If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to buy half a cow, you’re not alone. As more Virginians look for sustainable, local ways to fill their freezers with high-quality meat, buying in bulk directly from a regenerative farm is becoming a popular—and practical—choice. But what does a half cow look like once it's processed? And how much should you expect to pay?
Let’s break it all down so you can feel confident and excited about filling your freezer with nutrient-dense, pasture-raised beef.
What Does a Half Cow Look Like?
When we say “half a cow,” we’re not talking about a literal side of beef being dropped off at your door. Your half cow will be professionally processed, dry-aged for optimal flavor, and custom cut to your preferences. That means your beef comes neatly packaged and labeled—ready to go straight into your freezer.
A half cow typically yields about 180–220 pounds of packaged beef, depending on the breed, age, and finishing style. Here’s a general idea of what’s included:
Cuts from a Half Cow:
- Ground Beef (ground beef, ground chuck): ~90–110 lbs
- Roasts (chuck, eye round, osso bucco, stew meat, top sirloin, london broil): ~30–40 lbs
- Steaks (ribeye, ny strip, filet, delmonico): ~25–35 lbs
- Butcher’s Cuts (brisket, short ribs, flat iron, flank, sirloin) : ~20–30 lbs
How Much Does a Half Cow Cost?
The cost of a half cow varies based on hanging weight (the weight of the cow after initial butchering but before it's trimmed and packaged), processing fees, and your cut preferences. At our regenerative farm in Virginia, we aim to keep pricing transparent and fair—while ensuring our animals are raised the right way.
Average Cost Breakdown:
- Average End Weight of a Half Cow: Around 200 lbs
- Estimated Total Cost: $2,000 - $2,400
- Average Cost per Packaged Pound: $10.00-$12.00/lb
This means you’re getting pasture-raised, nutrient-dense beef for the same or less than grocery store prices—without compromising on ethics or quality. And unlike store-bought meat, you know exactly where it came from and how it was raised.
Why Buy Half a Cow from a Regenerative Farm?
When you buy half a cow from our farm, you’re investing in more than just food. You’re supporting:
- Soil Health through rotational grazing and composting practices
- Animal Welfare with low-stress, pasture-raised environments
- Local Food Security by keeping dollars in the Virginia farming community
- Nose-to-Tail Sustainability, ensuring every part of the animal is honored and used
You also enjoy the convenience of a well-stocked freezer and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your beef is clean, traceable, and truly nourishing.
Ready to Fill Your Freezer?
If you're wondering whether buying in bulk is the right move, we’re happy to walk you through the process. Whether you’re a family of five or a couple who loves to meal prep, a half cow can feed you for months—and elevate every meal in the process.
👉 Want to learn more or reserve your half cow today.