Whole vs. Half Beef: Which Bulk Order is Right for You?

Buying beef in bulk is an excellent way to save money, enjoy premium-quality beef, and stock your freezer with cuts tailored to your preferences. At MidAmerican Beef, we offer bulk options for pre-order with scheduled pick-up times north of Kansas City, MO in the rural areas of Lathrop, Polo, and Cowgill, MO.

Two popular options we offer are Whole and Half Beef. But which one is the best choice for your needs? Let’s explore the differences to help you make the right decision.

Buying Bulk vs Individual Cuts

Purchasing beef in bulk has several advantages:

• Cost Savings: Enjoy premium-quality beef at a lower price per pound compared to individual cuts.
• Convenience: Always have a variety of cuts on hand for quick, delicious meals.
• Customizable Orders: Select your preferred cuts to suit your family’s tastes and cooking habits.

 

What is a "Whole Beef" and "Half Beef"?

When you purchase a Whole Beef from MidAmerican Beef, you’re buying an entire steer’s worth of our premium, farm-raised beef. A Half Beef is exactly that, half of a whole beef. Both include every delicious cut you could imagine: tender steaks, hearty roasts, flavorful ground beef, optional organs, and even versatile bones for broth.

Each order is processed and customized to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer more ground beef or love grilling extra thick steaks, we’ll tailor the cut list to your needs. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed exceptional variety, flavor, and value.

Whole Beef vs. Half Beef

Whole VS Half: Cut List

Here’s the complete breakdown of what you can expect when ordering Whole or Half Beef. Please keep in mind that these amounts will vary, depending on your cut selections, customization options and individual processing of your order.

Example: Choosing to have another one of your roasts processed into ground beef will result in less roast poundage, but more ground beef poundage:

Cut Type	Half Beef	Whole Beef
Chuck/Arm Roast	20-24 lbs	40-48 lbs
Rump Roast	5-6 lbs	10-12 lbs
Sirloin Tip Roast	5-6 lbs	10-12 lbs
Round Steak/Stew Meat	6-8 lbs	12-16 lbs
Ribeye Steak	5-7 lbs	10-14 lbs
KC Strip Steak	5 lbs	10 lbs
Sirloin Steak	4 lbs	8 lbs
Tenderloin Filets	3 lbs	6 lbs
Flank Steak	1 lb	2 lbs
Skirt Steak or Fajita Meat	4 lbs	8 lbs
Flat Iron Steak	2 lbs	4 lbs
Tri-tip Steak	2 lbs	4 lbs
Brisket	8 lbs	16 lbs
Short Ribs	4 lbs	8 lbs
Soup Bones	8 lbs	16 lbs
Liver	2 lbs	4 lbs
Bones for Bone Broth	20 lbs	40 lbs
Ground Beef	90-100 lbs	180-200 lbs
Total Amount of Beef	-/+ 200 lbs	-/+ 400 lbs

These numbers are averages and may vary slightly depending on your customization options and processing.

Freezer Space Requirements

For reference, the interior of a milk crate is slightly larger than 1 cubic foot, making it a handy comparison!

Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

Here are some tips to decide between Whole and Half Beef:

• Household Size: Larger families might benefit from a Whole Beef, while smaller households can opt for a Half Beef.
• Freezer Space: Check your freezer’s capacity before ordering.
• Cooking Habits: If you enjoy variety and cook frequently, a Whole Beef ensures you’ll always have the right cut on hand.
  
  
  

How to Place an Order for Half or Whole Beef

Ordering from MidAmerican Beef is simple and hassle-free. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your Beef Option

Decide whether you’d like to order a Whole Beef or Half Beef, depending on your household size, freezer space, and cooking habits. Not sure which to choose? Check out our guide above to help you decide!

2. Place Your Order

Pay your Whole Beef or Half Beef deposit online and we'll contact you, OR call us directly to place your order. A deposit is required to secure your beef. This ensures that your order is prioritized and reserved for you.

3. Customize Your Cuts

After your deposit has been paid, we’ll discuss your preferences. You’ll have the option to customize:

• Steak thickness (e.g., 1”, 1.5”, or 2”)
• Roast sizes (e.g., small or large cuts)
• Any additional processing requests (e.g., converting more roasts into ground beef).

We’ll walk you through the process, so you get exactly what you want!

4. Processing and Packaging

Your beef will be processed at a trusted, local facility to ensure quality and freshness. After your beef has dry-aged for 21 days, each cut is:

• Vacuum-sealed to preserve flavor.
• Labeled for easy identification.
• Boxed, ready for your freezer.

5. Pick Up Your Order

Once your order is ready, we’ll arrange a convenient pick-up time. We’re here to ensure the process is smooth and easy.