Farm
Hagerman Ranch
Greycliff
★5.0(13)Greycliff, Montana Black Angus beef. No added hormones, antibiotic-free, and grass-raised on the family ranch.
Grass-FedNaturalDelivery
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
Farm PickupLocal Delivery
View DetailsBuy Half a Cow in Montana
Quick Answer
Half a cow in Montana costs $2,000-2,800 ($8.50-11.00/lb per pound take-home). There are 5 local suppliers to choose from. Best time to buy: August-September. Most farms offer grass-fed beef.
Montana ranks 9th nationally in cattle inventory with 2.5 million head, mostly on vast rangeland operations. With just 1.1 million people across 147,000 square miles, the ratio of cattle to humans approaches 2.3:1. The state's identity is inseparable from ranching, and direct-to-consumer sales represent a return to the 'neighbors feeding neighbors' tradition that predates industrial beef.
5 Suppliers
$4.50-6.00/lb Hanging Weight
August-September Best Season
5 Farm Pickup
1 Local Delivery
4 Ship Nationwide
Buying Bulk Beef in Montana: Expert Guide
Pricing
Half cow: $2,000-2,800
Hanging weight: $4.50-6.00/lb
Take-home: $8.50-11.00/lb
Best Time to Buy
Peak season: August-September
Late summer (August-September) is optimal—cattle have finished on summer grass at peak condition before fall works begin. Avoid October through January when hunting season overwhelms processors. Processing capacity is severely limited; book 6-12 months ahead. Spring beef (March-May) is available but cattle may have been on hay rations over winter.
Common Breeds
Black Angus, Red Angus, Hereford, Black Baldy, Charolais
Typical practice: Grass-fed
Local Tip
Montana's distances are deceptive—a 'local' producer may be 100+ miles away. Arrange pickup logistics carefully or find producers who deliver to town on a schedule. Many ranchers sell direct from the ranch; be prepared for a scenic drive. Freezer capacity is essential—Montana's cold winters help with garage storage but plan for 8-10 cubic feet per half.
Top Production Regions
Billings area (Yellowstone, Stillwater, Carbon counties)Bozeman/Gallatin ValleyGreat Falls/Golden TriangleMissoula/Western MontanaMiles City/Eastern Montana
5 Suppliers in Montana
Farm
McCafferty Ranch
Stanford
★5.0(4)Third-generation Montana cattle ranch since 1926. Located at the base of the Little Belt Mountains. Grass fed sprout finished beef.
Grass-FedPasture-RaisedDelivery
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
Farm PickupShips Nationwide
View DetailsButcher
Simpson's Meats
Bozeman
★4.8(105)Shop online for bulk meat and buy half a cow easily. Quality cuts and fast delivery for stocking your freezer.
NaturalDelivery
1/2 Cow · Whole Cow · Bulk Box
Farm PickupShips Nationwide
View DetailsFarm
Montana Ranch and Cattle
Great Falls
★3.8(10)Grass-fed beef raised since 1836. No hormones, no antibiotics. Traditional Montana ranching with mRNA-free cattle.
Grass-FedNaturalDelivery
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
Farm PickupShips Nationwide
View DetailsCo-op
Montana Ranchers Beef Co.
Billings
100% grass-fed beef from Montana ranchers. Collective of family farms committed to sustainable ranching practices.
Grass-FedGrass-FinishedDelivery
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow +1 more
Farm PickupShips Nationwide
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Bulk Beef in Nearby States
Explore suppliers in neighboring states - many offer delivery or are worth the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions: Buying Beef in Montana
01
What does half a cow cost in Montana?
A half cow in Montana costs $2,000-2,800 total. At $5.00/lb hanging weight (350 lbs), expect ~$1,750 for the meat, plus $50-75 kill fee and $0.90-1.10/lb processing (~$350). Your take-home yield is about 210-230 lbs, making effective cost $8.50-11.00/lb. Montana's competitive pricing reflects the cattle-rich landscape.
02
Why is processing so difficult during hunting season?
Montana's hunting season (September-November) brings massive demand for wild game processing. Custom butchers prioritize deer, elk, and antelope—wild game is time-sensitive and requires immediate processing. Beef can wait in the freezer. Processors often stop taking beef appointments during peak hunting. Book beef for August-September or February-March.
03
Is Montana beef really grass-fed without the premium?
Yes. Montana's vast rangeland operations raise cattle on grass as the default—it's not a premium niche but standard practice. The short growing season means grain-finishing requires expensive imported feed. Many producers offer true grass-finished beef at prices comparable to grain-finished beef elsewhere. The 'premium' for grass-fed reflects genuine grass-finishing, not marketing.
04
How do Montana's distances affect bulk beef buying?
Be prepared for long drives. A 'local' producer may be 100+ miles away. Many ranchers deliver to town pickup points on schedule (weekly or bi-weekly). Coordinate timing carefully. Once you have the beef, Montana's cold winters allow garage freezer storage with natural temperature assistance. The investment in a relationship with a rancher is worth the logistics.
Buying Guides & Tools
First-Time Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know
Beef Cuts Guide
What cuts you'll actually get
Cut Sheet Guide
How to customize your order
Half vs Quarter Cow
Compare share sizes and costs
Grass-Fed vs Grain-Finished
Understand the real differences
Freezer Space Guide
How much space you'll need
Bulk Beef vs Grocery
See the real cost comparison
Price Calculator
Estimate your total cost