How Much Does a Quarter Cow Cost?
The full price breakdown: what you'll pay the farm, what you'll pay the butcher, and what you actually take home from a quarter share.
7 min read
Tom has been buying half and whole cows from local farms for his own family since 2009. He spent 15 years working with small-scale cattle operations and now helps families find and evaluate farm-direct beef suppliers through Half a Cow Club's directory of 1,200+ producers.
Quick Answer
A quarter cow costs $800—$1,800 total, yielding 100—125 lbs of take-home meat at $7—14 per pound effective. Pricing includes hanging weight ($4.50—$7.00/lb), processing ($0.75—$1.50/lb), and a kill fee ($50—$100, split 4 ways).
Best for families of 2—3 or first-time bulk buyers who want to test the waters without a full freezer commitment. You'll get a mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef—enough to last 3—4 months for a small family.
Quarter Cow Pricing Breakdown
A quarter cow's total cost has three components, usually paid separately. Here's how they add up for a typical quarter share.
| Cost Component | Calculation | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging Weight | ~175 lbs avg | 150—200 lbs |
| HW Price (to the farm) | $4.50—$7.00/lb × 175 lbs | $788—$1,225 |
| Processing Fee (to the butcher) | $0.75—$1.50/lb × 175 lbs | $131—$263 |
| Kill Fee (split 4 ways) | $50—$100 ÷ 4 | $13—$25 |
| Total Cost | All components combined | $932—$1,513 |
| Take-Home Weight | 60—65% of hanging weight | 100—125 lbs |
| Effective Cost Per Pound | Total ÷ take-home weight | $7—$14/lb |
The wide range reflects differences in breed, feed (grass-finished costs more), region, and processor pricing. Use our price calculator to estimate your specific cost.
Mixed Quarter vs Split Side
Not all quarter cows are created equal. There are two ways a farm can divide a quarter share, and the method affects what cuts you take home.
Mixed Quarter (Recommended for Most Buyers)
The butcher evenly distributes cuts from both the front and hind quarters so you get some of everything—steaks, roasts, and ground beef in balanced proportions. This is the most common method and ensures you don't end up with all chuck roasts and no ribeyes.
- • Even mix of premium and everyday cuts
- • Simpler—the butcher handles the balancing
- • Less customization on your cut sheet
- • Best for first-time buyers
Split Side
You and a partner each take half of one side. One of you may end up with more forequarter cuts (chuck roasts, brisket, short ribs) and the other more hindquarter cuts (steaks, sirloin, round). This method works best when you and your partner communicate about cut preferences.
- • More control over your cut sheet
- • Requires coordination with your split partner
- • One person may get more desirable cuts
- • Better for experienced buyers who know what they want
Ask before you commit: Always ask the farm which method they use. If they offer split side, find out if you can choose which half you get. Some farms only offer mixed quarters, which simplifies the process.
What Cuts Do You Get from a Quarter Cow?
A mixed quarter gives you a representative sample of the whole animal. Here's what to expect from a typical 100—125 lb quarter share.
| Cut | Typical Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ribeye Steaks | 4—6 steaks |
| NY Strip Steaks or T-Bones | 5—7 strips or 3—4 T-bones |
| Filet Mignon | 2—3 steaks |
| Sirloin Steaks | 2—3 steaks |
| Roasts (chuck, arm, rump) | 2—4 roasts |
| Ground Beef | 25—40 lbs |
| Stew Meat | 1 pack (1—2 lbs) |
| Short Ribs | 1 pack (1—2 lbs) |
Exact quantities depend on the animal's size, your cut sheet choices, and whether you're getting a mixed quarter or split side. For a deeper look at each cut and cooking methods, see our beef cuts guide. If you're filling out a cut sheet, our cut sheet guide walks you through every decision.
Quarter Cow vs Half Cow: Cost Comparison
Buying a bigger share saves money per pound, but costs more upfront. Here's how quarter and half cow purchases compare side by side.
| Quarter Cow | Half Cow | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $800—$1,800 | $1,500—$2,800 |
| Take-Home Meat | 100—125 lbs | 200—250 lbs |
| Effective Cost/lb | $7—$14/lb | $6—$10/lb |
| Freezer Space Needed | 4—5 cu ft | 8—10 cu ft |
| Cut Variety | Good (mixed quarter) | Full selection |
| Cut Sheet Control | Limited | Full control |
| Best For | Small families, first-timers | Families of 4+, experienced buyers |
Half cow buyers typically save $1—$4 per pound compared to quarter buyers. If budget is a concern but you want the better price, consider splitting a whole cow with a friend to get the bulk discount. For a deeper dive into the quarter vs half decision, see our half vs quarter cow guide.
Is a Quarter Cow Worth It?
