Quick Answer
Half a cow in Oklahoma costs $2,200-2,800 ($9.00-11.50/lb per pound take-home). There are 3 local suppliers to choose from. Best time to buy: May-June. Most beef is grain-finished.
Oklahoma ranks 4th nationally in cattle inventory with 4.6 million head, and the industry generates over $6 billion annually. The state's unique 'wheat pasture' system creates cattle that bridge grass-fed and grain-fed characteristics. Despite drought-induced herd contraction, a robust direct-to-consumer sector serves Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and beyond.
Half cow: $2,200-2,800
Hanging weight: $4.75-5.75/lb
Take-home: $9.00-11.50/lb
Peak season: May-June
Late spring (May-June) is optimal—cattle finish on lush wheat pasture and spring grasses. The wheat pasture system creates peak availability as cattle come off winter wheat in March. Processing capacity is strong but beef competes with deer/wild game in November-January. Book 3-5 months ahead for preferred dates.
Black Angus, Hereford, Red Angus, Simmental, Charolais
Typical practice: Grain-finished
Ask about 'wheat pasture' beef—it's Oklahoma's hidden gem. Because winter wheat is technically a grass but has the energy density of grain, cattle gain weight rapidly with excellent marbling. The result is beef that's tender like grain-finished but with complex, savory flavor. It's a unique Oklahoma product distinct from either pure grass-fed or corn-finished.
Shawnee
★4.9(121)Oklahoma's #1 source for 100% grass-fed beef and lamb. Holistic farming with composite breeding. No hormones, antibiotics, or steroids.
Wellston
★4.9(215)Central Oklahoma farm producing beef, pork, lamb, chicken and bison. Grass-raised with both grass and grain finishing options. Always free of hormones and antibiotics.
Wellston
★4.8(27)Central Oklahoma's premiere Angus X beef, established in the 1940s. Now in 4th generation of family management. Grass-fed, grain-finished program.
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Explore suppliers in neighboring states - many offer delivery or are worth the drive.
A half cow in Oklahoma costs $2,200-2,800 total. At $5.25/lb hanging weight (403 lbs), expect ~$2,116 for meat, plus $50 slaughter fee (half share) and $1.00/lb processing (~$403), totaling ~$2,569. Your take-home yield is about 260 lbs, making effective cost ~$9.80/lb. Panhandle premium operations may run higher.
Oklahoma's wheat pasture system grazes cattle on winter wheat (November-March). Wheat is technically a grass, but young winter wheat has extremely high protein and sugar—almost like grain. Cattle gain weight rapidly with excellent marbling. The result is beef that's tender like grain-finished but with complex, savory flavor rather than corn sweetness. It's Oklahoma's hidden gem.
No. Custom Exempt beef is stamped 'Not For Sale.' It's strictly for consumption by the owner, their household, and non-paying guests. You cannot resell, donate, or barter this meat. To legally resell beef, it must be processed under USDA or Oklahoma State inspection. Violating this is a serious regulatory offense.
Oklahoma's herd contracted by 100,000 head due to 2022-2024 drought cycles. When pastures fail, ranchers sell cows, reducing future supply. The 2025 market reflects this scarcity—fewer cattle means higher prices. Ranchers must charge more because their replacement and input costs have risen. Drought yesterday creates high prices today; expect elevated pricing for 2-3 more years.
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