Quarter Cow vs Half Cow – Which Should I Buy?
Not sure whether to buy a quarter cow or half cow? We'll break down the differences in meat yield, cost, storage requirements, and help you choose the perfect beef share for your family.
Quick Comparison: Quarter Cow vs Half Cow
Quarter Cow
Meat Yield:100-125 lbs
Cost:$800-1,200
Cost per lb:$6-10
Freezer Space:5-7 cu ft
Family Size:2-4 people
Duration:6-8 months
Half Cow
Meat Yield:200-250 lbs
Cost:$1,500-2,200
Cost per lb:$5-8
Freezer Space:10-12 cu ft
Family Size:4-6 people
Duration:10-12 months
Detailed Comparison: Quarter Cow vs Half Cow
Meat Yield Comparison
Quarter Cow (100-125 lbs)
- Premium steaks: 15-20 lbs
- Roasts: 10-15 lbs
- Ground beef: 70-80 lbs
- Specialty cuts: 5-10 lbs
Half Cow (200-250 lbs)
- Premium steaks: 30-40 lbs
- Roasts: 20-30 lbs
- Ground beef: 140-160 lbs
- Specialty cuts: 10-20 lbs
Cost Comparison
Quarter Cow Cost
Total cost:$800-1,200
Cost per pound:$6-10
Monthly cost:$100-150
*Based on 6-8 months of consumption
Half Cow Cost
Total cost:$1,500-2,200
Cost per pound:$5-8
Monthly cost:$125-183
*Based on 10-12 months of consumption
Storage Requirements
Quarter Cow Storage
- Freezer space: 5-7 cubic feet
- Small chest freezer
- Half refrigerator freezer
- Easy to manage
Half Cow Storage
- Freezer space: 10-12 cubic feet
- Large chest freezer
- Full refrigerator freezer
- Requires more space
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Quarter Cow If:
- Family of 2-4 people
- Limited freezer space
- First-time beef share buyer
- Budget under $1,200
- Want to try before committing to larger share
Choose Half Cow If:
- Family of 4-6 people
- Adequate freezer space
- Experienced beef share buyer
- Budget $1,500-2,200
- Want better cost per pound
Family Size Guide
2-3 People
Small family or couple
Quarter Cow
6-8 months of meat
4-5 People
Medium family
Half Cow
10-12 months of meat
6+ People
Large family
Whole Cow
12+ months of meat
Ready to Choose Your Beef Share?
Now that you understand the differences between quarter cow and half cow options, join our buyer list to be notified when shares become available from trusted Pennsylvania farmers in your area.