How Much Freezer Space is Needed for Half a Cow?

If you’re a meat lover who wants to enjoy high-quality beef while supporting local farmers and saving money, you might be interested in buying half a cow. Buying half a cow is a process called “cow sharing” or “cowpooling”, where you purchase a large amount of beef directly from a farm and get it delivered to your home. However, before you make this decision, you need to consider how much freezer space you need for half a cow. In this post, we’ll explain how to buy half a cow, how much meat you can get from it, and how much freezer space you need to store it.

To store half a cow, you need at least 8 to 10 cubic feet of freezer space, which is equivalent to 227 to 283 liters of space.

To buy half a cow, you need to find a local farm that sells beef, ask them about their prices and cuts, and place your order. You can expect to pay between $5 to $10 per pound and get around 220 pounds of meat from half a cow.

How to Buy Half a Cow

Buying half a cow is not as difficult as it may sound. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Find a local farm that sells beef. You can do this by visiting a farmers market in your area, using an online database like Eatwild or LocalHarvest, or searching online for “cow sharing” or “beef farm near me”.
• Ask the farm about their prices and cuts. The price for half a cow can vary depending on the current market, the type of cuts you want, and the processing fee. You can expect to pay between $5 to $10 per pound for half a cow. The cuts you can get from half a cow can include ground beef, steaks, roasts, ribs, tenderloin, and more. You can also ask the farm about how they raise their cows and what kind of feed they use.
• Place your order and arrange delivery. Once you’ve decided on the price and the cuts, you can place your order with the farm and pay them upfront. You also need to arrange delivery with them, either by picking up the meat yourself or having them deliver it to your home. Some farms may charge an extra fee for delivery.

How Much Meat Do You Get from Half a Cow?

The amount of meat you get from half a cow depends on the size and weight of the cow, as well as the type of cuts you choose. On average, an adult beef cow weighs around 1,200 to 1,400 pounds. However, not all of this weight is edible meat. You have to exclude parts like the head, the hide, some of the bones, and the organs. The edible meat weight is called the hanging weight or carcass weight, which is usually around 60% of the live weight.

From the hanging weight, you also have to deduct some weight for trimming and deboning. The final meat weight is called the cut weight or take-home weight, which is usually around 40% of the live weight.

Therefore, if you buy half a cow that weighs 1,200 pounds live, you can expect to get around 720 pounds of hanging weight and around 480 pounds of cut weight. This means that you’ll get around 220 pounds of meat from half a cow.

How Much Freezer Space Do You Need for Half a Cow?

The amount of freezer space you need for half a cow depends on how the meat is packaged and how much other food you have in your freezer. A general rule of thumb is that you need one cubic foot of freezer space for every 35 to 40 pounds of packaged meat. This means that you need at least 8 to 10 cubic feet of freezer space for half a cow.

To put this in perspective, a standard top-freezer refrigerator has around 4 cubic feet of freezer space, which is not enough for half a cow. You’ll need a separate chest freezer or upright freezer that has at least 8 cubic feet of capacity. If you have other food items in your freezer, you’ll need even more space.

To make sure you have enough freezer space for half a cow, you can measure the internal dimensions of your freezer and calculate its volume in cubic feet. To do this, multiply the length by the width by the height in inches and divide by 1,728. For example, if your freezer measures 54 inches long by 20 inches wide by 28 inches high, its volume is (54 x 20 x 28) / 1,728 = 17.94 cubic feet.

You can also use our online calculator to estimate how much freezer space you need for half a cow based on its live weight and cut weight.

FAQs About Freezer Space for Half a Cow

Q: Is buying half a cow worth it?

A: Buying half a cow can be worth it if you eat a lot of beef, want to enjoy high-quality meat, and have enough freezer space and money to invest upfront. Buying half a cow can have several benefits, such as:

• Supporting local farmers and ranchers
• Getting access to grass-fed, organic, or hormone-free beef
• Saving money per pound compared to grocery store prices
• Having more control over the type and quality of cuts
• Reducing packaging and waste
• Stocking up on meat for a long time

However, buying half a cow also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Needing a large freezer and enough electricity to run it
• Paying a large amount of money upfront
• Having less variety in your meat choices
• Having to plan your meals around the meat you have

Q: How long does half a cow last in the freezer?

A: Half a cow can last in the freezer for up to a year or longer, depending on how well it is packaged and stored. To ensure the best quality and safety of your meat, you should follow these tips:

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers that are airtight, moisture-resistant, and vapor-proof
• Wrap or seal your meat tightly and remove as much air as possible from the package
• Label and date your packages and use them within the recommended storage times
• Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below and avoid opening the door too often
• Organize your freezer and rotate your meat items regularly

Q: How do I cook meat from half a cow?

A: Cooking meat from half a cow is not much different from cooking any other meat. You just need to follow some basic steps:

• Thaw your meat in the refrigerator or in cold water before cooking. Do not thaw your meat at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can affect its quality and safety.
• Season your meat with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, marinades, or sauces according to your preference and recipe.
• Cook your meat using your preferred method, such as grilling, roasting, broiling, frying, or braising. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat and cook it to the desired doneness.
• Rest your meat for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting or serving. This will help retain the juices and flavor of your meat.

Conclusion

Buying half a cow can be a great way to enjoy high-quality beef while supporting local farmers and saving money. However, you need to make sure you have enough freezer space for half a cow before you make this decision. To store half a cow, you need at least 8 to 10 cubic feet of freezer space, which is equivalent to 227 to 283 liters of space. You also need to maintain your freezer properly and regularly to keep your meat fresh and safe for a long time.