Quarter vs. Half vs. Whole Cow: Which Beef Share Is Right for Your Family?

Quarter vs. Half vs. Whole Cow: Which Beef Share Is Right for Your Family?

When you buy beef directly from Winters Ranch Meats, you can choose a quarter, half, or whole cow. Each option gives you a different amount of meat, freezer space needs, and cost. At Winters Ranch LLC in Rush, Colorado, every order is custom-cut and dry-aged, so families get premium, grass-fed Black Angus beef raised locally and processed to their exact preferences.


How Much Beef Will You Take Home?

Final take-home amounts depend on the hanging weight and your cut sheet selections. After 14–18 days of dry-aging, most families receive about 60% of the hanging weight as packaged beef.

  • Quarter Cow: About 95 - 120 pounds packaged.

  • Half Cow: About 190 - 240 pounds packaged.

  • Whole Cow: About 380 - 480 pounds packaged.

Customers can increase yield by including bones and organ meats, which are excellent for broths and pet food.


Why Families Choose Winters Ranch

Established in 1952, Winters Ranch is a fifth-generation family ranch in eastern Colorado. For over 70 years, it has been trusted by families from Pueblo to Castle Rock for:

  • Grass-fed, grass-finished beef with no hormones or antibiotics.

  • 14–18 day dry-aging for flavor and tenderness.

  • Local processing partners include Wiley Processing, Hwy 10 Processing, and Simla.

  • Colorado Proud certification for supporting local agriculture.

  • Free delivery and drop points in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Falcon, Peyton, Calhan, Fountain, Castle Rock, and Monument.

Winters Ranch also participates in community events such as the Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo, strengthening its ties to local families.


Average Processing Costs

Processing fees are paid directly to the butcher and vary slightly by animal size. Average costs are:

  • Quarter cow: $250

  • Half cow: $500

  • Whole cow: $1,000

Deposits are required at the time of order and are nonrefundable. Final bills are based on hanging weight, ensuring transparency.


Which Beef Share Fits Your Family Best?

Quarter Cow

  • Ideal for small households or first-time buyers.

  • Requires about 4 cubic feet of freezer space.

  • Provides a balanced mix of steaks, roasts, and ground beef.

Half Cow

  • Great for families of 4–6.

  • Requires about 8 cubic feet of freezer space.

  • Offers more control over cut sheet preferences.

Whole Cow

  • Best for large families or friends splitting an order.

  • Requires 16+ cubic feet of freezer space.

  • Allows maximum flexibility in processing.

FAQs About Beef Shares in Colorado

How long does it take before my beef is ready?

  • Processing and dry-aging usually take 14 - 18 days before pickup or delivery.

Where can I pick up or receive delivery?

  • Pickup is available at the ranch in Rush, CO. Free delivery and drop points are offered in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and other nearby towns.

Can I split an order with another family?

  • Yes. Many families share a half or whole cow to reduce cost and freezer needs.

Do you offer pork as well?

  • Yes. Winters Ranch raises heritage Berkshire pigs, available in half or whole portions.

What if I’m not satisfied with my beef?

  • Winters Ranch offers a one-day return policy, buying back meat at 50% of the purchase price if returned frozen.


Bringing Colorado Beef to Your Table

Choosing between a quarter, half, or whole cow comes down to your family size, freezer space, and budget. Winters Ranch LLC makes it easy by offering custom-cut, grass-fed Black Angus beef with over seven decades of ranching expertise. Whether you live in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or Castle Rock, your beef can come straight from a trusted local ranch to your table.

You can visit Winters Ranch LLC at 6536 County Road 8 in Rush, Colorado. For questions or orders, call 719-892-0316 or email winterscattleranch@gmail.com.

Ready to stock your freezer? Order a quarter, half, or whole cow from Winters Ranch, custom-cut, dry-aged, and delivered from our Colorado ranch to your family’s table.

 

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