Smoked Bratwurst

Shipping / Delivery Info

When will my order ship?

All orders are hand-cut, so, usually, your package will leave our facility within 7-10 business days from the date you order. Often, it’s shipped sooner than that. Bulk meat orders (1/2 cows, whole cows, 1/4 cows, 1/2 hogs, etc.) will require a longer lead time, general rule of thumb is 4-6 weeks from your date of order.  Our customer service team will keep you updated on your order status after it ships.

Where do you deliver?

We will ship to any address in the contiguous United States - also known as the Lower 48 - and the District of Columbia.  Western states - California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Arizona - are subject to increased, custom shipping costs to use UPS 3-Day Select Service to ensure reliable delivery of your order.  Our customer support team will reach out post-purchase to let you know what those costs will be.  If you are not comfortable paying the additional shipping costs, we will refund your order back to your account.

How does meat stay fresh during shipment?

Simpson’s Meats uses a trusted process to ensure freshness. Your order will come in a boxed, thick-walled, styrofoam cooler.  Depending on the season, we’ll use gel packs and dry ice. Both are exceedingly effective in keeping meat fresh for the journey. Especially with dry ice, your meat might even freeze in transit. Even if gel packs thaw during delivery, your meat will remain at a safe temperature - it should be at least cool to the touch when it arrives.  This goes for dry ice as well.  Dry ice dissipates over a period of 24-48 hours but the gases inside the cooler are what keeps food cold for much longer, post-dissipation. Food safety is vitally important to us, and we want to deliver top-quality, safe products every time. This is a proven process we believe in for optimum results.

Can I schedule my shipment for a later date?

Yes. Include your desired shipment date in the field marked Add Order Note.

Simpson's Meats stands behind the quality of our products 100%. Our company is built on the standards that have carried our family's farm for more than 130 years. If you are not absolutely satisfied with your purchase, we'll either replace it or refund your money, whichever you prefer. At Simpson's Meats, your purchase satisfaction is guaranteed. If at any time you have problems with an order, please email or call us.

Product Info

Is your beef 100% USDA inspected?

Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s public health agency, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, sets a high standard for quality and transparency. A USDA Approved designation means that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. The agency monitors these products after they leave federally regulated plants.

How do I defrost meat properly?

The USDA recommends planning ahead. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator, where it will remain at a safe, constant temperature. That’s 40 °F or below. There are three safe ways to thaw meat:

IN THE REFRIGERATOR

A typical cut of meat will take a day to fully defrost in the fridge. Bigger cuts or whole birds take about 24 hours per 5 pounds to thaw.

IN COLD WATER

Keep the meat in the package it came in. Ensure it’s not open and is still airtight - if you have any doubt, place the package in a leakproof bag. Submerge the package in cold tap water. Change the water out every half hour to ensure continuous thawing. Small cuts of meat of about 1 pound can thaw out in 60 minutes or less. Larger packages, of 3 to 4 pounds, might take 2 to 3 hours using this method.

MICROWAVE

Place the package in a microwave-safe container and cover loosely. Use the defrost setting on the microwave, which usually means about 30% power. Some microwaves rotate food on a carousel. This helps the meat thaw evenly. Many microwave ovens have a preset time for thawing meat, depending on weight.

How long do my products last in the fridge once thawed?

We recommend cooking the meat within 4 days of thawing if it’s refrigerated immediately.

Are my products ready to cook as soon as they arrive?

Yes. If the meat is frozen, it will take about 50% longer to cook than if it was fully-thawed.

How long can I keep this meat frozen?

With a good, vacuum-packed seal, meat can last as long as 8 months frozen. For freshest results, we recommend cooking your meat within 6 months of freezing.

Can I refreeze products after they have been delivered?

Yes, you can!

What is dry-aging?

Aging is necessary for beef’s tenderness and taste. Wet aged beef is just that - it’s packed in its own liquids. Dry aging involves hanging beef on a rack to dry for several weeks. It must be done correctly, by an expert, with air, humidity, and temperature-controlled in an environment. In these conditions, beef’s enzymes break down the connective tissue in it, which tenderizes the meat. Moisture is drawn from the meat, resulting in a saturation of natural flavor and a tender texture.

How is your beef graded?

Simpson’s beef is "choice or higher" across the board while some products offered do have a USDA prime stamp.  We do not feel however that a prime grade necessarily correlates to a superior eating experience.  There are many other factors that affect a quality beef eating experience other than USDA grading, most notably the way an animal is raised in low-stress environments.

Farm/Animal Info

Where is Your Farm Located?

Simpson’s Farm is in Athens, Tenn., an hour’s drive northeast from Chattanooga, is our primary farm. Established in 1888, Simpson’s Farm today is a fifth-generation farm.  We do source cattle from partner growers throughout the Tennessee Valley as well as hand-selected cattle producers in Texas and Kansas who have outstanding Angus genetics and quality beef.  Simpson's Farm has strict growing protocols for humane handling and naturally raising beef and all of our partner cattle growers adhere to stringent farming protocols as well.

What type of diet are your animals fed?

In addition to pasture grasses, our animals are fed an all-vegetarian feed that is free of antibiotics, added hormones, or feed additives.

Is your farm/animals certified organic?

No.

Where do you source your beef?

Simpson’s Meats cherry picks our beef from only the very best Angus cattle that we can find. As a cattle-farming family, we are particular about what beef we deem worthy of wearing our family's brand. Simpson’s Meats sources only antibiotic- and hormone-free beef that is raised humanely and this is why we home-raise our own beef, source from Southern Natural Farms (a brand under the Simpson's Meats umbrella), 44 Farms based in Cameron, Texas, and trusted Angus beef producers who are known for humanely raising quality cattle.