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How Buying Beef by the Share Works

A simple, guided process from pasture to pickup — with clear communication every step of the way.

Buying beef by the share is different from purchasing individual cuts at the grocery store. Instead, you’re reserving a portion of a whole animal that’s raised, processed, and prepared with care — and planning ahead for when your beef will be ready.

This page walks through what the process looks like from start to finish, including timing, pricing, customization, and pickup. Our goal is to make the experience straightforward and transparent, whether this is your first time buying beef by the share or something you’ve done before.

The Process at a Glance

Here’s what the process typically looks like when you buy beef by the share with us.

Step 1

Join the Waitlist
Start by letting us know you’re interested. Joining the waitlist doesn’t commit you to a purchase — it simply lets us know you’d like information about current or upcoming availability.

Step 2

We Connect About Availability
Once we hear from you, we’ll reach out personally to share what’s available now and what’s coming up next. Whether you’re hoping for beef that’s ready soon or planning ahead for a future date, we’ll talk through the options together.

Step 3

Reserve Your Share
When the timing is right, we’ll help you reserve a share with a deposit. Once your deposit is received, your share is officially reserved. At that point, we’ll share an approximate date your beef will go to the processor and a general time frame for when you can expect to bring it home.

Step 4

Customize Your Cuts
One of the benefits of buying beef by the share is the ability to customize how your beef is cut and packaged to fit your household and cooking preferences. We’ll collect your cut selections directly and walk you through the options, helping you choose cuts, package sizes, and preferences. Your selections are then shared with the local processor we work closely with to ensure your beef is prepared just the way you expect.

Step 5

Pickup or Delivery
Once processing is complete, we’ll reach out to let you know your beef is ready. Customers can pick up their beef at the processor near Atchison, Kansas, or we can help arrange local delivery for an additional fee. We’ll share clear details ahead of time so you know what to expect and when it’s time to get your freezer ready at home.

Pricing & Deposits

Our beef is priced by the pound using hanging weight, which is the standard method for purchasing beef by the share.

To keep things simple and predictable, we offer an all-in price that includes professional processing and packaging — so the price you see reflects your total cost for the beef itself.

Because each animal is unique, final take-home amounts will vary slightly. The estimates below are intended to provide a realistic planning range rather than an exact guarantee.

$7.50 per pound (hanging weight)
Processing included · Price locked in when your deposit is placed

Quarter Share

  • Hanging weight: ~180–200 lbs
  • Estimated take-home beef: ~130–150 lbs
  • Estimated total cost: ~$1,350–$1,500
  • Deposit to reserve: $250
  • Freezer space needed: ~4–5 cubic feet

Best for: individuals or smaller households who want high-quality beef without committing to a large freezer or upfront quantity.

Half Share

  • Hanging weight: ~360–400 lbs
  • Estimated take-home beef: ~270–300 lbs
  • Estimated total cost: ~$2,700–$3,000
  • Deposit to reserve: $500
  • Freezer space needed: ~8–10 cubic feet

Best for: families or regular beef eaters who want a balanced mix of cuts and enough volume to stock the freezer comfortably.

Full Share

  • Hanging weight: ~720–800 lbs
  • Estimated take-home beef: ~540–600 lbs
  • Estimated total cost: ~$5,400–$6,000
  • Deposit to reserve: $1,000
  • Freezer space needed: ~16–20 cubic feet

Best for: larger families or bulk buyers who want the greatest cut flexibility, and a full freezer for the year.

Timing & Pickup

We typically offer two processing windows each year — one in the spring and one in the fall. Customers work with us to place a deposit for the processing date that best fits their needs.

Processing generally takes a few weeks. We’ll provide updates along the way so you know what to expect and when your beef will be ready.

Once processing is complete, we’ll contact you directly to coordinate next steps. Customers may pick up their beef directly from the processor in Atchison, Kansas, or arrange local delivery for an additional fee.

Please be sure you have adequate freezer space available prior to pickup or delivery. Freezer space estimates above are provided to help you plan ahead.

FAQs

Each share includes a variety of cuts, but final take-home amounts vary slightly based on the individual animal and your processing choices. The estimates listed above are intended to give you a realistic planning range so you know what to expect and can plan your share size and freezer space accordingly.

Purchasing by the share is a larger upfront investment than buying individual cuts at the store, but many customers find it offers significantly better value. You’re getting a full range of premium cuts from a single animal, raised with care, at a consistent per-pound price — without paying retail markups on individual steaks and roasts.

Absolutely. We’re happy to walk through share sizes, freezer space, and timing to help you choose the option that best fits your household. If you’re unsure, just reach out — we’d be happy to talk through it and answer any questions.

Ready to take the next step?

If buying beef by the share feels like a good fit, joining our waitlist is the next step. You’ll receive information right away about how the process works, upcoming processing windows, and current availability. Joining the waitlist does not commit you to a purchase — it simply lets us know you’d like to learn more.

Join the Waitlist