Why Buying a Half Cow in Wisconsin is a Smart Choice
More people are turning to bulk meat purchasing, especially when it comes to buying a half cow in Wisconsin. It’s a cost-saving, sustainable, and efficient way to stock your freezer with farm-fresh beef. Whether you’re feeding a large family or just looking for better quality at a better value, buying in bulk has many benefits. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase—from costs and cuts to storage and sourcing.
Who Should Consider Buying a Half Cow?
Buying a half cow isn’t just for farmers or restaurant owners. Everyday families, grill lovers, and meal preppers can all benefit. It’s ideal for:
– Families who cook regularly and want to save money on groceries
– People who prioritize locally sourced, high-quality meat
– Individuals looking to reduce packaging waste and trips to the store
– Anyone interested in supporting local Wisconsin farmers
Understanding What You Get When You Buy a Half Cow
How Much Meat is a Half Cow?
A half cow in Wisconsin usually yields about 200 to 250 pounds of beef, depending on the size of the steer and how it’s processed. After it’s butchered and trimmed, you’ll receive a mix of steaks, roasts, ground beef, ribs, soup bones, and more. When you buy from a provider like Wilson Farm Meats, you can customize the cuts according to your preferences, ensuring you get exactly what your household needs.
Breakdown of Common Cuts
Here’s a typical breakdown of what you can expect from a half cow:
– 40–50 lbs of ground beef
– 10–15 lbs of steaks (such as ribeye, T-bone, sirloin, filet mignon)
– 10–12 lbs of roasts (like chuck, rump, and sirloin tip)
– 6–8 lbs of ribs
– Additional cuts like stew meat, brisket, organ meats, soup bones, and shank
Customizing Your Order
One great benefit of purchasing from a company like Wilson Farm Meats is that your order isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll work with their expert butchers to customize your cuts. Prefer more ground beef over steaks? No problem. Want your roasts portioned differently? Just ask. Wilson Farm Meats takes pride in offering custom processing that matches your family’s culinary habits.
Cost Breakdown: What to Budget
Price Per Pound Explained
When you buy a half cow, pricing can be confusing at first. You’ll likely be charged per hanging weight, which includes all the meat before trimming and butchering. On average, prices range from $4 to $6 per hanging pound. At Wilson Farm Meats, transparency and fair pricing are priorities. They’ll explain how your meat is weighed, processed, and priced so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Additional Processing Fees
In many cases, there’s a separate processing fee in addition to the beef’s cost per pound. This is to cover the services of the butchers and the packaging. Wilson Farm Meats handles all their processing in their Elkhorn, Wisconsin facility, ensuring the highest standards and consistent quality.
How to Store a Half Cow
How Much Freezer Space You’ll Need
Plan on needing about 7 to 8 cubic feet of freezer space for a half cow. That’s about the size of a large chest freezer. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your beef. At Wilson Farm Meats, beef is vacuum-sealed to maximize shelf life and prevent freezer burn, so your investment stays fresh for months.
Tips for Organizing Your Beef
– Sort cuts by category (steaks, ground beef, roasts, etc.)
– Label everything with contents and date received
– Use a meat inventory list to keep track of what you have
– Rotate your stock and use older cuts first to prevent waste
Why Choose Wilson Farm Meats for Your Half Cow in Wisconsin
Farm-to-Table Integrity
Wilson Farm Meats in Elkhorn, Wisconsin offers more than just meat—they offer tradition, trust, and top-tier quality. With over 150 years of farming heritage in Walworth County, the Wilson family is deeply rooted in sustainable, humane livestock practices. Their locally raised beef is rich in flavor, free from unnecessary additives, and processed with care.
In-House Processing and Customization
All meats are processed right at the Wilson Farm Meats facility, allowing for full control over freshness and safety. Customers can communicate directly with knowledgeable staff to personalize their orders for maximum satisfaction. Whether it’s thick-cut steaks or extra ground beef, your preferences guide the entire experience.
Convenient Location and Hours
Located at 406 S. Wisconsin Street in Elkhorn, Wilson Farm Meats is easy to access for local residents. Their store hours—Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm—make it simple for customers to stop by, ask questions, or pick up their order.
Additional Offerings at Wilson Farm Meats
Pork from Wilson Prairie View Farms
In addition to premium beef, Wilson Farm Meats also offers heritage breed pork sourced from their own Prairie View Farms in Walworth County. Known for its rich, distinct flavor, their pork is an excellent companion to your beef purchase.
Fresh Poultry and Seafood
Looking to round out your protein selection? Wilson Farm Meats features a wide array of poultry and seafood products to suit any culinary need. Add chicken breast, turkey, or a fresh catch to diversify your meal planning.
Smoked Specialties and Artisan Meats
Don’t miss their in-house smoked meats. From bacon and bratwurst to liver sausage and summer sausage, their products are made onsite and packed with authentic Wisconsin flavor. These specialty items are perfect for entertaining, snacking, or gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Half Cow in Wisconsin
How long does the process take?
After placing your order, expect a wait of a few weeks. The beef needs time to dry age and be properly processed. Wilson Farm Meats can give you a projected timeline at the time you place your order.
Can I split a half cow with someone else?
Yes, in many cases, you can share a half cow with a friend or family member. Just make sure you agree on how the cuts will be divided. Wilson Farm Meats can help accommodate separate packaging if needed.
How long does the meat last in the freezer?
When vacuum-sealed and frozen, most cuts will last 12 months or more without losing quality. Ground beef and steaks stay fresh and flavorful as long as they’re properly stored and rotated.
What makes Wilson Farm Meats different?
Unlike larger commercial meat providers, Wilson Farm Meats offers personal service, custom processing, and a true connection to the farm. Their dedication to quality and transparency makes them a top choice for anyone purchasing a half cow in Wisconsin.
Tips for First-Time Bulk Buyers
Get to Know Your Cuts
When you buy a half cow in Wisconsin, it’s helpful to become familiar with different beef cuts and how to cook them. This will help you better use your supply and experiment with recipes that match each cut’s strengths. Wilson Farm Meats can offer guides or tips to help you make the most of what you receive.
Meal Plan for the Long Term
Buying in bulk allows you to plan meals for weeks or even months. Create a monthly menu based on the types of cuts you expect to receive. This can save time, reduce food waste, and make dinner planning much easier.
Talk to Other Bulk Buyers
Connecting with others who have purchased a half cow in Wisconsin can offer helpful insights. Join local food co-ops, online forums, or visit Wilson Farm Meats to talk with experienced staff and customers who can offer useful advice.
Plan Your Visit to Wilson Farm Meats
If you’re ready to make the leap into bulk meat buying, there’s no better place to start than Wilson Farm Meats. With a legacy of service, a commitment to quality, and a welcoming storefront in Elkhorn, you’ll enjoy a stress-free buying experience. Visit the store, meet knowledgeable staff, and learn more about how to get a half cow in Wisconsin from a company that truly cares about what’s on your plate.
To learn more or place your order, visit wilsonfarmmeats.com or stop by their Elkhorn location. Join the growing number of Wisconsin families enjoying fresher, tastier meat straight from the source.
