Buying Animal Shares
Understand whole, half, and quarter shares — what you are buying, how pricing works, and what to expect from reservation to pickup.
What is an animal share?
When you buy an animal share, you are purchasing an ownership interest in a live animal before it is processed. Instead of buying individual cuts at retail, you commit to a portion of the animal — typically a whole, half, or quarter — and receive the packaged meat after processing.
This is one of the most transparent and economical ways to buy meat: you know which farm raised the animal, how it was finished, and how the price is calculated. In return, you need freezer space and a willingness to work with estimated weights.
Share sizes
Each share size represents a fraction of the animal. Estimated take-home weights and freezer needs are shown below — actual yields vary.
| Share Size | Fraction | Est. Take-Home | Est. Freezer Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole | 1 animal | 350–500 lbs | 12–16 cu ft |
| Half | ½ animal | 175–250 lbs | 6–8 cu ft |
| Quarter | ¼ animal | 85–125 lbs | 3–4 cu ft |
| Eighth | ⅛ animal | 40–65 lbs | 2–3 cu ft |
Estimates only. Actual weights depend on breed, animal size, cut selections, and processing.
Ownership timing
1. Reservation
You place a reservation on a share and pay a deposit. The farm reviews and approves your reservation.
2. Processing
The animal is harvested and processed at the scheduled time. You may complete a cut sheet with the processor to specify your preferred cuts.
3. Final pricing
After processing, the actual hanging weight is known. Your final balance is calculated based on the real weight, not the estimate.
4. Pickup
You pay any remaining balance and pick up your packaged meat at the farm or processor.
Cuts, freezer space, and pickup
Cut sheets: For most shares, you will complete a cut sheet with the processor specifying which steaks, roasts, ground beef, and other cuts you want. The farm or processor guides you through this.
Freezer space: A quarter beef needs roughly 3–4 cubic feet of freezer space. Plan ahead — a standard refrigerator freezer is usually not enough for a share.
Pickup: Most farms offer pickup at the farm or processor. Some offer delivery. Pickup details are confirmed during the reservation process.
Ready to find local meat?
Browse farms and listings near you, or explore more of our buying guides.