Farm
Alsager Meats
Fargo
★4.9(552)Local beef supplier in Fargo, North Dakota. 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 Fargo, North Dakota
2 local suppliers selling bulk beef in the Fargo area. Prices in North Dakota typically range $8.50-10.50/lb per pound.
Avg. Rating
4.8 stars
752 reviews
Half Cow Cost
$1,800-2,400
in North Dakota
Best Season
September-November
peak availability
Hanging Weight
$4.00-5.50/lb
before processing
When to Buy in North Dakota
Fall harvest (September-November) is optimal when cattle come off summer grazing at peak condition before the brutal winter. The short grazing season (May-October) means animals must gain weight rapidly. Winter feeding costs are substantial, so most ranchers process before deep winter unless finishing on grain.
2 Suppliers in Fargo
Farm
Prime Cut Meats
Fargo
★4.7(200)Local beef supplier in Fargo, North Dakota. 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 North Dakota Buyers
North Dakota's extreme cold is actually an advantage for beef storage - many residents simply store beef in unheated garages or outbuildings during winter months, though 'garage ready' freezers are recommended for temperature fluctuations. The state's ranch culture means direct-to-consumer sales are common and socially accepted.
Other Cities in North Dakota
Frequently Asked Questionsabout buying beef in North Dakota
01
What does half a cow cost in North Dakota?
A half cow in North Dakota costs $1,800-2,400 total - often below national averages due to abundant local production and lower land costs. Expect $4.00-5.50/lb hanging weight, plus $60 kill share and $0.95/lb processing. Take-home yield is about 200-230 lbs, making effective cost $8.50-10.50/lb.
02
How does North Dakota's climate affect beef production?
The extreme continental climate (-40°F winters, short 5-month grazing season) shapes everything. Cattle must gain weight rapidly in summer, and winter feeding costs are substantial. Most ranchers harvest in fall before deep winter. However, the cold is an advantage for storage - you can keep beef in an unheated garage for months.
03
Is grass-fed beef available in North Dakota?
Pure 100% grass-finished is limited due to the short grazing season (May-October). Most 'grass-fed' beef in ND is actually 'grass-fed, grain-finished' - cattle spend summer on pasture then receive grain supplementation in fall for finishing. True grass-finished requires careful planning around the brief growing season.
04
Can I keep a freezer in my North Dakota garage?
Yes, with caveats. Chest freezers generally work in cold garages, but extreme cold (below 0°F) can cause problems - when ambient temperature drops below the freezer's thermostat setting, the compressor stops and the freezer can actually warm up. 'Garage Ready' freezers have heaters to prevent this. During the coldest months, some residents unplug the freezer entirely.