offer a convenient assortment of beef that's already professionally processed and packaged.
Custom Quarter, Half, or Whole Beef
For customers who want to stock their freezers and choose their preferred cuts, we offer customizable beef shares.