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Buying in Bulk: Is a Half or Whole Cow Right for You?

Updated: May 15

Breaking down the cost savings, freezer space, and serving suggestions

At Six 9 Ranch, one of the best ways to get the most out of your beef purchase is by buying in bulk—a quarter, half, or whole cow. If you’re new to ranch-direct beef or just trying to figure out if this option is right for your household, we’ve put together a full breakdown to help you decide.


Why Buy in Bulk?

When you buy beef in bulk, you’re investing in:

  • High-quality Wagyu Angus cross beef

  • Cost savings per pound

  • A stocked freezer full of a variety of cuts

  • Peace of mind knowing exactly where your beef came from


Buying a half or whole cow might sound like a big commitment—but for many families, it ends up being more economical, convenient, and rewarding in the long run.


Let’s Talk Cost Savings

The cost per pound is significantly lower when you buy in bulk than when purchasing individual cuts. Here’s why:

  • You’re buying directly from us—no middleman markup

  • The cost is averaged across premium steaks, roasts, and ground beef

  • You pay one flat price for everything, including processing


💡 On average, you can expect to save 20–30% per pound compared to grocery store prices for similar quality (and often much less flavourful) beef.


How Much Beef Will I Actually Get?

Let’s break it down using a half cow as an example:

Type of Purchase

Hanging Weight (avg)

Take-Home Beef (approx.)

Freezer Space Needed

Quarter Cow

~175–200 lbs

90–100 lbs

4 cu. ft.

Half Cow

~350–400 lbs

180–200 lbs

8 cu. ft.

Whole Cow

~700–800 lbs

360–400 lbs

16 cu. ft.

🔸 Note: “Hanging weight” refers to the weight before trimming and processing. The take-home weight is what you actually receive, fully butchered and packaged.


What Cuts Will I Get?

When you order a half or whole cow, you get a mix of:

  • Premium steaks (ribeye, striploin, tenderloin, sirloin, flank, etc.)

  • Roasts (chuck, rump, sirloin tip)

  • Ground beef

  • Short ribs, stew meat, soup bones

  • Brisket (in whole or halves depending on your cut preferences)


And yes—you can often customize your cut sheet with us to match how your family cooks and eats. Want more ground beef and fewer roasts? Prefer 1” thick steaks? You’ve got options.


How Much Freezer Space Will I Need?

Freezer space is one of the biggest concerns, and rightly so! A good rule of thumb is:

➡️ 1 cubic foot of freezer space for every 30–35 lbs of beef

So if you're buying:

  • Quarter cow → ~100 lbs = 4 cu. ft.

  • Half cow → ~200 lbs = 8 cu. ft.

  • Whole cow → ~400 lbs = 16 cu. ft.

🔸 Chest freezers are ideal, especially for half or whole cows. If you’re short on space, a quarter or split-half is still a great way to get in on the savings.


How Long Will It Last?

Properly packaged beef from us is vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen, meaning it will stay fresh in your freezer for 12+ months.

Here's a rough guide based on household size and how often you cook with beef:

Household Size

Half Cow (200 lbs)

Whole Cow (400 lbs)

Couple

~12 months

18–24 months

Family of 4

~6–8 months

12–14 months

Larger Family

~4–6 months

~8–12 months

Who is Bulk Buying Best For?

  • Families who cook at home regularly

  • Individuals who meal prep or batch cook

  • People who want to eat more clean, local protein

  • Households that want quality over quantity

  • Anyone looking to reduce grocery store trips and support a local Alberta ranch


Ordering Made Easy

Buying beef in bulk might sound intimidating, but we walk you through every step of the process:

  1. Choose your size – Quarter, half, or whole

  2. Reserve your order – We’ll notify you when it’s ready

  3. Customize your cuts – We’ll help you fill out your cut sheet

  4. Pick up your order or arrange delivery – Easy and hassle-free

You’ll know exactly where your beef came from, how it was raised, and what’s in your freezer.


Ready to Fill Your Freezer with Wagyu Angus Cross Beef?

Our first finished crop of Wagyu Angus cross cattle will be available in Spring 2025, and spots are filling quickly. If you’re thinking about buying in bulk, now is the time to get your name on the list and start planning your freezer space.


📍 Six 9 Ranch – Nanton, Alberta

📦 Home-raised beef, vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen

🥩 Unbeatable taste. Unmatched quality. Unbelievable value.

➡️ Have questions? We’d be happy to walk you through it. Contact us anytime.



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