Quick Answer
Half a cow in Idaho costs $2,200-3,200 ($9.00-14.00/lb per pound take-home). There are 3 local suppliers to choose from. Best time to buy: August-October. Both grass-fed and grain-finished options available.
Idaho ranks in the top 12 cattle-producing states with 2.2-2.4 million head. The state's diverse geography—from desert valleys to alpine meadows—creates distinct beef production zones. Idaho's agricultural identity combines rugged independence with a growing direct-to-consumer movement serving Boise's expanding population.
Half cow: $2,200-3,200
Hanging weight: $4.50-8.00/lb
Take-home: $9.00-14.00/lb
Peak season: August-October
Late summer through fall (August-October) is optimal—cattle finish on mountain pastures and are processed before winter. Idaho's public land grazing means cattle often spend summers in high country, returning to lower valleys for fall processing. Book 4-6 months ahead. Spring beef is available but may have been on hay through winter.
Black Angus, Hereford, Red Angus, Charolais, Limousin
Typical practice: Mixed (pasture-raised, grain-finished)
Idaho's brand inspection system requires all cattle to be inspected before slaughter—this is a regulatory step, not a quality check. Your producer handles this, but it affects scheduling. For Boise residents, Treasure Valley producers offer the best logistics, but Magic Valley operations (2 hours southeast) often have competitive pricing and excellent finishing programs.
May
★4.9(194)Remote Idaho family ranch offering wild organic grass-fed beef. 100% grass-fed on wild mountain pastures. Ships nationwide in recyclable packaging.
Emmett
★4.9(12)Emmett, Idaho 160-acre family farm. 100% organic, grass-fed beef. Hand-raised from birth, never in feedlots, never fed grain.
Grace
Southeast Idaho 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef. Pasture-raised in the valleys and mountains. Customizable shares available fall season.
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A half cow in Idaho costs $2,200-3,200 total. At $5.50/lb hanging weight (360 lbs), expect ~$1,980 for meat, plus $60 kill fee (half share) and $1.10/lb processing (~$396), totaling ~$2,436. Grass-fed mountain operations may run higher. Your take-home yield is about 215-235 lbs, making effective cost $9.00-14.00/lb.
Idaho requires all cattle to receive brand inspection within 96 hours before slaughter. This verifies ownership and prevents theft—Idaho's ranching heritage made brand integrity essential. Your producer handles the inspection, but it affects scheduling. Plan with your producer to ensure timing works. It's a regulatory requirement, not a quality or health inspection.
Many Idaho ranches use BLM and Forest Service grazing allotments—cattle spend summers in high-country meadows and winters in valley hay fields. This transhumance (seasonal movement) is traditional ranching adapted to mountain geography. Mountain-grazed beef benefits from diverse forage and exercise. Ask your producer about their grazing system.
Treasure Valley (Boise area) has mixed operations with more hobby farms and diversified producers. Magic Valley (Twin Falls) has concentrated commercial agriculture with feedlots and silage production—beef here is often grain-finished with excellent marbling. Magic Valley may offer more competitive pricing; Treasure Valley offers more 'boutique' options.
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