What to Expect…
What to expect in a half or whole beef. These are just estimates to help make your choice.
Steak
Many look forward to these premium cuts. From a whole cow, expect around 70-85 lbs. of various steaks.
This includes:
- Ribeye Steaks: From the rib section, you might get about 10-14 steaks, each rich in marbling and flavor.
- Sirloin Steaks: Lean yet tender, the sirloin yields approximately 6-10 steaks.
- New York Strip Steaks: Near the rear, you get about 8 strip steaks.
- Filet Steaks: You can also expect 6 filets from the rear of a half cow.
Ground Beef
A staple in any kitchen, you could get around 200-220 lbs. of ground beef from a whole cow. It’s perfect for everyday meals, from burgers to spaghetti sauce.
Roasts
Roast is the heart of comfort food, and from a whole cow, you can expect around 80-100 lbs. in total.
This includes:
- Chuck Roasts: Hearty and flavorful, perfect for slow-cooked dishes, yielding around 14-18 lbs.
- Brisket: Ideal for smoking or slow braising, you’ll get about 10-14 lbs.
- Round Roasts: Lean and versatile for a variety of dishes, expect around 45-55 lbs.
- Ribs: Ready for the smoker or grill, a whole cow provides about 10-12 lbs. of ribs, including both short ribs and back ribs, offering plenty for several barbecue sessions.
Stew Meat
A staple in any kitchen, you could get around 200-220 lbs. of ground beef from a whole cow. It’s perfect for everyday meals, from burgers to spaghetti sauce.
And More!
Additionally, you’ll find specialty cuts and other usable parts, such as:
- Filet Mignon: From the tenderloin section, small but highly prized, yielding about 6-10 lbs.
- Flank and Skirt Steaks: Great for fajitas and stir-fries, totaling around 5-7 lbs.
- Liver, Heart, and Other Offal: For those who enjoy or want to experiment with these nutrient-rich parts, expect about 10-15 lbs.
