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How Long Will a Half Calf Feed a Family of 4?

04 Aug 2025
How Long Will a Half Calf Feed a Family of 4?

Many families ask about the duration of a half cow's meat supply. A half cow gives you 150-200 pounds of beef. This meat supply can feed your family for months. The meat comes from a mature cow that produces about 300 pounds of total beef. A half portion works great for most households.

How Much Meat Do You Get from a Half Calf?

You need to know how much meat comes from a half calf before making this investment. The numbers change based on several factors, but most farms follow common patterns.

The hanging weight of a half calf ranges between 290-400 pounds, with most weighing 350-375 pounds. This hanging weight shows what the carcass weighs after original processing but before butchering into individual cuts. The actual meat you'll take home weighs less than the hanging weight.

The processed meat typically yields about 65% of the hanging weight. Sedley's Grassfed Beef customers usually get around 225 pounds of finished meat from a 375-pound hanging calf. Other sources report similar numbers. A half calf's meat cuts usually break down this way.

  • Ground beef: About 50% (approximately 115-120 pounds)
  • Steaks: About 27% (45-60 individual steaks)
  • Roasts: About 4%
  • Miscellaneous cuts (ribs, stew meat, etc.): About 19%

The half calf has both front and hind quarters that offer different cuts. Front quarters give you chuck roasts, brisket, and rib steaks. These are perfect to slow cook. The hind quarter produces great cuts like sirloins, T-bones, and filets that work great for grilling.

Whatever cutting priorities you choose, Sedley's Grassfed Beef's half calf gives families great value and variety to stock their freezer with quality meat.

How Long Does Half a Calf Last a Family of 4?

Families who invest in bulk meat from Sedley's Grassfed Beef often wonder how long their supply will last. The answer depends on several factors that affect the longevity of a half calf purchase.

A half calf can feed a family of four for 6-8 months. This estimate works for families who eat beef regularly without wasting much. The actual time span changes based on your family's eating patterns and how often you serve beef meals.

Your weekly beef consumption helps calculate a more exact timeline. A half calf yields 200-250 pounds of meat, which lasts about 6 months for families using 8 pounds weekly. Families who eat less beef can make their supply last longer. Quality storage will give your meat the longest possible shelf life. Vacuum-sealed beef stays fresh up to 12 months in the freezer. This means the last package tastes just as good as the first one.

Planning Meals with a Half Calf

A freezer stocked with cuts from Sedley's Grassfed Beef makes meal planning simple and helps you get the most from your half calf investment.

You'll soon find out about the excitement of trying different meals with various cuts right at hand. Your half calf provides a month's worth of delicious meals ready to go. This setup is a great way to get more family time instead of spending it at the store.

A well-stocked freezer is no match for regular shopping when planning weekly menus. Here are smart choices for different cuts!

Economical Cuts

London Broil, Top Round Roast, and Eye of Round Steak add value and variety to weeknight meals

Premium Cuts

Save ribeyes and filets for special occasions or weekend grilling

Ground Beef

About 50% of your half calf becomes ground beef. This is perfect for tacos, chili, and pasta dishes in weekly rotation

Roasts

Chuck roasts work great in slow cookers, making weekday meals easier

Your half calf investment from Sedley's Grassfed Beef makes life easier. Families can enjoy grassfed beef for months by planning diverse weekly menus that feature different cuts.

Do You Need A Half Calf Share?

A half calf share from Sedley's Grassfed Beef gives families more than just meat. It's a smart fix for meal planning. A typical half calf produces 200-250 pounds of beef that feeds a family of four for 6-8 months if they keep taking them 2-3 times weekly. If you’re looking to purchase a half calf, contact Sedley’s Grassfed Beef today! We have everything you need, and we’d love to help you through what you’re looking for!

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