Description

How Much Does a Whole Cow Cost?

Most families who purchase a whole cow from us take home around 500 lbs of finished, packaged beef.

Because every animal is different, the final price depends on the size of the animal and processing details, but buying in bulk typically results in a lower average cost per pound compared to retail beef.

What to expect:

• Your $400 deposit reserves your beef
• The deposit is applied to your final total
• Final pricing is confirmed after processing, once the exact take-home weight is known
• Processing fees are paid directly to the butcher

We’ll always confirm your final balance before delivery or pickup — no surprises.

Why Our $/lb Looks Higher — But Isn’t

• Most farms price beef by hanging weight — the weight before trimming, bone loss, and processing.
• We price beef by take-home weight — the finished, packaged beef that actually goes into your freezer.

Take-home weight reflects what you truly receive and what you truly pay.

Why Prices Aren’t Directly Comparable

Bottom line: Our price is based on the beef you eat — not the weight lost during processing.

Freezer Space Required

Having a dedicated freezer makes it easy to:

• Stay organized
• Access cuts quickly
• Maintain long-term quality

Real-World Cost Example: What a Whole Cow Typically Costs

Because every animal is different, the final price of a Whole Cow depends on take-home weight and processing fees. To help you plan with confidence, here’s a realistic example based on an average half beef order.

Example Whole Cow Cost Breakdown

• Take-home weight: ~500 lbs.
• Average beef costs: ~$2,290.00
• Processing: ~$500
• Total: ~$2,790.00

Your $400 deposit is credited toward this total. We always confirm your final price before delivery so you know exactly what to expect.

Whole Cow vs. Grocery Store Beef

Why a Deposit Is Required (and How It Protects You)

When you reserve a Whole Cow from Nadig Farms, your $400 deposit does more than hold your spot — it allows us to plan processing, scheduling, and inventory accurately.

Because each animal is raised and processed specifically for families who reserve in advance, deposits ensure that:

• Your beef is allocated specifically to you
• Processing is scheduled with the butcher
• We can maintain consistent quality and availability

Why Buying a Whole Cow Saves Money

When families compare similar quality cuts, buying a Whole Cow is often significantly more affordable than purchasing beef at the grocery store.

With a Whole Cow, you’re:

• Paying a lower average price per pound
• Locking in pricing ahead of time
• Getting premium steaks, roasts, and ground beef at the same blended cost
• Reducing grocery trips for months at a time

For many families, a Whole Cow provides enough beef to last 6 – 12 months, depending on household size and eating habits.

Local Beef Raised for Families in Northern Illinois

Nadig Farms is a family-owned farm based in Northern Illinois, serving families throughout the Chicago suburbs and surrounding communities.

Our cattle are:

• Born and raised locally
• Processed at USDA-inspected facilities
• Delivered to families who want real food from a real farm

Many of our customers find us while searching for:

• “whole cow near me”
• “buy half a cow near me”
• “local beef in Northern Illinois”
• “whole cow for sale Illinois”

If you live in or around the Chicago suburbs, chances are we already serve families in your area.

📞 Questions? Call (815) 541-8527 for details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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