Where Can I Buy a Side of Beef? A Complete Guide

Buying a side of beef can be an excellent way to stock up your freezer with high-quality meat at a bulk discount. But where exactly can you purchase a half cow? Here is a complete guide on the best places to buy a side of beef.

What is a Side of Beef?

A side of beef refers to half of a cow that has been slaughtered and butchered. It consists of both the front and hindquarters. A side of beef typically weighs 300-400 lbs and contains a variety of cuts like ribeyes, roasts ground beef and brisket.

Purchasing an entire side of beef in bulk allows you to get high-quality craft beef at an affordable per-pound price compared to buying individual cuts at the grocery store, It’s a cost-effective way to offset rising meat costs for families who eat a lot of beef

Where to Buy Directly from a Ranch

One of the best ways to source a high-quality side of beef is to buy directly from a local cattle ranch or farmer. Purchasing beef directly from the farm ensures you are getting beef raised on pasture and fed a natural diet without antibiotics or hormones.

How to Find a Ranch Selling Beef

Here are some tips for finding a cattle ranch in your area that sells sides of beef:

• Search online directories like LocalHarvestorg and EatWild,com that list farms selling meat directly to consumers

• Check with your state’s grassfed beef association for a list of producers.

• Ask at your local farmer’s market if any vendors offer beef halves for sale.

• Search “buy a side of beef near me” and contact ranches in your region.

• Look for ranches that raise cattle on open pasture and use regenerative grazing practices. This indicates healthier and more nutritious beef.

How to Buy From a Ranch

Once you locate a reputable ranch, follow these steps to purchase your beef side:

• Contact them to get a current price per pound based on the hanging weight.

• Select the cuts you want like ribeyes, brisket, and roast. Provide cutting instructions.

• Place a deposit to order your side of beef. It may take 4-6 weeks until ready.

• When the beef is processed, pay the balance and arrange for delivery or pickup.

• Make space in your freezer before your half cow arrives. Enjoy!

Ranches often only sell beef by the half or quarter cow. Splitting a side with another family can lower the costs. Your total price will vary based on the beef’s hanging weight and cutting specifications. Expect to pay $6.50-16.00/lb based on whether it’s conventional, grass-fed, or organic.

Order from a Local Butcher Shop

Your local full-service butcher shop or meat market may also be able to source sides of beef for customers. Many partner with regional farms to offer custom beef halves.

Ask if they work with any ranches raising cattle on pasture without antibiotics or hormones. A local butcher can also cut and pack the beef to your specifications.

Shop around as pricing can vary. Expect to pay more for grass-fed or organic beef options. Arranging the cuts you want and bulk buying still provides savings over grocery store beef.

Buy Online from a Beef Company

Several online companies sell high-quality beef directly to consumers nationwide:

ButcherBox

• Offers both grass-fed and grass-finished beef sides from partner ranches.
• Beef is free of antibiotics and hormones.
• Choose USDA Prime or Choice grades.
• Price is $8-12/lb based on grade.
• Ships frozen to your door in a cooler.

Crowd Cow

• Sources beef halves from independent ranches around the U.S.
• 100% grass-fed. Animals are humanely raised.
• Price averages $9.50-$11/lb.
• Ships overnight frozen to your address.

Snake River Farms

• Sells American Wagyu beef halves with intense marbling.
• The cattle are raised humanely on a vegetarian diet.
• Price is $16-$18 per pound due to the specialized breed.
• Ships frozen to your door.

Online companies provide convenient nationwide delivery if you can’t source beef locally. Look for those that focus on artisanal, farm-raised beef for quality.

What to Look for When Buying a Side of Beef

To ensure you get the best quality, here are some tips for choosing a side of beef:

• Select cattle raised on pasture, not in crowded feedlots. The diet makes a major difference in the beef’s nutrition and flavor.

• Look for beef that is antibiotic and hormone free. This indicates a higher standard of animal care.

• Ask the ranch about their farming practices like rotational grazing. Regenerative, sustainable methods produce healthier cattle.

• Inspect the facilities if you visit the ranch. They should promote animal welfare.

• Try to find local or regional sources to support small farmers and reduce environmental impact.

• Taste the beef before purchase so you know the eating quality. A sample size is reasonable to request.

• Choose USDA Prime or Choice grade beef for optimal tenderness and juiciness.

• Consider splurging for Wagyu or other specialty breeds if you want intensely marbled beef.

Doing your research helps ensure you get the best beef side for your money and diet preferences.

How Much Does a Beef Side Cost?

The overall cost of a half cow comes down to:

Price Per Pound x Hanging Weight = Total Price

Hanging weight is how much the side weighs before processing. Typical price per pound:

• Conventional grain-fed: $6.50 – $8/lb
• Grass-fed: $9 – $12/lb
• Organic/Grass-fed: $14 – $16/lb
• American Wagyu: $16 – $18/lb

So a 350 lb grass-fed side at $10/lb costs $3,500 total. The bulk price per pound saves you money compared to individual retail cuts.

What is Included in a Side of Beef?

A whole side contains a variety of cuts:

• Ribeye steaks
• T-bone/Porterhouse steaks
• Ground beef
• Top sirloin steaks
• Brisket
• Chuck roast
• Rump roast
• Short ribs
• Soup bones

You’ll get all the popular steaks, roasts, and ground meat a family needs. Give your preferred cutting instructions to the supplier so you get the right mix of cuts for your household.

How Much Freezer Space is Needed?

You’ll need ample freezer space to store an entire side of beef. The general rule is:

• 1 cubic foot holds 35-40 lbs of meat

So for a 300 lb side, you’ll need a 7-8 cubic foot freezer. Often a stand-alone chest freezer is easiest. Make space before your beef arrives.

Is Buying a Half Cow Worth It?

If your family eats a lot of beef, buying an entire side is likely worth the investment. Consider:

• It saves money over grocery store beef, especially quality types like grass-fed.

• You get a variety of steaks, ground beef, and others cuts.

• Supports local ranchers and sustainable meat production.

• Buying in bulk reduces waste – you use every bit.

• Adds food security – you have beef for 6+ months.

While the upfront cost is higher, you recoup it over time with lower weekly grocery bills. Splitting a side can reduce the cost. With some planning, it can provide quality craft beef for a family at an affordable price point.

Where to Buy a Side of Beef: Key Takeaways

• Purchase directly from a cattle ranch or farmer for quality beef from pasture-raised animals.

• Check with local butcher shops that may source sides of beef from regional farms.

• Order from online grass-fed beef companies that deliver.

• Look for antibiotic and hormone-free beef from animals fed a natural diet.

• Select USDA Prime or Choice grades for optimal flavor and tenderness.

• Expect to pay $6.50-$18/lb based on type of beef and hanging weight.

• Make space in your freezer before delivery day.

Buying part of a cow may take some additional planning but provides delicious craft beef for pennies per pound. With many sourcing options available, you can likely find a side of beef that fits your budget and preferences. Investing in a bulk meat purchase saves money and gives your family premium beef all year long.