Cow by cost

Every rancher on Find a Rancher sets their own price, so the number you see on a ranch page is the rancher's number. This page explains what that number covers, when you pay it, and how the three ways to buy compare.

What you pay for a share

A share is priced per animal, not per pound. The price includes processing, cut-and-wrap, and packaging at the plant. Shipping or plant pickup is shown on the ranch page before you reserve.

• Half. About 200 lb packaged. From $2,290 depending on the ranch. $1,000 deposit.
• Whole. About 400 lb packaged. From $4,390 depending on the ranch. $1,000 deposit.
• Two-year contract. Two whole animals over 24 months plus a ButcherBox chest freezer. $395 a month for 24 months.

Deposit now, balance at processing

The deposit holds the animal and puts your name on it. ButcherBox holds the deposit until the plant date. The balance is charged when your animal is processed and the cut-and-wrap is underway. You see the exact balance and the plant date on the ranch page before you pay, and nothing changes after that.

Boxes and single cuts

Boxes of cuts and single cuts are priced by the pound on each ranch page. They ship on the same Monday to Wednesday schedule as shares and carry the same cold-on-arrival guarantee.

How to compare ranches

Choose your state first. We only show ranchers whose plant is cleared to ship to you, and the state page lets you sort by cost from low to high. Prices differ because breeds, feed, plants, and freight differ. The ranch page tells you what is behind each number.