How Much Meat is in a Whole Cow? Complete Breakdown
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.
Quick Answer: How Much Meat in a Whole Cow?
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.
Detailed Whole Cow Meat Breakdown
Premium Steaks (60-80 lbs)
- Ribeye steaks (16-24 steaks)
- Strip steaks (16-24 steaks)
- Filet mignon (8-12 steaks)
- T-bone steaks (8-12 steaks)
- Porterhouse steaks (4-8 steaks)
- Sirloin steaks (12-16 steaks)
- Flank steak (2-3 steaks)
Roasts (40-60 lbs)
- Chuck roast (8-12 lbs)
- Rump roast (8-12 lbs)
- Sirloin tip roast (8-12 lbs)
- Arm roast (8-12 lbs)
- Round roast (8-12 lbs)
- Brisket (8-12 lbs)
Ground Beef (280-320 lbs)
- Ground beef (80/20 lean)
- Ground beef (85/15 lean)
- Ground beef (90/10 lean)
- Ground beef patties
Specialty Cuts (20-40 lbs)
- Short ribs
- Skirt steak
- Oxtail
- Soup bones
- Stew meat
- Organ meats (if desired)
Factors That Affect Whole Cow Meat Yield
Animal Size
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.
Processing Options
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.
Fat Content
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.
Cut Preferences
Your cutting preferences can affect yield. More steaks mean less ground beef, and vice versa. Most processors can accommodate your preferences.
Storage Requirements for a Whole Cow
Freezer Space Needed
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.
- Large chest freezer: 15-20 cubic feet
- Commercial upright freezer: 15-20 cubic feet
- Multiple freezers: 20+ cubic feet total
Storage Tips
- Keep freezer at 0°F or below
- Use airtight packaging
- Label packages with dates and cuts
- Rotate meat regularly
- Avoid freezer burn
- Organize by cut type and date
- Keep inventory list
Whole Cow Cost Comparison
Whole Cow Cost
Total cost for 400-500 lbs of meat
Average cost per pound
Grocery Store Comparison
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.
Ready to Order Your Whole Cow?
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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