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Buy Half a Cow in Vermont

Quick Answer

Half a cow in Vermont costs $2,600-3,600 ($11.00-15.00/lb per pound take-home). There are 36 local suppliers to choose from. Best time to buy: September-December. Most farms offer grass-fed beef.

Vermont maintains approximately 10,000-12,000 beef cattle across small, diversified farms. The state's dairy heritage (more dairy cows than beef) creates a significant beef-on-dairy segment. Vermont's reputation for quality, small-farm culture, and strong 'Buy Local' movement supports premium pricing and direct-to-consumer sales.

36 Suppliers
$5.50-8.50/lb Hanging Weight
September-December Best Season
36 Farm Pickup

Buying Bulk Beef in Vermont: Expert Guide

Pricing

Half cow: $2,600-3,600

Hanging weight: $5.50-8.50/lb

Take-home: $11.00-15.00/lb

Best Time to Buy

Peak season: September-December

Fall harvest (September-December) is optimal when cattle have grazed lush summer pastures. Book 6-12 months in advance - Vermont has severe processing bottlenecks. The dairy-to-beef transition means some availability year-round from dairy operations culling or finishing steers.

Common Breeds

Black Angus, Hereford, Devon, Belted Galloway, Holstein crosses

Typical practice: Grass-fed

Local Tip

Vermont's dairy heritage is your friend for beef buying. Holstein steers from dairy operations often produce exceptionally marbled beef at lower prices than beef breeds. The state's strong 'Buy Local' culture means farmers markets and farm stands are excellent sources for finding producers. Ask about 'cull cows' from dairy farms - they're often ground beef deals.

Top Production Regions

Champlain ValleyNortheast KingdomCentral VermontSouthern VermontConnecticut River Valley

Browse by City

36 Suppliers in Vermont

Farm

Boissoneault Beef

Saint Albans Town

5.0(12)

Local beef supplier in Saint Albans Town, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

Boneyard Farm

Cambridge

5.0(18)

Local beef supplier in Cambridge, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
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Farm

Clay HIll Farm

Hartland

5.0(4)

Local beef supplier in Hartland, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Farm

Cutting Hill Beef Co.

Cornwall

5.0(15)

Local beef supplier in Cornwall, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Farm

Health Hero Farm

South Hero

5.0(9)

Local beef supplier in South Hero, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Farm

Moultroup Valley Farm

Richmond

5.0(3)

Local beef supplier in Richmond, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Farm

Reber Rock Farm

Essex

5.0(77)

Local beef supplier in Essex, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Butcher

Royal Butcher

Braintree

5.0(7)

Local beef supplier in Braintree, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Farm

Smith Family Farm

New Haven

5.0(4)

Local beef supplier in New Haven, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

Snug Valley Farm

Hardwick

5.0(13)

Local beef supplier in Hardwick, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Farm

Sunday Bell Farm

Danville

5.0(15)

Local beef supplier in Danville, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Farm

Templeton Farm

East Montpelier

5.0(12)

Local beef supplier in East Montpelier, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
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Farm

Local beef supplier in Irasburg, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

Wicked Bines Farm

Berlin

5.0(18)

Local beef supplier in Berlin, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

Bread & Butter Farm

Shelburne

4.9(67)

Local beef supplier in Shelburne, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

Libbey's Meat Market

Lyndon

4.9(64)

Local beef supplier in Lyndon, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

McKnight Family Farm

East Montpelier

4.9(10)

Local beef supplier in East Montpelier, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Butcher

Roma's Butchery

Royalton

4.9(67)

Local beef supplier in Royalton, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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The Vermont Butcher Shop

Londonderry

4.9(37)

Local beef supplier in Londonderry, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Williston Meat & Fish Market

Williston

4.9(259)

Local beef supplier in Williston, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

Badger Brook Meats

Danville

4.8(12)

Local beef supplier in Danville, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Cloudland Farm

Woodstock

4.8(100)

Local beef supplier in Woodstock, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Lilac Ridge Farm

Brattleboro

4.8(47)

Local beef supplier in Brattleboro, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Maple Ridge Meats

Benson

4.8(12)

Local beef supplier in Benson, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Bald Mountain Farm

Rutland

4.7(28)

Local beef supplier in Rutland, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Farm

Bob's Meat Market

Saint Albans City

4.7(160)

Local beef supplier in Saint Albans City, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Butcher

Brownsville Butcher & Pantry

West Windsor

4.7(312)

Local beef supplier in West Windsor, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Maple Wind Farm

Richmond

4.7(44)

Local beef supplier in Richmond, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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North Hollow Farmstore

Rochester

4.7(11)

Local beef supplier in Rochester, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Vermont Livestock Slaughter

Ferrisburgh

4.7(12)

Local beef supplier in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Butcher

The Butchery

Stowe

4.6(100)

Local beef supplier in Stowe, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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Natural
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Village Butcher Shop

Woodstock

4.6(92)

Local beef supplier in Woodstock, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

🐄
Natural
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
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Farm

Shelburne Meat & Fish Market

Shelburne

4.5(43)

Local beef supplier in Shelburne, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

🐄
Natural
1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
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Besserys Butcher Shoppe

Burlington

4.4(139)

Local beef supplier in Burlington, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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1/4 Cow · 1/2 Cow · Whole Cow
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Farm

Local beef supplier in Springfield, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

🐄
Natural
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Farm

Local beef supplier in Barton, Vermont. Contact them directly for current availability and pricing on bulk beef purchases.

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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 Vermont

01

What does half a cow cost in Vermont?

A half cow in Vermont costs $2,600-3,600 total - premium pricing reflects the state's quality reputation and limited supply. Expect $5.50-8.50/lb hanging weight depending on breed and production method. Add $100 slaughter share and $1.30/lb processing. Take-home yield is about 200-230 lbs, making effective cost $11-15/lb.

02

Why is Vermont beef more expensive than other states?

Vermont's premium reflects three factors: (1) strong 'Buy Local' culture supports quality over volume, (2) limited farmland and processing capacity restrict supply, (3) the Boston/New York market proximity creates demand for premium products. The trade-off is exceptional quality and traceability.

03

Should I buy beef from a dairy farm in Vermont?

Yes - Vermont's dairy heritage means Holstein steers are commonly finished for beef. Due to dairy genetics, these animals often marble better than beef breeds, potentially grading Choice or Prime. They typically cost 15-25% less than beef breeds. Ask dairy farmers about finishing steers or purchasing cull cows for ground beef value.

04

How do I find beef producers in Vermont?

Vermont has strong local food infrastructure. Start with farmers markets (Burlington, Montpelier), local food co-ops, or the Vermont Fresh Network directory. The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-VT) lists certified producers. Many farms maintain waiting lists for bulk beef - sign up early.

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