Understanding Beef Weights

Cattle’s Live Weight

This is the animal’s full weight. Our cattle are typically between 1,000 and 1,300 lbs.

Hanging Weight

After slaughter, the head, hide, organs, and blood are removed. The result is about 60% of the live weight. So if a cow weights 1,200 lbs, they would yield around 720 lbs hanging weight.

Packaged Weight

This is the part you actually take home.

Depending on how it’s cut, a whole animal typically yields 300- 375 lbs of packaged beef, or about 25–30% of the live weight. A half cow yields roughly 150–200 lbs.

(FYI: Your packaged weight depends on cut preferences, boneless vs. bone-in choices, and trim level)

So for that 1,200 lb cow:

• Live weight: 1,200 lbs

• Hanging weight: 720 lbs

• Packaged meat for a Whole Cow: Approximately 300–375 lbs (final yield varies by cut preference and trim)