When to Buy Half a Cow: Seasonal Timing & Ordering Guide
The month-by-month calendar for ordering bulk beef. When to start looking, when to place your deposit, and why waiting too long means waiting another year.
8 min read
Sarah grew up on a cattle ranch in central Texas and spent 12 years managing direct-to-consumer beef programs for family farms across the Southern Plains. She has personally helped over 500 families navigate their first bulk beef purchase.
Quick Answer
Order 3-6 months before you want beef in your freezer. The best time to start researching farms and placing deposits is January through March for a summer or fall delivery. Most farms process cattle between July and November, with September and October being the busiest months.
If you wait until you're actually ready for beef, you'll likely face a 6-12 month wait. The key is to plan ahead: contact farms in winter, place your deposit in spring, and pick up your beef in late summer or fall.
Why Timing Matters When Buying Bulk Beef
Buying half a cow is not like going to the grocery store. You can't just show up and buy one. There's a whole chain of scheduling that has to align: the farm's herd plan, the processor's calendar, and your readiness to receive 200+ pounds of beef.
Farms book out months in advance
Most small farms raise a limited number of cattle each year. Popular operations sell out their entire annual harvest within weeks of opening deposits. If a farm processes 20 head per year, those 20 slots go fast.
Processors have limited capacity
Small USDA-inspected processors are the biggest bottleneck in the farm-to-freezer pipeline. There are not enough of them, and their schedules fill up quickly. Farms must reserve processor time months ahead, which determines when your animal gets harvested.
Fall hunting season creates a crunch
Many small processors also handle wild game during deer season (October through December). This competes directly with beef processing capacity, creating the tightest scheduling window of the year.
Cattle have a natural growth cycle
Grass-fed cattle reach peak weight and finish condition after months of summer grazing. Grain-finished cattle are more flexible, but most farms still target late summer through fall for harvest when the animals are at their best.
Month-by-Month Ordering Calendar
Here's what's happening in the bulk beef world throughout the year. Use this to plan your purchase timeline.
January - February: Research & Contact Farms
This is the best time to start your search. Many farms open their order books for the year in January. Browse our supplier directory to find farms in your area, call or email them, and ask about availability. Farms are least busy right now and most willing to answer questions from new buyers.
March - April: Place Your Deposit
Spring is deposit season. Farms are collecting payments to lock in harvest slots for summer and fall. Some farms do early spring harvests for grain-finished cattle. This is also the time to buy your freezer if you don't have one yet. Don't wait until pickup day.
May - June: Summer Processing Begins
Early summer harvests start. Grain-finished cattle and some grass-fed operations begin processing. This is your last realistic chance to secure a fall harvest slot at popular farms. If you haven't placed a deposit yet, expect limited options.
July - August: Peak Grass-Finishing Season
Summer harvests are in full swing. Grass-fed cattle are at peak condition after months of grazing on lush pasture. This is often considered the best time for grass-fed beef flavor and quality. Processors are getting busier.
September - October: Fall Harvest Rush
The busiest time of year. Most farms process during these months as cattle reach ideal weight. Processor schedules are packed. Deer season starts in many states, further squeezing processor capacity. If you didn't plan ahead, you're likely looking at next year.
November - December: Limited Availability
Late-season processing wraps up. Processors are deep in deer and elk season. Some farms do final winter harvests. This is a good time to get on waitlists and plan for next year. Start researching farms now so you're ready to act in January.
Your Ideal Timeline at a Glance
Bulk Beef Lead Times at a Glance
How far in advance you need to order depends on the farm's popularity, your region, and the time of year. Here are typical lead times:
| Farm Type | Typical Lead Time | Deposit | Best Time to Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popular grass-fed farm | 6-12 months | $200-500 | Jan-Feb for fall harvest |
| Mid-size grain-finished | 3-6 months | $100-300 | Mar-Apr for summer/fall |
| Large-volume operation | 1-3 months | $100-200 | Rolling availability |
| Online supplier (shipped) | 1-2 weeks | Full payment | Year-round |
Based on data from 1,200+ suppliers in our directory. Individual farm availability varies. Always contact the farm directly for current wait times.
Regional Timing Differences
The United States is a big country with wildly different climates and grazing seasons. Where you live affects when local farms process beef.
Northern States (MT, MN, WI, ND, SD)
Short grazing season from May through October. Most processing happens September through November before winter sets in. Farms need to harvest before heavy snow and cold weather make transport difficult. Order by February to secure a fall slot.
Southern States (TX, FL, GA, AL, MS)
Year-round grazing is possible in much of the South, giving farms more flexibility on processing timing. You'll find more options for off-season harvests here. Texas in particular has a large number of farm-direct operations with rolling harvest schedules.
Western States (CO, OR, CA, WA, ID)
Timing varies significantly by elevation and climate zone. Lowland ranches may process June through November, while mountain operations have a tighter September through October window. California's Central Valley operations often run year-round.
Northeast (NY, PA, VT, ME, NH)
Similar to Northern states with a compressed season. Many farms target October and November for processing. The Northeast has a strong farm-to-table culture with high demand, so competition for slots is stiff. Start early and be flexible on dates.
