Buying a whole cow is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your family's food budget and health. But before you commit, you need to know: will it actually fit in your freezer?
The Short Answer
You'll need approximately 15-20 cubic feet of freezer space for a whole cow. A typical whole cow from our ranch yields about 200 lbs of packaged beef.
Here's what that looks like in real terms:
- Standard chest freezer (15 cu ft): Just right for a whole cow
- Large chest freezer (20+ cu ft): Whole cow with room to spare
- Side-by-side fridge/freezer: Usually only 7-10 cu ft — not enough
- Top freezer on refrigerator: About 5 cu ft — definitely not enough
Why 200 Pounds?
When you buy a whole cow, you're not getting the live weight or even the hanging weight. You're getting packaged weight — the actual beef that goes in your freezer.
Here's how it breaks down:
- Live weight: ~800-1000 lbs for a Dexter
- Hanging weight: ~400-500 lbs (after hide, head, organs removed)
- Packaged weight: ~200 lbs (after bone-out, trimming, cutting)
That's why we charge by packaged weight — you pay only for what goes in your freezer. No surprises.
What If I Don't Have a Freezer?
A new chest freezer runs $200-400 and will last 15-20 years. When you're saving $5-8 per pound compared to buying grass-fed beef at retail, the freezer pays for itself with your first cow.
We recommend:
- For a whole cow: 15-20 cubic foot chest freezer
- Brands that work well: Frigidaire, GE, Midea
- Where to buy: Lowe's, Home Depot, or check Facebook Marketplace for used
Freezer Organization Tips
Once your beef arrives, here's how to stay organized:
- Group by cut type: Steaks together, roasts together, ground beef together
- Use bins or bags: Reusable grocery bags work great for grouping
- Rotate stock: Move older packages to the top when you add new ones
- Keep an inventory: A simple list on the freezer lid works wonders
How Long Will It Last?
Properly vacuum-sealed beef stays good in the freezer for 12-18 months. Our beef comes vacuum-sealed and labeled, so you'll know exactly what you have and when it was packaged.
Most families of 4 go through a whole cow in about 12-14 months, which is perfect timing for the next one.
Ready to Fill Your Freezer?
We have limited availability for whole cow purchases. Our Dexter beef is 100% grass-fed, raised on Kentucky pastures for three full years, and priced at a simple $14.25 per pound of packaged weight.