Cuts

I’m in! How much beef do I get?

Well, as much as your stomach, ahem, freezer can handle. Deciding between an eigth, quarter, half or whole cow can be a big choice.

Here’s a brief guide to help you figure out what is best for you, your friends or your familiy’s needs - without the butcher jargon.

From Hot Carcass to Freezer Weight

Imagine a cow weighing in at 1,100 pounds. After processing (removing the inedible bits like hide, head, hooves, and organs), you're left with what's called the "hot carcass weight." This typically amounts to about 62% of the live weight, so around 682 pounds.

But wait, there's more! After trimming fat, removing bones, and accounting for moisture loss during dry aging, the meat you actually bring home is about 40% to 45% of the original live weight. That means from our 1,100-pound cow, you'll get approximately 450 to 470 pounds of delicious, freezer-ready beef .

What's in the Beef Bundles?

Here’s a tasty breakdown of the cuts you can expect from a whole cow. If you're ordering a half, quarter, or eighth… well, you’ll get about half, a quarter, or an eighth of the deliciousness below:

  • Steaks (70–85 lbs):

    • Ribeye Steaks: 10–14 cuts, rich in marbling and flavor.

    • Sirloin Steaks: 6–10 lean yet tender pieces.

    • New York Strip Steaks: About 8 steaks from the rear.

    • Filet Steaks: 6 prized cuts from the tenderloin.

  • Ground Beef (200–220 lbs): The versatile staple for burgers, tacos, and more.

  • Roasts (80–100 lbs):

    • Chuck Roasts: 14–18 lbs, perfect for slow-cooked dishes.

    • Brisket: 10–14 lbs, ideal for smoking or braising.

    • Round Roasts: 45–55 lbs, lean and versatile.

    • Ribs: 10–12 lbs, ready for the smoker or grill.

  • Stew Meat (15–18 lbs): Great for hearty stews and casseroles.

  • Specialty Cuts:

    • Filet Mignon: 6–10 lbs of tender delight.

    • Flank and Skirt Steaks: 5–7 lbs, excellent for fajitas.

    • Offal (Liver, Heart, etc.): 10–15 lbs for the adventurous palate.

Freezer Tetris

A full cow's worth of beef requires about 16 to 20 cubic feet of freezer space. For a half cow, plan on 8 to 10 cubic feet.

Properly stored, your beef will stay fresh and tasty for up to a year. A family of four typically consumes a half cow's worth of beef in 8 to 12 months… unless your family includes someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger circa 1975, in which case... better double it.