Skip to main content

How Much Does Half a Cow Cost?

Use this calculator to estimate your total cost, including meat and processing fees. See how bulk buying compares to grocery store prices.

Quick Answer

A half cow costs $1,500-$3,500 total in 2026. You pay $3.50-6.00/lb hanging weight to the farm plus $0.75-1.50/lb processing to the butcher. Your effective take-home cost is $6-10 per pound for all cuts combined—steaks, roasts, and ground beef—which is 30-50% less than grocery store prices.

A quarter cow costs $800-$1,800 total. A whole cow costs $3,000-$7,000. Use the calculator below for a personalized estimate based on your region and preferences.

How Bulk Beef Pricing Works

1. You pay for hanging weight

Most farms charge per pound of hanging weight (the carcass weight after initial processing). Typical prices range from $3.50 to $6.00 per pound depending on the farm, location, and how the cattle were raised.

2. Processing is separate

The butcher charges separately for cutting and wrapping your meat. This runs $0.75 to $1.50 per pound of hanging weight. Some farms include this in their price; others don't. Always ask.

3. You take home less than you pay for

About 60-65% of hanging weight becomes packaged meat. The rest is bone, fat, and trim removed during butchering. This is normal and expected.

Typical Price Ranges (2026)

TypePrice/lbNotes
Conventional$3.50-4.50Grain-finished, standard practices
Grass-fed$4.50-5.50Pasture-raised, grass-finished
Organic$5.50-7.00USDA certified organic
Wagyu/Premium$8.00-15.00+Specialty breeds

Add $0.75-1.50/lb for processing. Prices vary by region and farm.

Pricing Questions

Why do I pay for hanging weight but get less meat?
Hanging weight is the industry standard because it's measured right after slaughter—a consistent reference point. During butchering, bone, fat, and unusable trim are removed, leaving you with 60-65% as packaged meat. This is normal for all beef processing.
Do prices vary by season?
Yes. Most cattle are processed in fall after summer grazing, so that's when supply is highest. Spring often has limited availability and sometimes higher prices. Booking early (3-6 months ahead) can lock in better pricing and ensure you get a spot.
What if prices increase between my deposit and pickup?
Most farms honor the price quoted when you place your deposit. However, policies vary—some adjust for significant feed cost changes. Always ask about their pricing guarantee before putting money down.
Is buying half a cow actually cheaper than the grocery store?
For most families, yes. Your effective cost per pound ($8-12) includes premium cuts that cost $20-40/lb retail. The savings are largest on steaks and roasts. Ground beef alone isn't much cheaper, but you're averaging the cost across all cuts.
Should I negotiate with the farmer?
Small farms have thin margins, so aggressive haggling isn't appropriate. However, you can ask about discounts for referrals, repeat customers, or paying in full upfront. Some farms offer better pricing on whole cows vs halves.

Ready to buy?

Find farms selling bulk beef in your area.

Browse Suppliers