A "side of beef" is a half of one animal. At Classen, a half share is priced by finished, packaged weight, so you pay for the beef that actually goes in your freezer. Current per pound prices and the approximate packaged weight for a half are listed on the beef shares page, and your final total follows the actual packaged weight.
As listed on the share page in November 2026, a Classen half was $11.75 per packaged pound for about 250 packaged pounds, a listed total of $2,937.50.
Half a cow, half a beef, and a side of beef all mean the same thing. The price is where quotes get confusing.
You want a freezer of beef from a farm you can name, without getting lost in quotes that count pounds differently. Here is how to read a half.
What does "side of beef" mean?
A side of beef is one half of the animal, split lengthwise. Shoppers often say "half a cow" or "half a beef." Plants and some farms say "side." The amount of meat is the same idea: half of one animal, not a random box of steaks.
When you compare a "side" quote to a Classen half share, confirm two things: that both offers are really a half of one animal, and that both prices use the same weight basis. You can also start from the custom half page if that order path fits you better.
How is a Classen half share priced?
Classen prices the half by finished packaged weight, not hanging weight. Many farms quote hanging weight and add a separate processing bill, which makes the first per pound number look lower than the cost of the beef you take home. Our guide to hanging weight versus packaged weight explains that difference. Mississippi State University Extension explains, as general background, why a hanging-weight pound and a packaged pound are not the same. Classen bills the packaged pounds you take home.
Prices can change, so check the half row on the live share table before you order.
As listed on the share page in November 2026, a half is about 250 packaged pounds. Treat that as the farm's current published approximation. The exact bill follows the packaged weight of your share.
The buying beef in bulk page lists processing and vacuum sealed packaging as included in share pricing, with custom cut selections on orders placed with a deposit.
What do you get in a half share?
A Classen half is a mix of steaks, roasts, ground beef, and specialty cuts, packed and vacuum sealed for the freezer. You name favorite cuts on the order form, then approve a pull sheet before the packages are set aside under your name.
Exact steak or roast counts are not a single fixed public list. They follow your approved sheet and the animal.
If you will split the half with another household, that is allowed. The share still goes to one address with one contact. You divide the packages after they arrive.
Will a half fit in my freezer, and how do I get it home?
Plan freezer space from the approximate packaged pounds listed for a half on the share page. Leave room to see labels and rotate packages.
Shares of every size, including a half, are picked up or delivered. A real person at the farm sets the time with you by phone. There is no fixed route day, and anyone can pick up. Smaller boxes ship on Tuesdays by UPS if you need a smaller, shipped option instead of a half. Check the shipping page or call 531-810-1107.
How do you choose a half instead of a quarter or a whole?
A quarter is a smaller freezer fill. A whole is twice a half. A half sits in the middle: enough mixed cuts for a household that cooks beef often, or for two households that will split after delivery. How much is a quarter beef, and how much meat do you take home?
Still deciding? Start with the Nebraska beef shares guide.
A simple plan
- Confirm you are comparing a true half, also called a side, on packaged weight.
- Read the live half row on the share page.
- Decide whether another household will split with you (one address, one contact).
- Order or reserve, approve your pull sheet, and set pickup or delivery by phone.
Prefer to start with a few packages? Shop individual cuts.
For city-by-city pickup and delivery detail, start with the Nebraska locations page, then see Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, and Gretna. Or call 531-810-1107 or email info@classenmercantile.com to set a plan.
To set pickup or delivery near you, or with any questions, call 531-810-1107 or email info@classenmercantile.com.
FAQ
How much is a half cow at Classen?
A Classen half is priced by finished packaged weight. As listed on the share page in November 2026, a Classen half was $11.75 per packaged pound for about 250 packaged pounds, a listed total of $2,937.50. Your final total follows the actual packaged weight, so check that page when you order.
Is a side of beef the same as a half?
Yes. A side of beef is a half of one animal, split lengthwise. Confirm the weight basis when you compare quotes.
How much meat is in a half?
The live share page listed a half at about 250 packaged pounds in November 2026. That is an approximation. The exact packaged weight of your share is what you pay for.
Is processing included?
Yes. Classen's buying in bulk page lists processing and vacuum sealed packaging as included in share pricing. Confirm on that page when you order.
Can two families split a half?
Yes. The half goes to one address with one contact. You divide the packages after they arrive.
Can a half be picked up or delivered?
Yes. Shares of every size are picked up or delivered, and the farm sets the plan with you by phone. Smaller boxes ship on Tuesdays by UPS if a half is more than you want right now.
