Half Cow vs Whole Cow: Which is Right for Your Family?
Complete comparison of half cow vs whole cow beef shares. Compare meat yield, cost, storage requirements, and find the perfect option for your family.
Quick Comparison
Half Cow
Whole Cow
Detailed Comparison
Meat Yield Comparison
Half Cow
- 200-250 lbs total meat
- 30-40 lbs steaks
- 20-30 lbs roasts
- 140-160 lbs ground beef
Whole Cow
- 400-500 lbs total meat
- 60-80 lbs steaks
- 40-60 lbs roasts
- 280-320 lbs ground beef
Cost Comparison
Half Cow
Whole Cow
Note: Whole cow offers better value per pound due to economies of scale in processing and packaging.
Storage Requirements Comparison
Half Cow Storage
Requires 8-10 cubic feet of freezer space.
- Medium chest freezer
- Large upright freezer
- Fills most of standard home freezer
- Some room for other items
Whole Cow Storage
Requires 15-20 cubic feet of freezer space.
- Large chest freezer
- Commercial upright freezer
- Dedicated beef freezer recommended
- May need multiple freezers
Which Size is Right for Your Family?
Choose Half Cow If:
- Family of 4-6 people
- Eat beef 2-3 times per week
- Have 8-10 cu ft freezer space
- Budget of $1,500-2,200
- Want 8-12 months supply
- First-time beef share buyer
Choose Whole Cow If:
- Large family (6+ people)
- Eat beef 4+ times per week
- Have 15-20 cu ft freezer space
- Budget of $2,800-4,000
- Want 12-18 months supply
- Want best value per pound
Consumption Patterns & Duration
Half Cow Consumption
A half cow (200-250 lbs) typically lasts:
- Family of 4: 8-10 months
- Family of 6: 6-8 months
- Eating beef 2-3x per week
Whole Cow Consumption
A whole cow (400-500 lbs) typically lasts:
- Family of 6: 12-15 months
- Family of 8+: 10-12 months
- Eating beef 4+ times per week
Value Analysis: Which Offers Better Value?
Cost Per Pound
Half Cow: $6-9 per pound average
Whole Cow: $6-8 per pound average
Winner: Whole cow offers slightly better value per pound due to economies of scale in processing.
Total Investment
Half Cow: $1,500-2,200 total investment
Whole Cow: $2,800-4,000 total investment
Consideration: Whole cow requires a larger upfront investment, but provides more meat and better long-term value.
Savings vs Grocery Store
Both options save 30-50% compared to grocery store prices. The larger the share, the more you save on premium cuts like steaks.
Example: If you buy $3,000 worth of grocery store beef, a whole cow at $3,400 saves you money while providing premium quality.
Decision Guide
Start with Half Cow If:
You're new to buying beef shares, have a medium-sized family, or want to test the waters before committing to a larger purchase. Half cow is a great middle ground that provides plenty of meat without overwhelming your freezer or budget.
Go with Whole Cow If:
You have a large family, eat beef frequently, have adequate freezer space, and want the best value per pound. Whole cow is ideal for serious meat enthusiasts who want to stock up for the long term.
Ready to Choose Your Beef Share?
Now that you understand the differences between half and whole cow shares, join our buyer list to be notified when shares become available from trusted farmers in your area.
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