A quarter cow isn't the cheapest way to buy bulk beef per pound, but it has real advantages for certain buyers. Here's the honest breakdown.
Pros
- • Lower commitment: $800—$1,800 vs $1,500—$2,800 for a half
- • Fits a kitchen freezer: 4—5 cu ft vs needing a dedicated chest freezer
- • Good test run: Try bulk buying before committing to a half or whole
- • Still saves vs grocery: Premium steaks at a fraction of retail, even at the higher per-pound cost
- • Know your source: Same farm-direct transparency as any bulk share
Cons
- • Higher per-lb cost: $7—$14/lb vs $6—$10/lb for a half cow
- • Less cut variety: Fewer of each cut and potentially missing some entirely
- • Shared cut sheet decisions: With a mixed quarter, the butcher decides the distribution
- • May miss specialty cuts: Brisket, flank steak, and hanger steak are one-per-animal cuts that may not land in your quarter
- • Less availability: Some farms only sell halves and wholes
Our take: A quarter cow is ideal as a first bulk purchase. If you like the quality and find yourself wishing you had more, upgrade to a half next time. The per-pound savings on a half cow will more than pay for a small chest freezer.
How to Get the Best Price on a Quarter Cow
Order in spring for fall delivery
Most farms process cattle in fall. Placing your deposit early gives the farm planning certainty, and some offer early-bird discounts of $0.25—$0.50/lb for reservations made before summer.
Split a half cow with a friend
Many farms offer better per-pound pricing on halves than quarters. Find a friend or neighbor, buy a half together, and split the meat. You'll each get a "quarter" at the half-cow price—saving $1—$4 per pound. See our splitting guide for logistics.
Ask about bundle discounts
Some farms offer package deals that include processing in the per-pound price, or bundle a quarter cow with a pork share. An all-in price simplifies budgeting and sometimes works out cheaper than separate billing.
Compare at least 3 farms
Prices vary significantly between farms, even in the same area. Get quotes from 3+ suppliers and compare total cost (not just hanging weight price). Some farms quote low HW prices but use expensive processors, or vice versa. Browse suppliers near you to start comparing.
Check if processing is included
Some farms quote an all-in price that includes processing, while others quote hanging weight price only. Always ask: "Does this price include processing and the kill fee, or are those separate?" The answer can swing your total by $150—$300.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quarter cow cost in 2026?
A quarter cow costs $800-1,800 total in 2026, depending on region, breed, and how the animal was raised. This includes hanging weight price ($4.50-7.00/lb), processing fees ($0.75-1.50/lb), and a split kill fee ($13-25). Your effective cost per pound of take-home meat works out to $7-14/lb.
How much meat do you get from a quarter cow?
A quarter cow yields approximately 100-125 lbs of take-home meat. The hanging weight is typically around 175 lbs, and you lose 35-40% to bone removal, fat trimming, and moisture loss during dry aging. Expect roughly 25-40 lbs of ground beef, 10-15 lbs of steaks, 8-12 lbs of roasts, and assorted specialty cuts.
What is a mixed quarter vs a split side?
A mixed quarter means the butcher evenly distributes cuts from both front and hind quarters so you get some of everything, including premium steaks and ground beef. A split side means you and a partner each take half of one side, so one person may get more forequarter cuts (roasts, ground beef) and the other more hindquarter cuts (steaks). Mixed quarter is better for most buyers.
Is a quarter cow worth it compared to grocery prices?
Yes, for most families. Even at the higher end ($14/lb effective), you're getting a mix of cuts that includes ribeyes, NY strips, and filets at well below their $17-40/lb retail prices. The savings are smaller than buying a half or whole cow, but the lower upfront cost ($800-1,800 vs $1,500-3,500) and smaller freezer requirement (4-5 cu ft) make it a practical entry point.
How much freezer space do I need for a quarter cow?
Plan on 4-5 cubic feet of freezer space for a quarter cow. A standard kitchen freezer (above the fridge) is typically 4-5 cubic feet, so a quarter can just barely fit if the freezer is empty. A small chest freezer (5-7 cu ft) is a safer bet and gives you room for other items. See our freezer space guide for detailed planning.
Can I choose my cuts with a quarter cow?
It depends on whether you're getting a mixed quarter or splitting a side. With a mixed quarter, the butcher pre-selects an even distribution and you have limited customization. With a split side, you and your partner fill out a cut sheet together and can request specific cuts, thicknesses, and packaging. Ask your farm which method they use before committing.
How to Read a Cut Sheet
Related Guides
Related Calculators
Sources & Methodology
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service — Weekly National Cattle and Beef Summary
- USDA Economic Research Service — Cattle Market Outlook
- Penn State Extension — Understanding Beef Carcass Yields
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — CPI for Beef and Veal
- Half a Cow Club supplier directory — 1,200+ verified listings
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