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Get the exact breakdown of how much meat you'll receive from a whole cow - from steaks to ground beef, we'll show you exactly what to expect in your beef share.
A whole cow typically yields 400-500 pounds of meat, depending on the size of the animal and how it's processed. This includes a complete variety of cuts from steaks to ground beef.
Larger animals naturally yield more meat. A 1,400-pound steer will produce more meat than a 1,200-pound steer. Most whole cows come from animals weighing 1,200-1,400 pounds.
How you choose to have your meat processed affects yield. Bone-in cuts weigh more but have less edible meat. Boneless cuts provide more usable meat but weigh less.
Grass-fed beef typically has less fat than grain-finished beef, which can affect the total weight. However, grass-fed beef often has better flavor and nutritional benefits.
Your cutting preferences can affect yield. More steaks mean less ground beef, and vice versa. Most processors can accommodate your preferences.
A whole cow requires approximately 15-20 cubic feet of freezer space. This is roughly the size of a large chest freezer or a commercial-grade upright freezer.
Total cost for 400-500 lbs of meat
Average cost per pound
Savings: Buying a whole cow can save you 40-60% compared to buying individual cuts at the grocery store, especially on premium cuts like steaks. The larger the share, the better the value.
Now that you know exactly how much meat you'll get from a whole cow, join our buyer list to be notified when shares become available from trusted farmers in your area.
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