Processing Seasons by Region
| Region | Grazing Season | Peak Processing | Order By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern (MT, MN, WI, ND) | May-Oct | Sep-Nov | February |
| Southern (TX, FL, GA, AL) | Year-round | Sep-Nov | Rolling — 3-6 mo ahead |
| Western (CO, OR, CA, WA) | Apr-Nov | Jun-Nov | January-March |
| Northeast (NY, PA, VT, ME) | May-Oct | Oct-Nov | January-February |
| Midwest (IA, NE, KS, MO) | Apr-Nov | Aug-Nov | February-March |
Grain-finished cattle are more flexible on timing. These ranges reflect typical grass-fed operations. Southern states offer the most year-round availability.
The Processor Bottleneck Problem
If you've ever wondered why it takes so long to get half a cow, the answer is almost always the processor. Understanding this bottleneck will help you plan better.
The Problem
- Small USDA-inspected processors are in short supply nationwide
- Many rural areas lost their local processors over the past 30 years
- Deer hunting season (Oct-Dec) consumes massive processor capacity
- Some farms must book processor slots 12+ months in advance
- One delayed harvest can cascade through the entire schedule
What You Can Do
- Order early to get the farm's best processor slots
- Be flexible on your pickup date by a week or two
- Consider farms that use multiple processors
- Ask if the farm has its own on-site processing facility
- Look at summer harvest slots when processors are less busy
The processor shortage is a real challenge for the local food system. It is not something farms can easily solve on their own. The best thing you can do as a buyer is plan ahead and be patient. Your farm is dealing with the same frustration you are.
Timing Tips for First-Time Buyers
If this is your first time buying bulk beef, here's how to avoid the most common timing mistakes. These tips come directly from farms and buyers in our network.
Start looking 6+ months before you want beef
Most people start too late. If you want beef in October, you should be contacting farms in March or April at the latest. Six months of lead time is comfortable. Three months is cutting it close.
Get on waitlists early, even if you're not ready
You don't need to have your freezer or your cut sheet figured out to place a deposit. Lock in your spot first and figure out the details later. Most farms only require $100-500 to reserve.
Ask the farm when their next available slot is
Don't assume. Some farms have openings next month, others are booked through next year. A quick phone call tells you exactly where you stand and what your options are.
Be flexible on exact timing
If you insist on a specific week, your options shrink dramatically. Give the farm a window of a month or two, and you're much more likely to find a slot that works.
Consider less popular months for better availability
Everyone wants fall beef. If you're flexible, ask about summer harvests (June-August) when there's less competition for processor time. The beef quality is excellent, and you may get your order faster.
Order in winter for fall delivery
This is the sweet spot. Placing your deposit in January or February for a September or October harvest gives you the least competition and the most choice. Most buyers don't start looking until spring or summer, so you'll be ahead of the crowd.
New to the whole process? Our first-time buyer's guide walks through every step from finding a farm to filling out your cut sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I order half a cow?
Plan to order 3-6 months before you want your beef. Popular farms book out 6-12 months in advance, especially for fall harvest slots. The earlier you place a deposit, the more flexibility you have on timing. If you want fall beef, start looking in January or February.
What is the best month to buy half a cow?
There is no single best month, but January through March is the best time to start researching and placing deposits. Most farms process beef between July and November, with September and October being the busiest months. Ordering early in the year gives you the widest selection of farms and harvest dates.
Why are some farms booked out a full year?
Small USDA-inspected processors are in short supply across the country. Farms must book processor time months or even a year ahead. Combine that with limited herd sizes and high demand for farm-direct beef, and popular operations fill their harvest calendar quickly. Getting on a waitlist early is the best strategy.
Is beef cheaper at certain times of year?
Prices from individual farms tend to stay consistent year-round since they set annual pricing. However, you may find better availability and less competition if you order during the off-season (winter months). Some farms offer small discounts for early deposits or winter harvests to fill less popular slots.
Can I get half a cow in the winter?
Yes, but options are more limited. Some farms process year-round, particularly in southern states with longer grazing seasons. In northern states, most processing wraps up by November or December. If you want winter beef, look for farms that specifically advertise winter harvest slots or check online suppliers that ship year-round.
What happens if I miss the ordering window for my preferred farm?
Ask to be put on their waitlist for the next available slot. In the meantime, check other farms in your area — our directory lists 1,200+ suppliers, and less well-known operations often have shorter wait times. You can also consider online suppliers that ship nationwide if local options are booked.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
Related Guides
Related Calculators
Sources & Methodology
Seasonal timing data is based on processing schedules reported by farms in our directory across 40+ states, conversations with USDA-inspected custom processors, and USDA Agricultural Marketing Service seasonal cattle reports. Regional patterns reflect data from state extension offices and livestock associations.
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service - Monthly Cattle on Feed Reports
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service - Custom Exempt Processing Guidance
- University of Minnesota Extension - Scheduling Custom Meat Processing
- National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition - Small Processor Capacity Report
- Half a Cow Club supplier directory - 1,200+ verified listings
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