Split a Cow With Friends and Family

Split It Four Ways

Divide the Cuts by Taste

Each household lists what it wants. One person fills out one cut sheet for the group.

Split the Money and the Work

• Cost: split the final bill by pounds of beef each household takes. The ranch bills by hanging weight, and you take home about 60% to 65% of it. See hanging weight vs. take-home weight.
• Pickup: send the biggest vehicle, and bring coolers.
• Freezer space: a half needs about 9 cu ft in total. Spread it across a few freezers. Use our freezer guide.
• Timing: Ohio waits of 2 to 6 months are common, and pickup is often 2 to 3 weeks after harvest.

Agree on This Before You Order

1. Organizer: one person talks to the ranch and the processor.
2. Deposit: decide who pays it and when. Ohio deposits run $50 to $500 for a half, or about $13 to $125 per household.
3. Late payers: decide now what happens.
4. Owner names: some processors may need every owner’s name. Ask the ranch.

Payment plans vary, so ask the ranch. Not sure what to ask? Use these guides:

• Questions to ask a rancher
• Questions to ask your processor

When You Clash Over Cuts

Someone always wants more ribeyes, and nobody can have all of them. The fix is more animal. Next time, buy a whole cow. It costs about double a half and gives about twice the beef. Whole-cow prices vary, so ask the ranch for its number. Compare sizes in quarter vs. half vs. whole cow.

The Price

A half cow costs about the same as grocery beef overall. It is cheaper on steaks and pricier on ground beef. You get farm-direct beef you can trace, for about the same money. Run your quote through our beef cost calculator.