This purchase is for a share of a live premium grass-fed and grass-finished steer, never treated with hormones or antibiotics and never exposed to synthetic pesticides or herbicides. The cattle we raise are specific breeds (e.g. Red Devon, South Poll) that thrive on grass and still produce tasty, tender meat. You have the option to purchase a half or a whole cow, depending on your specific needs. Once you make your purchase, we will arrange for the cow to be delivered to a trusted processor who will handle the butchering and packaging of the meat according to your specifications. By purchasing directly from us, you can achieve significant cost savings while still receiving premium quality grass-fed beef raised right here in south Louisiana.
Our grass fed cattle are never treated with hormones or antibiotics, and are raised on intensively managed pasture on the alluvial floodplains of the Mississippi River that is free from herbicide and pesticide use. This results in high-quality, nutrient-dense beef that is rich in flavor and tender in texture. Grass-fed beef is lower in fat and higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
We understand that grass-fed and grass-finished beef commands a premium over conventional beef, which is why we offer our live animal purchase option directly to consumers. Experience the unbeatable taste and quality of grass-fed beef with our live animal purchase option, and enjoy the convenience of having your beef delivered directly to the processor.
More Details
Pricing Information
Half Cow – $6.15/lb hanging weight (aka “carcass” or “dressing” weight)
(An average sized half cow at 300 lbs hanging weight (~190-200lbs of beef) would be $1845 total, expected range $1500-2000)
Whole Cow – $6.00/lb hanging weight
(An average sized whole cow at 600 lbs hanging weight (~360 lbs of beef) would be $3600 total, expected range $3000-4000)
At harvest time, we calculate the final cost based on the weight of the carcass (hanging weight) as measured at the processor. In the event that the weight of the carcass is higher or lower than the estimated weight, we will send an invoice or payment for any additional money owed based on the final weight.
On average, the carcass weight of a whole cow ranges between 480-720 lbs, and half cow ranges 240-360 lbs. We want to ensure that you receive the highest quality grass-fed beef at a fair and transparent price. By weighing the carcass at harvest time and adjusting the price accordingly, we can provide you with a more accurate and customized purchasing experience.
Once the cow has been delivered to the processor, they will handle the butchering and packaging of the meat according to your specifications. The processor will then invoice you directly for their services, which are currently priced at a very competitive rate of $0.95 per pound of carcass weight, plus approximately $70 of slaughter and disposal fees per animal. See more processing information here.
Total Pricing Example for Half Cow
Assuming the estimated carcass weight of the half cow is 300 lbs (which is half of the estimated 600 lbs carcass weight of a 1000 lb cow). The total price for the half cow would be calculated as follows: 300 lbs x $6.15 per lb = $1,845 for the cow
In addition to the cow price, you would also need to pay the processor for processing fees. The processing fee is currently priced at $0.95 per pound of carcass weight. Therefore, the processing fee for the half cow would be:
300 lbs x $0.95 per lb = $285 for processing
Finally, there are additional slaughter and disposal fees from the processor for a total of $35 for these additional fees.
Therefore, the total price for the half cow would be:
$1,845 (for the cow) + $285 (for processing) + $35 (for additional fees) = $2165
In this example, the total price for the half cow would be $2165, based on the estimated carcass weight and processing fees provided. Please note that the final price may vary slightly depending on the actual carcass weight of the cow, which will be determined at harvest time.
Assuming 200 lbs of beef from a half cow, that equals $10.83/lb. While this price may seem higher than the price of conventional, store-bought beef, it’s important to consider the quality and health benefits of grass-fed, grass-finished beef compared to conventionally-raised beef, especially with the premium breeds of cattle that we raise. This is price is also significantly lower than the industry standard reported by the USDA in September 2023.
Grass-fed, grass-finished beef is raised on pasture, free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals commonly used in conventional beef production. This results in meat that is leaner, more flavorful, and more nutrient-dense than conventionally-raised beef. Therefore the price per pound of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins is actually lower than conventional beef.
How Much Does My Family Need?
The length of time that a half cow will feed a family of will depend on a few factors, such as how often you eat meat, how much meat you typically consume per meal, and how many meals you typically eat at home.
