How long would you keep meat in freezer?

[Anonymous]

Okay, so based on one of the other threads about local farms, I bought some meat from a local farmer. I bought a package of various cuts. I asked the person how long I could keep it in the freezer and she said she has had meat for 2-3 years so it shouldn't be a problem. I never keep food in the freezer for more than 6 months. I didn't ask her how long what I was buying had been frozen (probably should have). So I open up the package when I get home and everything is dated October of 2010. Needless to say, this will probably be my first and last purchase but do you think it is still okay to eat? The USDA website says that frozen food remains safe indefinitely but that the quality (for steaks, etc.) declines after 4-12 months. Am I just being paranoid?

[Anonymous]

It's safe but probably tastes a little if freezer burn.

[Anonymous]

That's annoying that it's already that old. But I buy meat by the quarter cow & have kept it in our freezer chest for over a year & it still tastes fine. It's definitely safe.

[Anonymous]

If it's been frozen since then, it's safe.