Quarter Beef: What It Costs and What You Get
A quarter cow is the best entry point for buying grass-fed beef in bulk, enough to stock your freezer for months without requiring a full chest freezer or a four-figure upfront cost.
Front Quarter vs. Hind Quarter vs. Split Quarter
When you buy a quarter, you have options for which part of the animal you get, and this significantly affects your cut mix:
- · More ground beef
- · Chuck roasts
- · Short ribs
- · Brisket
- · More steaks
- · Sirloin, round
- · Flank & skirt
- · Lean roasts
- · Mix of front & hind
- · Most balanced
- · More variety
- · Best for most buyers
Quarter Beef Cost Breakdown
Quarter cow prices for 100% grass-fed beef typically run $400–$700 total, depending on the farm and whether processing is included.
How the numbers break down
- Hanging weight for a quarter: ~140–175 lbs
- Farm price: $3.50–$5.50/lb hanging weight = $490–$960 (varies widely by operation)
- Processing fee: $0.75–$1.25/lb HW = $105–$220, often billed directly by the butcher
- Take-home weight: 85–125 lbs of finished, vacuum-sealed beef
- Effective cost per pound take-home: ~$5.50–$9/lb all-in
Many online direct-to-consumer farms (like Crowd Cow and White Oak Pastures) also offer bulk boxes at competitive per-pound prices if a direct farm quarter isn't available in your area, worth comparing before committing.
What Cuts Come in a Quarter?
A typical split quarter (balanced front/hind) yields approximately 100 lbs of finished beef. Here's what to expect:
| Cut Category | Approx. Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 35–45 lbs | The largest single portion of your quarter |
| Steaks | 12–18 lbs | Depends on which quarter, front vs. hind |
| Roasts | 12–18 lbs | Chuck, round, or sirloin tip depending on quarter |
| Short Ribs or Back Ribs | 4–8 lbs | Braising and smoking cuts |
| Brisket (hind quarter) | 3–5 lbs | Only if you take a hind quarter or split quarter |
| Stew Meat | 4–8 lbs | From the tougher braising sections |
| Soup Bones & Marrow | 4–8 lbs | Included on request; great for bone broth |
Freezer Space for a Quarter Cow
A quarter cow requires approximately 5–7 cubic feet of freezer space. A standard 7 cu ft chest freezer is perfect and typically costs $150–$200 new. You can also use the bottom of a large upright freezer if you have one.
Before ordering: measure your freezer's interior and remove existing items to visualize the space. Vacuum-sealed beef stacks efficiently, 100 lbs fits more neatly than you might expect.
Where to Buy Quarter Beef
These suppliers from our directory offer bulk purchasing options for 100% grass-fed beef.
White Oak Pastures
Bluffton, Georgia
Offers bulk purchase options
Crowd Cow
USA, Uruguay & Japan (farm-specific)
Offers bulk purchase options
US Wellness Meats
Missouri & Midwest USA
Offers bulk purchase options
Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed
Midwest, Northeast & West USA (50+ farms)
Offers bulk purchase options