Assuming an average yield of 200-250 pounds of meat from a half cow, and an average consumption rate of 1 pound of meat per person per week, a half cow could potentially feed a family of 5 for around 40-50 weeks, or approximately 9-12 months.
Our Grass Fed Beef Management Practices
We raise our grass-fed beef using intensive multi-paddock and rotational grazing, organic principles, and without the use of hormones, antibiotics, or chemical pesticides and herbicides. The ranch focuses on sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices to produce high-quality, nutrient-dense beef while promoting soil health and biodiversity.
The management practices at Willow Creek Ranch involve dividing the pasture into multiple paddocks and rotating the cattle between them as often as once or twice a day. This allows the cattle to have access to diverse mixes of fresh, nutrient-dense forage while also allowing the pasture to rest and recover between grazing cycles.
The ranch uses a mix of warm and cool-season grasses, legumes, and other forages to provide a balanced and varied diet for the cattle. The grazing system is designed to mimic the natural patterns of grazing and movement of wild ruminants such as bison, which helps to promote soil health and biodiversity.
The cattle are moved to new paddocks based on the timing and growth of the forage, as well as the condition of the soil and pasture. The ranch uses a mix of electric fencing and portable watering systems to manage the cattle and facilitate rotational grazing.
In addition to rotational grazing, the ranch also uses other regenerative agriculture practices such as cover cropping, composting, and natural pest management. The goal is to build healthy soil and promote biodiversity, which in turn helps to produce healthy and nutrient-dense beef.
Overall, the management practices at Willow Creek Ranch prioritize the health and well-being of the cattle, the environment, and the consumers who enjoy their products. By focusing on sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, the ranch is able to produce high-quality beef while promoting soil health and biodiversity.
Freezer Space Needed
The amount of freezer space required for a whole or half cow after processing will depend on several factors such as the size of the animal, the cutting and wrapping style, and the size of your freezer.
On average, a whole cow will yield around 400-500 pounds of meat, while a half cow will yield approximately 200-250 pounds of meat. This amount of meat will typically require as little as 8-10 cubic feet of freezer space for a half cow and as much as 18-20 cubic feet of freezer space for a whole cow. Many people recommend 1 cubic foot of freezer space for every 25-35 lbs of meet.
Logistics
This item is for a whole or half share of a live animal, and ownership is transferred at time of payment. At the specified harvest time, the animal is transferred to our local processor for free as a convenience to the customer and share owner. The customer then deals directly with the processor to choose the appropriate cuts and specific beef products from their cow. After processing and packaging by the processor, the customer can pick up their beef directly from the processor, or we can arrange delivery.
Please note: this is a live animal purchase, and can’t be shipped. It is only available to those residing in Louisiana.
Half Cow – $6.15/lb hanging weight (aka “carcass” or “dressing” weight)
(An average sized half cow at 300 lbs hanging weight (~190-200lbs of beef) would be $1845 total, expected range $1500-2000)
Whole Cow – $6.00/lb hanging weight
(An average sized whole cow at 600 lbs hanging weight (~360 lbs of beef) would be $3600 total, expected range $3000-4000)
At harvest time, we calculate the final cost based on the weight of the carcass (hanging weight) as measured at the processor. In the event that the weight of the carcass is higher or lower than the estimated weight, we will send an invoice or payment for any additional money owed based on the final weight.
On average, the carcass weight of a whole cow ranges between 480-720 lbs, and half cow ranges 240-360 lbs. We want to ensure that you receive the highest quality grass-fed beef at a fair and transparent price. By weighing the carcass at harvest time and adjusting the price accordingly, we can provide you with a more accurate and customized purchasing experience.
Once the cow has been delivered to the processor, they will handle the butchering and packaging of the meat according to your specifications. The processor will then invoice you directly for their services, which are currently priced at a very competitive rate of $0.95 per pound of carcass weight, plus approximately $70 of slaughter and disposal fees per animal. See more processing information here.
