If you’re wondering if buying a quarter cow can save you money, you’ve come to the right place.
It's a good idea for a few reasons:
- You get approximately 65 lbs. of meat all at once, saving you trips to the grocery store.
- The price of the beef is typically cheaper than supermarket prices.
- You always know exactly where your meat is coming from—and what’s in it.
- Plus, the quality is almost always better than store-bought beef.
Later, we’ll dive deeper into this.
But this is a big buy, and you want to make sure you're doing it right.
You shouldn’t have to stress about this. That’s why we're here to give you an easy and detailed breakdown.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a quarter cow, making it as easy as pie.
How Much Does a Quarter Cow Cost?
Price Ranges
Let’s get straight to the point.
Prices can vary, but for our Angus 1/4 bundle for instance, you're looking at $849.99. This range depends on a few factors like where you're buying from and the type of cow.
Here’s an example from our site.
What Goes Into That Cost
When you buy a quarter cow, you're paying for more than just the meat. Here's what makes up the cost:
- Butchering and Processing Fees: This is the money you pay to the butcher for cutting up the cow into pieces of meat you can cook and eat.
- Special Cut Requests: If you want certain types of cuts, like more steaks or a special kind of roast, you might have to pay a little extra. This is because it takes the butcher more time and work to make these special cuts.
- Packaging: The way the meat is packed can also affect the cost. If it's vacuum-sealed, which keeps the meat fresh for longer, it might cost more. But this can be good because it helps your meat last longer.
So, buying a quarter cow means you're paying for the meat, the butcher's work to cut it, any special requests you have, and how it's packaged.
Even though it sounds like a lot, remember you're getting a lot of meat, and it's usually better quality than what you find in the store.
What’s So Great About Buying a Quarter Cow Straight From the Farm?
Buying a quarter cow from a farm is excellent for MANY reasons:
- Save Money: Think of it like this—when you buy a big pack of snacks, it's cheaper than buying a single snack many times, right? It's the same with beef. The price for 1/4 cow costs less per pound than buying small amounts from the store now and then. So, you end up saving money after a while.
- Tasty and Fresh Meat: The beef you get from the farm is super fresh. It often tastes better because the cows eat grass and live in open spaces. Not only does it make the beef taste better, it is packed with nutrients.
- You Know What You're Getting: When you buy from a ranch, you can ask the farmer how they take care of their cows and what they feed them. This way, you know exactly what you're eating, which is not always possible when you buy meat from a store.
So, buying a quarter cow from the farm is not just good for your wallet; it also means you get yummy, fresh beef, and you're doing something good for the planet.
How Much Meat Is a Quarter Cow?
Meat Quantity and Cuts
When you buy a quarter cow from Simpson’s, you're getting 65 lbs. of beef. This includes different types of cuts like steaks, roasts, ground beef, and more. You'll get a mix, which means meals can be varied and interesting.
Comparison with Retail
Now, if you were to buy all these different cuts at the store bit by bit, it would usually cost more.
So, buying in bulk like this can save you quite a bit of money compared to buying the same amount of meat at retail prices over time.
Additional Costs
But, there are a few extra things to think about.
First, you need a place to keep all this meat. A quarter cow's worth of beef needs a good-sized freezer. If you don't have one, you might need to buy a freezer, which is an extra cost. Also, some places might charge you for delivering the meat to your home, so that's another cost to keep in mind.
In summary, buying a quarter cow gives you a lot of meat for different meals, and it can be cheaper than buying the same amount of meat from the store. Just remember to think about the space you need to store it and any delivery fees.
How to Choose the Right Supplier
When you're ready to buy a quarter cow, picking the right place to buy from is super important. Here's how to make a good choice:
Reputation and Reviews
First, look up what other people say about the supplier. Good reviews and high ratings from other buyers are a big thumbs up. They can tell you if the beef is good and if the supplier is reliable. Check the bottom of this page for Simpson’s ¼ cow ratings and reviews.
Transparency and Certifications
It's also key to pick a supplier who is open about how they raise their cows. They should be able to tell you what the cows eat and how they live. Certifications can help with this. They show that the supplier meets certain standards for taking care of their animals and the land.
Visit the Farm
If you can, go see where the cows live. This way, you can see for yourself if the cows are happy and healthy. Meeting the farmers is great too. They can tell you all about how they raise their cows. This can make you feel more sure about buying from them.
If you have any questions, you can give us a call and talk to Jim Simpson, our owner and farmer of his land in Athens, TN.
Choosing the right supplier means you're more likely to get good beef and feel good about your purchase.
Tips For Buying a Quarter Cow
Storage Tips
- Right Temperature: Make sure your freezer is set at 0°F or lower. This keeps the meat safe and fresh for longer.
- Proper Packaging: Use vacuum-sealed bags or heavy-duty freezer wrap. This protects the meat from the air and keeps it from getting freezer burn.
- Stay Organized: Label each package with what's inside and the date you froze it. This helps you use the oldest items first and keeps your freezer tidy.
Cooking and Usage
- Try New Recipes: You'll get many kinds of beef cuts. Experiment with different recipes to enjoy each type. For example, use ground beef for tacos or meatballs, and save steaks for a special dinner. Check out our recipes here!
- Whole Cow Use: Make the most of the cow by experimenting with cooking with cuts you're not used to. You might discover new favorites.
Sharing with Friends or Family
- Divide the Cost: Buying a lot of beef can be expensive. Sharing with others makes it more affordable for everyone.
- Exchange Cuts: Maybe you love steaks, but your friend prefers ground beef. Sharing lets you each get more of what you prefer.
Plan Your Meals
- Meal Planning: Look at all the cuts you have and plan your meals around them. This helps you use everything you have and makes grocery shopping easier.
- Freezer Inventory: Keep a list of what beef cuts you have in the freezer. Check it before shopping so you know what you have plenty of and what you might need.
Learn About Beef Cuts
- Cut Knowledge: Learn about the different cuts of beef and the best ways to cook them. This can help you make delicious meals out of less popular cuts.
- Butcher Advice: Don't be shy about asking your butcher for tips on cooking and storing your beef. They're experts and can offer great advice.
By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be able to store your beef well, enjoy a variety of delicious meals, share with others, and make the most out of every cut from your quarter cow.
Get Better Deals Here at Simpson’s
Looking for top-notch beef without breaking the bank?
Check out Simpson’s Meat! We offer amazing deals on quarter cows, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
At Simpson’s, we pride ourselves on quality—from beef that's rich in flavor and nutrients to premium Angus, known for its marbling and taste, and even luxurious Wagyu with its unmatched tenderness and taste profile.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to get better deals and make your meals more interesting.
