What portions can I buy?
Most butcher shops offer beef in four purchase sizes. A whole beef (both sides) yields 550–650 lbs hanging weight. A half beef (one side) yields 275–325 lbs. A front quarter includes the chuck, rib, brisket, and shank — roughly 130 lbs. A hind quarter includes the loin, sirloin, round, and flank — also roughly 130 lbs. Most first-time buyers start with a half beef.
How much freezer space do I need?
A general rule is 1 cubic foot of freezer space per 35–40 lbs of packaged meat. A half beef (~150 lbs of packaged cuts) requires approximately 4–6 cubic feet. A chest freezer in the 7–9 cubic foot range is ideal for a half beef and is available at most appliance stores for $150–$300.
What cuts do I get from a half beef?
From a half beef you get cuts from every primal: chuck roasts and steaks, ribeye steaks, NY strip, filet mignon, T-bone, porterhouse, sirloin steaks, tri-tip, top and bottom round roasts, brisket, short ribs, skirt steak, flank steak, and ground beef. The exact quantities depend on how you configure your order — that's what Hanging Weight helps you do.
How much does a half beef cost?
Prices vary by region, breed, and finishing method, but a half beef typically costs $3.50–$6.00 per pound of hanging weight. For a 300 lb hanging weight half, expect to pay $1,050–$1,800 for the meat, plus a processing fee (typically $0.75–$1.25/lb) charged by the butcher. The all-in cost per pound of packaged meat is often $5–$9, which compares very favorably to grocery store pricing for the same cuts.
What is 'hanging weight' vs 'packaged weight'?
Hanging weight is the weight of the carcass before it's cut, trimmed, and packaged. Packaged weight (also called 'take-home weight') is what you actually put in your freezer after processing. You typically get 55–65% of hanging weight as packaged meat — so a 300 lb hanging weight half beef yields roughly 165–195 lbs of packaged cuts.
How do I find a butcher shop near me?
Use Hanging Weight to search by zip code or allow location access to see shops in your area. Each shop page shows their available portion sizes, animals, hours, and lead time. You can configure your exact cuts and submit an order inquiry directly through the platform.