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Beef share guides
Straight answers to the questions people ask before buying beef from a farm. Every number is cited.
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How much does half a cow cost in Florida?
Florida farms list a half beef at about $2,750–$3,750 flat, or $4.50–$8.00 per lb hanging weight. Real prices from Florida farm websites, checked Oct 27, 2026.
Hanging weight vs. take-home weight
Hanging weight is the carcass weight before cutting. Take-home weight is what goes in your freezer, often about 60–70% of hanging weight. Here's how to compare Florida farm quotes.
How much freezer space do you need for a quarter cow?
Plan about 4–5 cubic feet for a quarter cow, about 8–10 for a half and 15–20 for a whole. Extension rule: 1 cubic foot holds 35–40 lb of beef.
Beef cut sheet explained
A cut sheet tells the processor how to cut your share: steak thickness, roast size, package size, bone-in or boneless, and what to grind. Here's a plain-English walkthrough.
How to find a beef processor in Florida
Florida has no state meat inspection program; USDA FSIS covers the state. Learn custom-exempt vs. USDA-inspected processing and how farms book processors for beef shares.
Questions to ask a farm before buying a beef share
Before you pay a deposit on a quarter or half cow, ask about price basis, processing fees, deposit refunds, processing date, cut choices and pickup. Examples from Florida farms.
Quarter vs. half vs. whole cow
A quarter is about 100–115 lb of beef, a half about 200–230 lb, and a whole about 400–460 lb, per Florida farms. Compare price, freezer space and cut choice.