Assuming the estimated carcass weight of the half cow is 300 lbs (which is half of the estimated 600 lbs carcass weight of a 1000 lb cow). The total price for the half cow would be calculated as follows: 300 lbs x $6.15 per lb = $1,845 for the cow
In addition to the cow price, you would also need to pay the processor for processing fees. The processing fee is currently priced at $0.95 per pound of carcass weight. Therefore, the processing fee for the half cow would be:
300 lbs x $0.95 per lb = $285 for processing
Finally, there are additional slaughter and disposal fees from the processor for a total of $35 for these additional fees.
Therefore, the total price for the half cow would be:
$1,845 (for the cow) + $285 (for processing) + $35 (for additional fees) = $2165
In this example, the total price for the half cow would be $2165, based on the estimated carcass weight and processing fees provided. Please note that the final price may vary slightly depending on the actual carcass weight of the cow, which will be determined at harvest time.
Assuming 200 lbs of beef from a half cow, that equals $10.83/lb. While this price may seem higher than the price of conventional, store-bought beef, it’s important to consider the quality and health benefits of grass-fed, grass-finished beef compared to conventionally-raised beef, especially with the premium breeds of cattle that we raise. This is price is also significantly lower than the industry standard reported by the USDA in September 2023.
Grass-fed, grass-finished beef is raised on pasture, free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals commonly used in conventional beef production. This results in meat that is leaner, more flavorful, and more nutrient-dense than conventionally-raised beef. Therefore the price per pound of vitamins, nutrients, and proteins is actually lower than conventional beef.
The length of time that a half cow will feed a family of will depend on a few factors, such as how often you eat meat, how much meat you typically consume per meal, and how many meals you typically eat at home.
Assuming an average yield of 200-250 pounds of meat from a half cow, and an average consumption rate of 1 pound of meat per person per week, a half cow could potentially feed a family of 5 for around 40-50 weeks, or approximately 9-12 months.
We raise our grass-fed beef using intensive multi-paddock and rotational grazing, organic principles, and without the use of hormones, antibiotics, or chemical pesticides and herbicides. The ranch focuses on sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices to produce high-quality, nutrient-dense beef while promoting soil health and biodiversity.
The management practices at Willow Creek Ranch involve dividing the pasture into multiple paddocks and rotating the cattle between them as often as once or twice a day. This allows the cattle to have access to diverse mixes of fresh, nutrient-dense forage while also allowing the pasture to rest and recover between grazing cycles.
The ranch uses a mix of warm and cool-season grasses, legumes, and other forages to provide a balanced and varied diet for the cattle. The grazing system is designed to mimic the natural patterns of grazing and movement of wild ruminants such as bison, which helps to promote soil health and biodiversity.
The cattle are moved to new paddocks based on the timing and growth of the forage, as well as the condition of the soil and pasture. The ranch uses a mix of electric fencing and portable watering systems to manage the cattle and facilitate rotational grazing.
In addition to rotational grazing, the ranch also uses other regenerative agriculture practices such as cover cropping, composting, and natural pest management. The goal is to build healthy soil and promote biodiversity, which in turn helps to produce healthy and nutrient-dense beef.
Overall, the management practices at Willow Creek Ranch prioritize the health and well-being of the cattle, the environment, and the consumers who enjoy their products. By focusing on sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, the ranch is able to produce high-quality beef while promoting soil health and biodiversity.
The amount of freezer space required for a whole or half cow after processing will depend on several factors such as the size of the animal, the cutting and wrapping style, and the size of your freezer.
On average, a whole cow will yield around 400-500 pounds of meat, while a half cow will yield approximately 200-250 pounds of meat. This amount of meat will typically require as little as 8-10 cubic feet of freezer space for a half cow and as much as 18-20 cubic feet of freezer space for a whole cow. Many people recommend 1 cubic foot of freezer space for every 25-35 lbs of meet.
This item is for a whole or half share of a live animal, and ownership is transferred at time of payment. At the specified harvest time, the animal is transferred to our local processor for free as a convenience to the customer and share owner. The customer then deals directly with the processor to choose the appropriate cuts and specific beef products from their cow. After processing and packaging by the processor, the customer can pick up their beef directly from the processor, or we can arrange delivery.
Please note: this is a live animal purchase, and can’t be shipped. It is only available to those residing in Louisiana.
| Size | Half Cow, Whole Cow |
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