Tim,
Wrapping the meat, then vacuum packing it can make it good for up to 2yrs. according to some reports. I've gotten that long out of some of my stuff that I misplaced and didn't know I still had. In all honesty, if you have a couple of GOOD SHARP KNIVES, that is all you need butchering wise, then a grinder and vacuum packer are nice to have to get the meat preserved for longer storage.