Simpson's Meats Blog
How Much is a Half Cow? The Ultimate Breakdown
If it’s your first time buying half a cow, it can feel like a big step.How do you store all that meat? How much does it really cost? And is it worth it? Here’s the truth: buying a half cow is one of the smartest ways to fill your freezer with high-quality beef and save money in the long run.At Simpson’s Meats, we make the process simple — from the farm to your freezer — so you can skip the middlemen, avoid inflated grocery prices, and enjoy premium beef every time you cook. Let’s break it all down. How Much Does a Half Cow Cost? The price of a half cow can vary a bit, depending on things like breed, feed, and size. For most families, a pasture-raised half cow will cost between $2,000 and $3,000. That price covers everything — the beef itself, professional butchering, vacuum-sealed packaging, and delivery right to your door. No hidden processing fees, no extra charges. Just premium, pasture-raised beef, ready for your freezer. When you buy half a cow, you’re getting the same high-quality beef our local customers have trusted for years — the same cuts served in top restaurants and on family tables across the country. Why Buy Half a Cow From a Ranch? 1. Save Money Over Time Buying in bulk means you pay less per pound than you would at the grocery store. It’s an upfront investment that pays off quickly — especially when you realize you’ve locked in a steady supply of premium beef at a fair price, no matter what grocery store prices do next. 2. High-Quality, Farm-Raised Beef When you buy from Simpson’s, you’re getting beef from cattle raised the right way — pasture-raised, hormone-free, and cared for on family land. That attention to detail shows in the flavor, tenderness, and nutrition of every cut. 3. Variety in Every Box Your half cow includes a wide mix of cuts — tender steaks for grilling, roasts for slow cooking, and plenty of ground beef for everyday meals. Every cut comes vacuum-sealed and labeled, so all you have to do is thaw, cook, and enjoy. 4. Know Where Your Food Comes From You’ll always know exactly where your beef was raised and who raised it. We’re proud to share how our cattle are cared for, what they eat, and how we handle every step of the process — because transparency builds trust, and that’s what Simpson’s Meats is built on. 5. Support Local Farmers Every order supports real farmers and butchers here in the U.S. When you buy a half cow, you’re helping sustain local agriculture, preserve open pastureland, and keep food production rooted in quality — not shortcuts. How Much Meat Comes With a Half Cow? A half cow yields roughly 200 pounds of finished beef, all individually vacuum-sealed and labeled for easy storage. That includes: A mix of premium steaks (like ribeye, NY strip, sirloin, filet) Roasts for family meals Plenty of ground beef for tacos, burgers, and weeknight cooking Other favorites like short ribs, stew meat, and brisket Everything arrives frozen solid and perfectly packaged — no cutting, wrapping, or portioning required. Just fill your freezer and start planning your next meal. Storing and Enjoying Your Beef A standard upright or chest freezer (around 7–10 cubic feet) is usually plenty of space for a half cow. All your beef will arrive vacuum-sealed, keeping it fresh for 9-12 months in your freezer with no loss of flavor or quality. Here are a few quick tips: Keep your freezer at 0°F or below to maintain top quality. Organize by cut so you can easily grab what you need. Rotate and plan meals to enjoy every cut — from everyday ground beef to weekend ribeyes. That’s it — no repackaging or prep needed. We’ve done all the work for you. Choosing the Right Supplier Not all beef is created equal, and not all farms operate the same way. When you’re choosing where to buy your half cow, here’s what matters most: Reputation and Reviews: Look for proven customer satisfaction and consistent quality (our ¼ and ½ cow customers have a lot to say — check the reviews below!). Transparency: You should know how the cattle are raised and processed. We’re always open about our practices because we believe customers deserve to know. Customer Care: Buying in bulk should be easy, not confusing. We guide you through every step — from your first question to your first meal. Sustainable Practices: Our cattle are raised responsibly, without shortcuts or unnecessary chemicals. It’s better for the land, and it’s better for your family. When you choose Simpson’s Meats, you’re choosing beef that’s traceable, trustworthy, and truly top-tier. Ready to Get Started? Buying half a cow doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve made it easy, convenient, and completely transparent — so you know exactly what you’re getting and why it’s worth it. If you’re looking for a better way to stock your freezer, a smarter way to spend your grocery budget, and a partner you can trust for premium beef — you’ve found it. Order your Half Cow from Simpson’s Meats today, and fill your freezer with beef you’ll feel good about serving all year long. (Updated October 2025) Frequently Asked Questions How much does a half cow cost? Most pasture-raised half cows cost between $2,000 and $3,000. Prices vary depending on size, farming practices, and processing preferences. How much meat do I actually get from half a cow? You’ll typically receive around 200 pounds of beef, including steaks, roasts, ground beef, and other assorted cuts. Is buying half a cow really cheaper? Yes — although the upfront cost seems high, you save money per pound compared to buying individual cuts at the store. It’s a bulk investment that pays off over time. How do I store all that meat? Keep meat in a freezer set to 0°F or lower. Our vacuum-sealed will prevent freezer burn and everything is labelled with cut type and date. How do I choose the right farm or supplier? Look for farms with strong reviews, clear transparency about how cattle are raised, and sustainable, local practices. At Simpson’s Meats, you can even talk directly to the farmer, Jim Simpson, to learn about how your beef is raised. How long will the meat last? When frozen properly, most cuts will stay fresh for 9–12 months. Can I share a half cow with someone? Absolutely. Many families split a half cow to share the cost and freezer space. You can divide up the cuts evenly so everyone gets a good variety. Just let us know if this is what you'd like to do!
Learn moreHow Much Is a Quarter Cow? Everything You Need to Know
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. Come check out our beef deals at Simpson’s Meat!
Learn moreThere's Pow'r In The Blood
There's Pow'r In The Blood To ensure our continued legacy of quality cattle production, we go to the nation's best Angus genetic sources to implement their top genetics into our herds. By using breed-leading genetics from Gardiner Angus Ranch (Ashland, Kansas) and 44 Farms (Cameron, Texas), we are able to grass-raise beef that our customers consistently feel is unmatched. With over 1,000 5-star reviews online, we believe in the power of our Angus genetics to provide your family with beef that is more marbled to improve tenderness, juiciness, flavor and an overall eating experience. We want to be your family's trusted source for your family's half cow purchase. If you are looking to buy a half cow, buy a whole cow, or are curious where to find a half cow for sale, our team at Simpson's Meats is here to simplify the process and help you order beef online easier than ever before. Shop Your Family's Beef From A Family Name You Trust Shop Simpson's
Learn more
