Grocery Store Beef vs. a Beef Share
The store wins on convenience. A share wins on price and knowing the source.
Price per pound
A share averages roughly $10.80 to $12.52 per packaged pound, depending on the size. Ribeye and ground beef cost the same. Store prices differ a lot by cut, so what you save depends on what you would otherwise buy.
| Ground beef, 80/20 | $6.99-$8.99 |
|---|---|
| Chuck roast | $11 |
| Sirloin steak | $11.99-$14.99 |
| Ribeye steak | $20-$22 |
These are approximate figures and your local prices will differ. The share price averages the whole freezer. A share saves more the more steak and roast you would have bought. Ground beef alone is often cheaper at the store.
| Share | Hanging weight | Take-home | Freezer space | Total with processing | Per packaged lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter | 185-190 lbs | 111-124 lbs | 5-7 cubic feet | $1,354 - $1,390 | $10.92-$12.52 |
| Half | 365-375 lbs | 219-244 lbs | 8-10 cubic feet | $2,637 - $2,706 | $10.81-$12.36 |
| Whole | 740-750 lbs | 444-488 lbs | 16-20 cubic feet | $5,269 - $5,338 | $10.80-$12.02 |
What you trade off
A share costs more up front
$1,354 - $1,390 for a quarter, up to $5,269 - $5,338 for a whole, in stages: a deposit to reserve, the balance after harvest, and processing at pickup.
A share needs freezer space
From 5-7 cubic feet for a quarter to 16-20 for a whole. See the freezer guides.
A share comes as a mix of cuts
You choose thickness and package sizes, but you cannot buy only ribeyes. If you only like a few cuts, the store is the better fit.
A share is a commitment
A quarter lasts a household of 1-3 people about 4-6 months. Shares are sold once a year, so you cannot top up if you run short, and you eat what the animal gives.
What you get for it
You know which ranch raised the beef, how it was raised, and who cut it. Our cattle graze on pasture and get a light grain ration to finish. They never get growth hormones. We raise them without routine antibiotics. Matt's Custom Meats dry-ages the beef 14 to 21 days before cutting.
If you eat beef regularly, have the freezer space, and are comfortable paying ahead, a share is worth pricing out. If not, buy at the store. Compare the three sizes.
Fall 2026 beef shares are sold out
Send us a note and we'll get back to you when next season's shares open.
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