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Buying a Quarter, Half, or Whole Cow
Buying a quarter, half, or whole cow is one of the most strategic ways to purchase high-quality beef. Instead of paying retail prices for individual cuts throughout the year, bulk beef buying helps you stock your freezer with a balanced selection of steaks, roasts, and ground beef at a more efficient cost per pound.
For many first-time buyers, the process can feel unclear: What does “hanging weight” mean? How much meat do you actually take home? How much freezer space do you need? This guide answers those questions in plain terms—so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
At Ferguson Farms, our bulk grass-fed beef shares are built around transparency and simplicity. Pricing reflects take-home weight (not hanging weight) and includes professional USDA-inspected processing. Each share is vacuum sealed, flash frozen, and shipped frozen nationwide—ready to store and use.
What Is a Beef Share?
A beef share allows you to purchase bulk grass-fed & grass-finished beef in freezer-ready quantities. Instead of shopping cut by cut, you receive a professionally curated assortment of steaks, roasts, and ground beef — designed for long-term freezer stocking.
From Pasture to Processing: How Grass-Fed Beef Shares Are Produced
Understanding how cattle are raised, processed, and portioned provides clarity when buying a quarter, half, or whole cow. Production standards directly influence quality, nutrition, and overall value.
100% Grass-Fed & Grass-Finished Cattle
Cattle are raised on open pasture and finished entirely on grass — never grain. Rotational grazing practices support pasture health while allowing animals to develop naturally over time.
Carcass Yield & Take-Home Weight
After harvest, carcass (or dressed) weight is reduced through trimming, deboning, and moisture loss. Most cattle yield approximately 60–65% packaged take-home weight. Understanding this distinction is essential when comparing hanging weight pricing to final packaged pounds.
USDA-Inspected Processing
All bulk beef shares are processed in facilities inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Cuts are professionally trimmed, vacuum sealed, labeled, and flash frozen to maintain integrity and freezer longevity.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Cow?
The cost of buying a quarter, half, or whole cow depends on how pricing is structured. Understanding the difference between traditional farm pricing and transparent take-home pricing helps you compare true cost per pound.
Traditional Hanging Weight Pricing
- Price quoted per pound of hanging weight
- Processing fees billed separately
- Final take-home weight reduced by 35–40%
- Total cost unknown until processing is complete
Example: $5.00/lb × 800 lb hanging weight = $4,000 + $1,000 processing = $5,000 total ÷ 500 lb take-home weight = $10.00 per actual pound
Ferguson Farms Take-Home Pricing
- Pricing reflects actual packaged weight
- Professional USDA processing included
- No separate butcher fees
- No yield math required
The price shown on your Quarter, Half, or Whole Cow page reflects the true take-home weight — giving you immediate clarity on cost per pound before checkout.
When comparing bulk grass-fed beef options, always calculate the final cost per actual pound of meat you receive — not the quoted hanging weight. Transparent pricing makes the decision simpler.
Still Comparing Bulk Beef Options?
Dive deeper into cost breakdowns, share comparisons, and seasonal timing before securing your Quarter, Half, or Whole Cow.
Traditional Farm Purchase vs Delivered Bulk Share
Beyond pricing, the bulk beef buying experience can vary significantly. Understanding the process helps you decide which approach fits your time, schedule, and comfort level.
Traditional Farm Purchase
- Coordinate slaughter scheduling
- Complete detailed cut sheet forms
- Wait for butcher processing timeline
- Pick up large quantities in person
- Transport meat in coolers yourself
- Manage freezer space immediately
For experienced buyers, this system works well. For first-time bulk beef buyers, the logistics can feel overwhelming.
Ferguson Farms Bulk Delivery
- Select Quarter, Half, or Whole online
- Professionally curated cut assortment
- USDA-inspected processing
- Vacuum sealed & flash frozen
- Insulated packaging with dry ice
- Delivered frozen to your door
The goal is simplicity: transparent pricing, professional handling, and freezer-ready beef without scheduling or transportation concerns.
How Bulk Beef Delivery Works
Professional processing and secure shipping are critical when ordering bulk grass-fed beef online. Every step is designed to ensure your Quarter, Half, or Whole Cow arrives frozen, protected, and ready for storage.
