Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Buying Beef Work?
We sell our beef by the quarter, half or whole, which means you receive a variety of cuts packaged and ready for your freezer.
Here’s how it works:
• Reserve your share with us
• Animal goes to the processor
• You pay processing directly to the butcher
• We provide clear pricing for the beef based on hanging weight
Buying in bulk is often more economical per pound and gives you steaks, roasts, hamburger, and more — all from one locally raised animal.
Message us anytime if you’d like to talk through the details. We’re happy to answer questions.
What Comes in a Quarter or Half Beef?
Exact cuts depend on your butcher selections, and you’ll have options on thickness, roast size, and packaging.
• Ribeye, T-bone, or Sirloin Steaks
• Roasts (chuck, arm, rump)
• Ground Beef
• Brisket
• Short Ribs
• Stew Meat
It’s a great way to have a variety of quality beef ready for family meals all year long.
How many steaks do you get from half a cow?
On average, once processed, you'll end up with about 200 pounds of beef, and about 85 pounds are steaks and roasts. That means around 45-60 cuts of steaks- depending on the exact cuts and sizes of the steaks. That's like filling your freezer with enough meat for many family dinners, BBQs,and more.
How Much Freezer Space Do I Need?
If you’re considering buying in bulk from Lenz Beef, here’s a simple guide:
• Quarter Beef – Approximately 4–5 cubic feet of freezer space
• Half Beef – Approximately 8–10 cubic feet of freezer space
That’s about:
• Quarter: a small chest freezer
• Half: a medium chest freezer
You’ll receive a mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef — all packaged, labeled, and ready to stack neatly.
Are the cattle given hormones?
Our beef is verified natural, so no hormones or antibiotics ever, raised in our care from birth to harvest, delivering only the highest quality beef right to you! Our beef is grass fed + grain finished for amazing flavor!
How much meat do you get from a 1000 pound steer?
Generally, most cattle have an average dressing percentage of 63 percent. This means that a beef animal weighing 1,000 lbs will result in a carcass that weighs approximately 630 lbs after slaughter. Although the average dressing percentage for beef is 63 percent, several factors may affect the carcass weight.
How long will half a cow last in a family of two?
A half cow (around 200 lbs of take-home meat) will typically last a family of two anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending heavily on how often you eat beef, but most sources suggest 6 to 9 months for moderate consumption (2-3 meals per week). For a couple eating beef 3-5 times a week, it might last 3-6 months, while lighter consumption (once or twice a week) could stretch it closer to a year.
Quick Estimates
High Consumption (3-5 meals/week)
~3-6 months
Moderate Consumption (2-3 meals/week): ~6-9 months
Low Consumption (1-2 meals/week): ~9-12 months
What is the average price to process a cow?
For example, if you purchase a cow with a 1,200-lb live weight, expect around 720 lbs hanging weight and roughly 430 lbs of finished beef. At an average of $8 per lb of take-home meat, that puts your total investment around $3,400 which is remarkably efficient compared to retail pricing for equivalent cuts.
What is the going price for beef per pound?
Current Average Price for 1 Pound of 100% Ground Beef ...
Beef prices are at record highs in early 2026, with retail prices ranging from roughly $9 to over $13 per pound for steaks, while ground beef averages around $6.70–$7.10 per pound, depending on fat content and store, driven by a shrinking cattle herd and strong demand, with some cuts going even higher. Buying bulk (whole/half) can lower the per-pound cost significantly but involves higher upfront costs and processing fees.