Have you ever thought about buying meat in bulk and wondered, how much is a side of beef? Maybe you’ve seen friends stocking their freezers and saving money, while you’re still paying premium prices at the grocery store for just a few cuts. It can feel confusing to figure out the real cost and whether it’s actually worth it for your family.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about buying a side of beef, what it costs, how much meat you’ll get, and whether it’s a smart investment. You’ll also learn about the cuts included, storage tips, and how to get the best value for your money. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer to the question you came here with and confidence in making your choice.
What is a Side of Beef?
A side of beef refers to one half of a cow that has been split down the middle and butchered. It usually includes all major cuts like the rib, loin, chuck, and round, providing a variety of steaks, roasts, and ground beef.
Buying a side of beef is a cost-effective way to stock your freezer with high-quality, nutrient-rich meat. Many farms offer pasture-raised, grass-fed beef or even specialty cuts like Wagyu or Angus, giving you both quality and variety.
How Much Does a Side of Beef Weigh?
Typically, a full side of beef weighs between 200 and 300 pounds hanging weight. After processing, removing bones, fat, and trimming, you can expect about 60 to 70% of that weight in packaged beef for home use.
This means your freezer will need to accommodate roughly 150 to 200 pounds of meat. Vacuum-packaged cuts help maximize freezer storage and keep the meat fresh for months, making it ideal for long-term family meals.
Read more Article:How Much Is Dermaplaning
Benefits of Buying a Side of Beef
Buying a side of beef has several advantages over purchasing individual cuts at the grocery store. First, it’s more economical: bulk buying reduces the cost per pound compared to retail prices.
Second, you get a wide variety of cuts from ribeye steaks to brisket, sirloin, and stew meat allowing you to try new recipes and enjoy diverse meals. Supporting local ranchers also strengthens the local economy and ensures high-quality, sustainable meat.
Where to Buy Side of Beef / Cow Share?
Local farms, ranchers, or CSA programs are excellent sources for purchasing a side of beef. Many farms offer delivery or pickup options, and some include processing fees in the overall price.
You can also find sides of beef from locker beef facilities or USDA-inspected farms, ensuring safe, high-quality meat. Research reviews and ask for recommendations to select a trustworthy supplier.
How to Order a Side of Beef
Start by choosing the type of beef you want: grass-fed, grain-finished, or organic. Then, decide on the cuts and packaging preferences. Most farms provide an order form to customize bone-in steaks, boneless cuts, or ground beef portions.
Confirm details about delivery, freezer packaging, and special instructions such as smokehouse-ready cuts or organ meats. Clear communication ensures you get exactly what you need.
Differences Between Live Weight, Hanging Weight, and Packaged Weight
- Live weight: the cow’s weight before slaughter
- Hanging weight: after removing head, hide, and internal organs
- Packaged weight: the final weight after trimming, cutting, and vacuum-packing
Understanding these helps estimate cost per pound and the actual amount of meat you’ll receive.
Cost of a Side of Beef
A side of beef generally costs between $6 and $6.25 per pound based on hanging weight. For example, a 200-pound side would be around $1,200 to $1,250. Specialty cuts, grass-fed beef, or organic options may increase the price.
Additional costs may include:
- Butchering fees for steaks, roasts, or ground beef
- Processing fees for packaging and vacuum sealing
- Delivery charges if the farm brings the beef to your home
How to Store Side of Beef: Home Freezer
Use a large freezer, ideally a chest freezer, set to 0°F or lower. Vacuum-packed portions help prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Label each package with cut type and freezing date. Organize meat so older packages are used first, making meal planning and inventory management easier.
How Much Freezer Space Do You Need To Store a Half Steer?
Half a cow or side of beef requires roughly 8 to 12 cubic feet of freezer space, depending on packaging size. Bulk beef like roasts and ribeyes can take more room, so plan accordingly.
Consider your freezer inventory, and if needed, purchase an extra chest freezer to comfortably store all cuts.
How Long Will a Side of Beef Last in the Freezer?
Vacuum-packed beef can last 12 months or more in a freezer without losing quality. Proper storage ensures you have a steady supply of family meals, including steaks, ground beef, and roasts, for months.
How Long Will It Take to Eat a Side of Beef / Half Cow?
It depends on your household size and consumption. A side of beef, roughly 150 to 200 pounds of packaged meat, can feed a family of four to six for 6 to 12 months.
Meal planning, sharing with friends, and rotating cuts help ensure no meat goes to waste.
What Cuts Are in a Side of Beef?
- Rib: Ribeye, Delmonico, T-bone, Rib roast
- Chuck: Chuck roast, stew meat, ground beef
- Loin: Porterhouse, NY strip, top sirloin, tenderloin
- Round: Eye round, top round, bottom round, London broil
- Miscellaneous: Brisket, short ribs, oxtail, soup bones, tongue, organ meats
Custom cuts can be requested to fit your cooking preferences and freezer space.
Conclusion
Buying a side of beef is an investment in both quality and savings. You get a variety of cuts, bulk beef for family meals, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your meat comes from.
With proper planning, freezer storage, and ordering from trusted suppliers, how much is a side of beef becomes an easy question to answer, leaving you ready to enjoy fresh, nutritious, and versatile beef for months.
FAQS
What is the average cost for a side of beef?
Around $6 to $6.25 per pound (approximately $1,200 to $1,250 for 200 lbs).
How much meat is in a side of beef?
About 150 to 200 pounds of packaged meat after butchering.
How much is a side of beef per kg?
Roughly $13 to $14 per kilogram.
How much is 1 kg of beef in Pakistan?
Approximately PKR 1,200 to 1,500 per kilogram, depending on quality and region.