If you’ve ever considered buying a whole cow for meat, you’ve likely wondered how the process works, what to expect, and whether it’s worth the investment. Purchasing a grass-fed whole cow can be a game-changer for your family’s meals, offering premium quality beef, cost savings, and the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from. Whether you’re new to this idea or looking to dive deeper, this guide will walk you through the key aspects of buying a whole beef, from understanding the weights to how it’s butchered.
Why Buy a Whole Cow?
There are several advantages to buying a whole cow for meat, especially if you prioritize quality and sustainability.
Cost Savings
While buying a whole cow might seem like a large upfront expense, it’s cost-effective in the long run. When you break down the per-pound price of beef cuts like ribeye, ground beef, and brisket, purchasing a whole cow often costs less than buying the same cuts individually from a store.
Quality Assurance
When you buy a grass-fed whole cow, you’re investing in high-quality, nutrient-dense beef raised without antibiotics or hormones. Grass-fed beef (especially longhorn beef!) is leaner and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and other essential nutrients.
Customization
One of the best parts of buying a whole cow butchered is the ability to customize how it’s cut. You can work with the rancher or the butcher to select your preferred cuts and portions.
Bulk Convenience
A whole cow can provide beef for your family for about a year, ensuring you always have a variety of cuts available for meals.
Is Buying a Whole Cow Right for You?
Buying a whole cow for meat isn’t for everyone, but it’s an excellent choice if:
- You value high-quality, sustainably raised beef.
- You have enough freezer space to store it.
- You’re looking to save money on premium cuts.
- You enjoy customizing your meat cuts and having a variety of options.
If you’re unsure about committing to a whole cow, consider purchasing a half or quarter cow to start.
How Much Does a Whole Cow Cost?
Well, the most accurate answer is…it depends.
Pricing varies based on the cow’s size, breed, and the farm’s practices. For example, grass-fed whole longhorn cow pricing often ranges from $4-$6 per pound of hanging weight or $10-$12 finished weight. Check out this article for more information on longhorn meat prices.
Sometimes, additional processing fees for specialty butchering and packaging may apply. Think more customization=more processing cost.
When calculating costs, remember that buying in bulk reduces the overall price per pound compared to individual retail cuts.
How Much Meat Do You Get from a Whole Cow?
When purchasing a whole cow butchered, it’s important to understand what you’ll receive. Understanding the different weights will help you understand different pricing structures as well. Some ranchers will charge by hanging weight, others will charge by the take-home weight. Here’s a breakdown:
Live Weight (or On-The-Hoof)
This is the cow full weight before any processing has been done. This includes all the non-edible parts such as horns, hoofs, hide.
Hanging Weight
The cow’s hanging weight (after removing non-edible parts) is about 60-70% of the live weight and typically ranges from 600-900 lbs.
Take-Home Weight (or Finished Weight)
After processing (removing bones, fat, etc.), you can expect about 60-70% of the hanging weight as usable meat.
Let’s do some math. If you have a 1000 lb cow, the hanging weight will be about 650 lbs. After it is butchered into final cuts, your take home weight will be about 425 lbs.
Cuts Breakdown
You’ll receive a mix of steaks, roasts, ground beef, and specialty cuts like brisket or short ribs. A standard whole cow yields:
- 25-30% steaks (e.g., ribeye, tenderloin, sirloin)
- 30-35% roasts and larger cuts (e.g., chuck roast, rump roast)
- 30-40% ground beef and stew meat
What Size Freezer Do You Need When Buying Whole Beef?
Buying a whole beef means you’ll need enough freezer space to store it. A whole cow typically requires about 16-20 cubic feet of freezer space. If you don’t have enough space, consider splitting the purchase with friends or family. Here are a couple types of freezers to consider:
Chest Freezers
Ideal for bulk storage, offering better energy efficiency and space.
Upright Freezers
Easier to organize and access specific cuts.
The Butchering Process
When you buy a whole cow, working with the rancher or butcher is one of the most exciting parts of the process. You’ll have the opportunity to customize how your beef is processed and packaged, ensuring it fits your family’s needs and preferences. This is generally called a Cut Sheet.
Working closely with your rancher is essential to getting the most out of your whole beef purchase. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek recommendations. A skilled butcher can help you make the best decisions based on your preferences, cooking habits, and freezer space. By customizing the process, you’ll end up with a tailored selection of beef that fits your lifestyle and ensures nothing goes to waste.
