Farm
Maine Organic Beef Co.
Charleston
★5.0(9)Local beef supplier in Charleston, Maine. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.
Natural
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
Farm Pickup
View DetailsBuy Half a Cow in Charleston, Maine
2 local suppliers selling bulk beef in the Charleston area. Prices in Maine typically range $9.00-12.00/lb per pound.
Avg. Rating
5 stars
233 reviews
Half Cow Cost
$2,000-2,900
in Maine
Best Season
September-December
peak availability
Hanging Weight
$4.00-6.50/lb
before processing
When to Buy in Maine
Fall harvest (September-December) is optimal when cattle have grazed sugar-rich summer pastures. Book 12-18 months in advance - Maine processors have severe capacity constraints. Beef harvested in spring (after winter on hay) may be leaner with milder flavor.
2 Suppliers in Charleston
Farm
Maple Lane Farms LLC
Charleston
★4.9(224)Local beef supplier in Charleston, Maine. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.
Natural
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
Farm Pickup
View DetailsLocal Tip for Maine Buyers
The Belted Galloway ('Beltie') is Maine's iconic breed - the black-and-white 'Oreo cow' originated in Scotland and thrives in Maine winters. Belties produce smaller cuts than commercial breeds but with excellent meat-to-bone ratio and intense, earthy flavor. Always request offal (heart, liver, tongue) and soup bones - they're 'free' but discarded if not specified.
Other Cities in Maine
Frequently Asked Questionsabout buying beef in Maine
01
How much does half a cow cost in Maine?
Expect $2,000-2,900 total for a half cow in Maine. Conventional/grain-assist runs $4.00-4.75/lb hanging weight; grass-fed is $4.75-5.75/lb; certified organic/heritage (like Belted Galloway) reaches $5.75-6.50/lb. Add $525 processing fees. Your take-home yield is about 234 lbs, making effective cost $9-12/lb.
02
Why does Maine beef cost more than national averages?
Maine prices run 15-35% above national averages due to three factors: (1) grain must be trucked from the Midwest, adding transportation cost; (2) harsh winters require expensive hay just to maintain cattle weight; (3) limited processing capacity means higher overhead per animal. The premium reflects genuine production challenges, not marketing.
03
How far in advance do I need to order?
Plan 12-18 months ahead. Maine processors (Herring Brothers, Luce's, Bubier) book that far out. Contact farms in January-March to reserve a fall harvest slot. Your best chance for 'immediate' beef is getting on a farm's cancellation waitlist - shares occasionally open when buyers back out.
04
What is a Belted Galloway and should I buy one?
Belted Galloways ('Belties') are the iconic black-and-white 'Oreo cows' of Maine. Originating from Scotland, they developed a double coat for cold weather and don't need thick backfat for warmth - resulting in leaner, higher-yielding carcasses. The meat has intense, earthy flavor. Cuts are smaller than commercial breeds, but meat-to-bone ratio is excellent. Aldermere Farm in Rockport maintains a world-renowned herd.