Ordering a half cow is simple. You place your order online to reserve your share with a deposit. Once the animal is harvested and processed, the final take-home weight is confirmed. We’ll contact you with your balance due and pickup details when your beef is ready.

Yes, many customers choose to split a half cow with another family. You’ll still receive approximately half of the beef, and the order can be divided evenly when you pick it up. Any cut preferences should be agreed upon ahead of time.

Our pricing is based on take-home weight, which is the weight of the beef after it is cut, trimmed, and packaged. This reflects the actual amount of meat you will receive, making it easier to plan freezer space and meals.

Yes, a deposit is required to reserve your half cow. This ensures we can plan processing and inventory accurately. Deposits are non-refundable once the animal is scheduled for processing, but they are applied directly toward your final total.

A half cow typically requires about 14 – 20 cubic feet of freezer space, which is roughly the size of a standard upright freezer. Using a dedicated freezer or a large chest freezer ensures your beef stays organized and maintains its quality.

Processing fees are not included in the listed farm price. These fees cover cutting, wrapping, and packaging your beef according to your preferences.

For your convenience, we provide an estimated processing fee in your cart and order summary so you can see an estimated total cost (farm + processing). This estimate is for planning purposes only, and final processing costs may vary slightly based on the actual processing weight and your cutting instructions.

Processing fees are ultimately paid to the processor. In some cases, customers pay the processor directly. In other cases, we may pay the processor on your behalf and collect the processing fee from you separately as reimbursement.

The remaining balance is due after processing is complete and your final take-home weight is confirmed. You’ll receive the final total before delivery so there are no surprises.

When properly wrapped and kept frozen at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, beef will maintain its quality 12 – 18 months. Ground beef is best used within about 12 months, while steaks and roasts can last longer to 18 months.

Take-home weight refers to the amount of packaged beef you receive after processing. It is different from live weight or hanging weight.

The beef processing fee is paid directly to the butcher who cuts, packages, and labels your beef based on your preferences.

The final price is calculated after processing, once the beef is weighed and ready. You will receive a confirmation email before delivery or pickup.

A half cow includes a wide variety of cuts such as steaks, roasts, ground beef, and specialty cuts. This typically includes ribeye, T-bone or New York strip steaks, sirloin, chuck roasts, brisket, and ground beef. The exact cuts depend on processing options and the size of the animal.

Yes. You’ll have the opportunity to customize how your beef is cut, including steak thickness, roast sizes, and ground beef packaging. Cut instructions are provided to the processor before processing begins.

The exact number varies based on the animal’s size and your cut preferences. On average, a half cow yields a balanced mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef, with ground beef making up the largest portion. Most families receive enough variety for many months of meals.

Steaks are typically cut between 1 and 1 and a half inches thick unless you request otherwise. You can request thicker or thinner cuts when submitting your processing preferences.

Our cattle are raised locally with a strong focus on animal care, nutrition, and responsible farming practices. We believe that healthy cattle produce better-tasting, higher-quality beef.

Yes. All beef is processed at a USDA-inspected facility, ensuring it meets strict safety and quality standards.

Buying a half cow gives you better value per pound, higher quality beef, and transparency about where your food comes from. You also get a freezer stocked with a wide variety of cuts, helping families save money and shop less often.

For many families, buying a half cow is one of the most cost-effective ways to purchase high-quality beef. It provides months of meals, predictable pricing, and peace of mind knowing exactly where your beef comes from.

Yes. A half cow is a great option for families who want to try buying beef in bulk without committing to a full cow. We guide you through every step of the process.

That’s completely normal. Many of our customers are first-time buyers. We’re happy to explain the process, answer questions, and make sure you feel confident from order to pickup.

The final cost per pound depends on the take-home weight and processing fees. In most cases, buying a half cow results in a lower average cost per pound compared to retail beef prices.

When comparing similar quality cuts, buying a half cow is typically more affordable than purchasing individual cuts at the grocery store, especially over time.

A half cow can provide hundreds of meals depending on portion sizes and household habits. Many families find it supplies beef for 6 – 12 months.

Yes. Bulk beef allows families to lock in pricing, reduce grocery trips, and enjoy consistent quality while often paying less per pound overall.

Beef prices in 2026 are higher due to a combination of factors, including reduced cattle herds, higher feed and fuel costs, more people eating beef today (higher demand), and ongoing supply chain pressures across the beef industry. Weather events and long-term shifts in agriculture have also reduced overall beef supply, which drives prices up.

For a detailed breakdown of what’s driving beef prices higher and how it affects families buying beef today, read our full article here: Why Beef Costs What It Does in 2026

We deliver to the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County and the surrounding western suburbs.

Your beef comes from our family farm in Stockton, Illinois, in the northwest corner of the state, about two to two and a half hours from the Chicago area. Our cattle are processed at USDA-inspected facilities, and your beef is vacuum-sealed and frozen.

After processing, your beef is weighed, packaged, and frozen. We then confirm your final balance with you and arrange your delivery before it goes out.