Here’s a detailed look at the key things to consider and discuss:
Cut Preferences
One of the biggest benefits of buying a whole cow is the ability to customize your cuts. The butcher will walk you through a “cut sheet,” a guide that outlines the available options for processing the cow. Key decisions include:
Steak Thickness
Choose the thickness of your steaks based on your cooking preferences. For example, thicker cuts (1-1.5 inches) are great for grilling, while thinner cuts may be better for quicker cooking.
Roast Size
Decide how large you want your roasts. Smaller roasts (2-3 lbs) are ideal for smaller families or quicker cooking, while larger ones (4-5 lbs) work well for gatherings or slow cooking.
Ground Beef Ratio
Work with your butcher to determine how much of the cow you’d like processed into ground beef versus whole cuts. Ground beef is incredibly versatile, making it a favorite choice for many families.
Specialty Steaks and Cuts
Request popular cuts like filet mignon, ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, and discuss whether you’d like lesser-known cuts like skirt steak or flank steak.
Specialty Items
When you buy a whole cow butchered, you’re not just limited to traditional cuts of beef. You’ll also have the option to keep additional specialty items that many grocery stores don’t offer:
Organ Meats
Consider keeping nutrient-dense organ meats like liver, heart, tongue, or kidney. These are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Soup and Marrow Bones
Beef bones are perfect for making bone broth, which is packed with collagen and other health benefits. Let your butcher know if you want these cut into manageable sizes for easy use.
Fat/Suet
Many butchers can return the trimmed fat, which you can render into tallow. Tallow is a healthy, natural fat that’s ideal for cooking and frying.
Short Ribs and Brisket
Don’t overlook specialty cuts like short ribs and brisket, which are excellent for slow cooking or smoking.
Packaging Options
Proper packaging is essential to preserving the quality of your beef and ensuring it lasts as long as possible in the freezer. Discuss these details with your butcher:
Vacuum-Sealed Packaging
This is the most popular option for long-term storage. Vacuum-sealing removes air from the package, preventing freezer burn and preserving freshness for up to 2 years.
Paper-Wrapped Cuts
For a more traditional approach, some customers prefer butcher paper wrapping. While this is less effective for long-term storage, it can be a good option for cuts you’ll use within 6 months.
Portion Sizes
Decide how many steaks, pounds of ground beef, or other cuts you’d like per package. Smaller portions are great for singles or couples, while larger portions work well for families.
Labeling
Ask your butcher to clearly label each package with the cut type and weight. This makes it easier to find what you need in the freezer and plan meals.
Finding a Trusted Source
When purchasing a grass fed whole cow, finding a reputable supplier is essential.
Local, Small-Farms
Buying directly from a small-farm rancher ensures transparency about how the cow was raised and generally provides higher-quality beef.
Farmers Markets
Many grass-fed beef producers you find at a local farmers market sell whole cows and can guide you through the process.
At Livingood Cattle Co., we pride ourselves on raising grass-fed beef that’s antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and pasture-raised to deliver exceptional flavor and nutrition.
Understanding Grass-Fed Beef
When choosing your beef, opting for grass-fed beef has significant benefits:
Healthier Meat
Grass-fed beef is leaner, lower in saturated fat, and higher in omega-3s and antioxidants compared to grain-fed beef.
Sustainable Practices
Grass-fed cows graze on pastures, promoting eco-friendly and ethical farming practices.
Superior Flavor in Grass-Fed Longhorn Beef
Grass-fed longhorn beef has a rich, natural flavor that’s distinct from grain-fed varieties.
Check out this article for more information about the health benefits of grass-fed longhorn beef.
Tips for First-Time Bulk Buyers
Ask Questions
Speak with the rancher about their raising practices, the cow’s diet, and what’s included in the purchase and find out of there are any other add-on fees or costs.
Plan Ahead
Make sure you have enough freezer space and a plan for cooking the various cuts.
Partner with a Trusted Rancher
A reputable rancher will have a partnership with a skilled butcher will guide you through the cutting and packaging process, ensuring you get the most from your purchase.
Ready to Buy a Whole Cow Butchered?
Ready to experience the benefits of buying a grass fed whole cow? At Livingood Cattle Co., we make the process easy and transparent. From pasture to plate, we provide high-quality, sustainably raised beef that your family will love. Visit our ranch in Krum, TX or contact us today to learn more about our whole beef options and start your journey to better eating.