How Much Meat Is in a Quarter, Half or Whole Cow?

It's the question we're asked more than any other: "If I buy half a cow, how much meat will I actually get?" It's a fair one — buying a quarter, half or whole cow is a big step if you've only ever bought meat by the pack. So here's an honest, farmer's answer, using the real weights from our own grass-fed Dexter cattle.

First, a word on our cattle

We raise Dexter cattle — a smaller, traditional heritage breed. They're slower-grown and naturally matured for flavour rather than size, which means a Dexter gives you less meat than a large commercial cow, but the beef is richer, more tender and properly grass-fed and grass-finished. So the weights below are for Dexters specifically. A big continental breed would give you more, but that's not the beef we believe in.

Deadweight vs take-home weight (the bit that confuses everyone)

This is the key thing to understand, because it's where most confusion comes from. There are two very different weights:

• Deadweight — the weight of the whole carcass, bone and all, before butchery. For our Dexters this is typically 130–150kg.
• Take-home weight — what you actually receive, once it's been butchered, trimmed and the bones removed (unless you want them). This is always less than the deadweight.

When people quote scary-sounding carcass weights, they're usually talking deadweight. What matters to you is the take-home weight — the meat that ends up in your freezer.

How much take-home beef you'll actually get

Here's what to expect from one of our Dexters, packaged and ready for your freezer:

• Quarter cow (quarter Dexter): approx. 22–25kg of beef
• Half cow (half Dexter): approx. 45–48kg of beef
• Whole cow (whole Dexter): approx. 90–95kg of beef

The exact figure varies from animal to animal, and with how you choose your cuts — more boneless joints means a little less weight but easier cooking, for example.

What does that look like on the plate?

Weights are one thing, but what does it mean in real meals? A quarter of a cow (around 22–25kg) typically gives a household a lovely mix of:

• Roasting joints (topside, silverside, brisket, rib)
• Steaks (sirloin, fillet, rump, flank)
• Mince and diced beef
• Slow-cook cuts (shin, braising steak, short ribs)
• Bones and offal, if you'd like them

For most families, a quarter keeps the freezer well stocked for a good couple of months; a half for around four to six; and a whole is a proper year-round supply or ideal to split with family and friends.

How much freezer space do I need?

Another very fair question — there's no point ordering a half cow if it won't fit! As a rough guide:

• Quarter (22–25kg): around 2–3 standard freezer drawers
• Half (45–48kg): around 4–5 freezer drawers
• Whole (90–95kg): around 7–9 drawers, or a small chest freezer

Is it good value?

Buying a half or quarter cow works out as excellent value per kilo compared with buying the same cuts individually — you're getting premium steaks, roasting joints and everyday mince all at one blended price. And crucially, you know exactly where it's come from, how it was raised, and that it's 100% grass-fed. That's something no supermarket can offer.

The best bit: you choose your cuts

When you reserve a share of one of our Dexters, you don't just get a random box — you tell us exactly how you'd like it butchered. Prefer more mince and fewer steaks? More slow-cook cuts for the winter? Bigger or smaller joints? It's entirely up to you, and if you're not sure, we'll happily guide you or cut a lovely balanced selection.

That's the whole idea behind our Cut To Your Spec range — your animal, butchered your way.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a quarter of beef last?
For most families, a quarter keeps the freezer well stocked for a couple of months, a half for four to six, and a whole is a year-round supply.

Do I need a special freezer?
For a quarter, a couple of standard freezer drawers will do. For a half or whole, a small chest freezer is ideal — see the freezer guide above.

Can I choose my own cuts?
Absolutely — that's the whole point of buying this way. We'll talk through exactly how you'd like it, or cut a balanced selection if you'd rather leave it to us.

Is it delivered fresh or frozen?
Your beef arrives fresh, vacuum packed and freezer ready — use what you'd like within a few days and freeze the rest on the day it arrives. Bones and some offal come frozen.

Ready to reserve?

If you'd like to fill your freezer with proper grass-fed Dexter beef, cut exactly how you like it, take a look at our Beef Reserve. Reserve a quarter, half or whole, and we'll be in touch to talk through your cuts. Availability is limited and allocated first come, first served.

Curious about our other meat? Read our guides on how much meat is in a pig and what hogget is and why it beats lamb.