USDA-Inspected Processing
All bulk beef shares are processed in USDA-inspected facilities. Each cut is professionally trimmed, labeled, and vacuum sealed to preserve freshness and integrity.
Vacuum Sealed & Flash Frozen
Cuts are vacuum sealed to prevent freezer burn and flash frozen to lock in freshness. This ensures long-term freezer storage without compromising quality.
Insulated Packaging with Dry Ice
Orders are packed in insulated liners with dry ice and clearly labeled as perishable. This system maintains frozen temperatures throughout transit.
Nationwide Frozen Delivery
Bulk beef shares ship via expedited UPS services and arrive frozen to customers across the contiguous United States.
How Much Freezer Space Do You Need?
One of the most common questions when buying a quarter, half, or whole cow is how much freezer capacity is required. Bulk beef shares are packaged efficiently, but planning ahead ensures smooth storage.
Quarter Cow
~105 lbs of packaged beef
Typically fits in a small chest freezer (approximately 5–7 cubic feet), or a partially empty upright freezer.
Half Cow
~210 lbs of packaged beef
Best stored in a medium chest freezer (approximately 10–14 cubic feet) for organized access.
Whole Cow
~420 lbs of packaged beef
Requires a large chest freezer (approximately 18–22 cubic feet), or multiple freezer units.
Vacuum-sealed packaging allows beef to stack efficiently and reduces wasted space. Planning freezer capacity in advance ensures your bulk beef share is easy to store and access throughout the year.
Quarter vs Half vs Whole Cow Comparison
Comparing packaged pounds, freezer requirements, and value positioning helps determine which bulk beef share aligns with your household needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Cow
Clear, practical answers to common questions about buying a quarter, half, or whole cow.
How much does it cost to buy a quarter, half, or whole cow?
Total cost depends on share size and pricing structure. Traditional farms often quote hanging weight pricing and charge separate butcher fees. Ferguson Farms pricing reflects final packaged take-home pounds and includes professional USDA-inspected processing for clear cost per pound before checkout.
What is hanging weight vs dressed weight vs take-home weight?
Hanging weight (also called dressed weight) refers to the carcass weight after harvest but before trimming and deboning. Take-home weight is the actual packaged beef you receive. Most cattle yield approximately 60–65% packaged weight after trimming, bone removal, and moisture loss.
Is buying a cow worth it compared to grocery store prices?
For households that regularly purchase premium grass-fed beef, buying in bulk can reduce the blended average price per pound. It also provides long-term freezer stability and protection against retail price swings.
What cuts are included in a beef share?
Shares typically include a balanced assortment such as ribeye steak, strip steak, sirloin steak, filet mignon, flank steak, chuck roast, brisket, short ribs, stew meat, soup bones, and ground beef. Larger shares increase overall volume and variety.
How much freezer space do I need?
A quarter cow (~105 lbs) typically fits in a 5–7 cubic foot freezer. A half cow (~210 lbs) requires approximately 10–14 cubic feet. A whole cow (~420 lbs) requires 18–22 cubic feet or multiple units.
Is your beef truly 100% grass-fed and grass-finished?
Yes. All bulk beef shares are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, raised on pasture without grain finishing, and produced without GMOs, added hormones, or antibiotics.
Is the beef USDA inspected?
All bulk beef is processed in facilities inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensuring compliance with federal food safety and labeling standards.
How long does bulk beef last in the freezer?
Properly vacuum-sealed beef stored at 0°F maintains quality for 12 months or longer. Flash freezing and airtight packaging reduce freezer burn and preserve texture.
What states do you ship to?
Bulk beef shares ship frozen to customers across the contiguous United States using expedited UPS delivery with insulated packaging and dry ice.
Can I customize my cuts?
Shares are professionally curated to provide whole-animal balance and consistent value. This simplifies ordering while ensuring a mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef.
Ready to Stock Your Freezer?
Secure professionally processed, 100% grass-fed & grass-finished bulk beef with transparent take-home pricing and frozen delivery to your door.
