starter share
Quarter
about 3–5 months
~120–200 lb hang weight (varies)
Reserve →quick answers
FAQ
Beef share math is a planning heuristic for mixed weeks (chicken, pork, beef, meatless) — not a promise. Final hang weights live on Jensen’s product pages.
At a glance · family of four, mixed protein week
How long does a cow last?
sweet spot for most
Half
about 6–10 months
~250–400 lb hang weight (varies)
Reserve →freezer commitment
Whole
about 12–18 months (or split with another family)
~500–800 lb hang weight (varies)
Reserve →Assumes ~2–3 beef meals/week mixed with chicken, pork, and meatless nights. Heavy beef weeks go faster. See weekly rhythm →
The rest
Common questions
How long will a quarter cow last?
For a family of four who eat beef a few times a week (not every night), plan on roughly about 3–5 months.
Weight is typically ~120–200 lb hang weight (varies). Final pounds are by hang weight — confirm on the Jensen deposit page.
If your week looks more like chicken, pork, and a couple of beef nights (normal around here), a quarter stretches longer. If you grill steak four nights a week, it goes faster.
Industry ranch guides commonly cite ~4–5 months for a family of five; we phrase ranges, not guarantees.
How long will a half cow last?
For a family of four with a mixed protein week, plan on roughly about 6–10 months.
Weight is typically ~250–400 lb hang weight (varies).
Pair with the Freezer calculator so you are not surprised by chest size before delivery day.
How long will a whole cow last?
For one family of four, roughly about 12–18 months (or split with another family) — many households split a whole with another family the first year.
Weight is typically ~500–800 lb hang weight (varies).
A whole is a serious freezer project. Use the weekly rhythm so specialty cuts do not hide until freezer burn finds them.
Do we have to eat only beef if we buy a share?
No. Rural Texas weeks usually mix chicken, pork, beef, and meatless nights — school nights, church potluck leftovers, and whatever was on sale.
Our weekly rhythm reflects that mix. Beef share nights are the anchor; chicken, pork, and veggie plates fill the gaps so the freezer empties evenly without burnout.
Is the price on the site the full cost of a cow share?
No. Jensen lists a deposit. The balance is based on hang weight and is agreed before final payment.
Always read the live product page on jensenbeef.com for current numbers.
Is Jenna a real person?
Jenna is an AI persona with a Greenville backstory — not a private citizen you will meet at the market.
Products are sold and shipped by real partner brands (Jensen Beef, Beautifulthing).
How do Clip it / Email it work?
On recipe cards, calendar lists, and freezer gear picks you can edit the shopping list, then use your phone’s native share sheet (Clip it) or open a branded email draft (Email it).
Nothing is stored on our servers from those buttons — it uses your device’s share or mail app.