How Long Can One Cow Feed You?
If you’ve ever considered purchasing a whole cow for your freezer, you might be wondering: how long can one cow feed you?
Not only is this a fair question, but it’s a surprisingly practical one for families, hunters, or anyone who wants high-quality, locally raised beef. At Pease Packing, we specialize in professional beef processing, giving customers access to expertly cut, wrapped, and frozen meat that can stock your freezer for months.
Today, we’re exploring how much meat you can get from just one cow and how long it will last.
How Much Meat Comes From One Cow?
A typical cow weighs around 1,200 pounds live. After slaughter, the hanging weight (what remains after removing hide, head, and innards) is typically about 60% of the live weight, or around 720 pounds. From there, the final yield of packaged meat—what you’ll actually take home after beef processing—is about 60–65% of the hanging weight. That means you can expect roughly 430–470 pounds of beef from one full cow.
That final weight includes a wide variety of types of meat, such as:
- Steaks
- Roasts
- Ground Beef
- Stew Meat
- And More
The exact amount and type of cuts depend on how you choose to have it processed, which is something our team will help you choose.
So, How Long Will That Last?
Let’s say a family of four eats about one pound of beef per meal and eats beef three times per week. That’s around 12 pounds per month. At that rate, 450 pounds of beef could last over three years! Even for families with larger appetites or more frequent meals, just one cow typically provides a year to two years’ worth of meat.
If you’re interested in saving money or only taking in a smaller quantity of beef, then you have other options, too. Splitting a cow with friends or neighbors is a great way to enjoy bulk pricing and variety without overwhelming your freezer space.
The Benefits of Buying a Whole Cow
Buying in bulk isn’t just about quantity; it’s also about quality and control. When you purchase from a local processor like Pease Packing, you know exactly where your meat is coming from. Our expert beef processing ensures that every cut is handled with care and customized to your preferences.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of cuts that you might not typically buy at the grocery store, all vacuum-sealed and ready to go. Plus, with a full freezer, you’ll make fewer trips to the store and always have dinner options on hand.
Stock Up on High Quality Cuts of Beef
At Pease Packing, we’ve been providing trusted beef processing services for generations. If you’re considering purchasing a whole or half cow, we’re here to help you through every step. For more information, click here to contact our team today!
