Half or whole animal

A share is part of one animal, raised on one ranch and sold under that rancher's name. You choose how much of the animal you want, and the rancher's plant does the rest.

Half

One full side of the animal. About 200 lb packaged, which feeds a family for about six months. The plant processes mixed-primal halves, so every half gets the full range of steaks, roasts, and ground beef rather than one end of the animal. You need about 8 cubic feet of freezer space. A standard kitchen freezer holds a half if it is nearly empty.

Whole

The entire animal, both sides. About 400 lb packaged. Split it with another household or fill a 15 cubic foot chest freezer. You get every primal, including steaks, roasts, ground beef, and the variety cuts.

Cut sheets

Each ranch offers three cut sheets to choose from, so you decide how your share is cut and wrapped. Pick the one that fits how you cook, or ask the rancher for a recommendation.

How a share works

1. Reserve with a deposit. ButcherBox holds the deposit. Your name goes on the animal.
2. Plant date. The animal is harvested at the rancher's plant on the date shown on the ranch page.
3. Balance charged. The balance is charged at processing, when the cut-and-wrap is underway. No adjustments, no surprises.
4. It ships frozen, or you pick it up. Packed at the plant and shipped Monday to Wednesday in an insulated box, never more than two days on the road. Where the plant allows, you can pick up at the plant or take rancher delivery instead.

Beef or a share of a live animal

It depends on the plant. At an inspected plant your share is sold as beef and can ship frozen to you. At a custom-exempt plant you are buying a share of the live animal and must pick it up at the plant or take rancher delivery. Either way, you see the terms before you pay.

Cold on arrival, or we replace it

If your share arrives above 40 °F, tell us within 24 hours and a replacement ships on the next ship day.