Frequently Asked Questions

How does BuyHalfCow work?

BuyHalfCow is a private network connecting serious buyers with verified American ranchers. Think of it like working with a trusted advisor who connects buyers and sellers in a private network.

We personally verify every rancher through in-person ranch tours and documentation reviews. We verify every member application to ensure ranchers only deal with serious buyers. Then we facilitate the introduction. The relationship is direct between you and the rancher.

How do I get connected with a rancher?

Once you're approved as a member, you browse verified ranchers in your state. When you find one you like, you request an introduction through the platform.

I review each request personally to ensure it's a good fit, then facilitate the introduction via email. From there, you and the rancher connect directly to discuss pricing, timing, delivery, and finalize the transaction.

It's personal, relationship-based, and built on trust. I work both sides to ensure good matches.

What do you actually do?

Three things:

1. Verify ranchers — I visit ranches in person, document operations, ensure quality and legitimacy. Every rancher is personally certified.
2. Vet buyers — I review member applications to protect ranchers from tire-kickers and ensure serious intent.
3. Facilitate introductions — I match members with ranchers in their state and facilitate the introduction. You handle the transaction directly.

I'm the gatekeeper that ensures both sides are legit, then I get out of the way and let you build the relationship.

What comes in a quarter, half, or full cow?

Quarter Cow (~100-125 lbs): Mix of cuts including steaks, roasts, and ground beef. Feeds a family of 2-3 for 3-4 months. Requires about 4-5 cubic feet of freezer space.

Half Cow (~200-250 lbs): Full variety of cuts — ribeyes, T-bones, chuck roasts, brisket, short ribs, ground beef. Feeds a family of 4 for 6-8 months. Requires about 8-10 cubic feet of freezer space.

Whole Cow (~400-500 lbs): Complete animal, maximum variety and value. Best for large families, multiple households sharing, or if you have a chest freezer. Requires 15-20 cubic feet.

Note: Final weights and cuts vary by ranch processing methods. Discuss specific cuts with your rancher.

How much does a half cow cost?

Typically $1,200-$2,500 depending on:

• Ranch location and practices
• Beef type (grass-fed, grain-finished, wagyu, etc.)
• Processing fees and cutting preferences
• Delivery vs. pickup

You pay the rancher directly. BuyHalfCow only facilitates the connection. Ranchers set their own pricing and terms.

How do I pay? How do I get my beef?

You work directly with the rancher on payment (check, Venmo, Zelle, bank transfer — their preference). Delivery/pickup is arranged directly with the rancher based on their operation.

Some ranchers deliver within their region. Some require pickup at the processing facility. Some ship frozen. You'll discuss all this during your direct conversation.

How long until I'm approved?

Launch week: 24-48 hours (high volume, please be patient)
Normal: Same day, typically within 6-12 hours

Why do you review applications?

Two reasons:

1. Protect ranchers — Ranchers get bombarded by tire-kickers and time-wasters. I filter out non-serious buyers so ranchers only spend time on real opportunities.
2. Maintain quality — This is a private community, not a public marketplace. Vetting ensures The HERD stays focused on real sourcing and quality relationships.

Is there a membership fee?

Not yet. Currently free while we grow The HERD. We may introduce a small annual fee ($20-50/year) in the future to ensure serious members only.

Can I cancel my membership?

Email me anytime. No hard feelings. No recurring fees (yet).

How do I know ranchers are legit?

Every rancher is personally verified through:

• In-person ranch tours — I visit operations, document practices, meet the ranchers
• Documentation review — Business licenses, certifications, operation history
• Reference checks — Past customers, industry connections

Only certified ranchers appear in The HERD's member network. I stake my reputation on every ranch.

Can I source from any state?

You see ranchers in YOUR state only. Local sourcing keeps things simple — easier pickup/delivery, support local ranching in your state, build regional relationships.

What if there's no ranchers in my state?

Email me. I'm actively recruiting ranchers nationwide and traveling for ranch tours. Know a good rancher? Refer them. I'll visit and certify if they meet standards.

How does the certification process work?

After you apply, I review your application and schedule a call. If it's a good fit, I schedule an in-person ranch tour (traveling through different states certifying ranchers).

During the tour, I document your operation, verify practices, and ensure everything checks out. Once certified, your listing goes live and HERD members in your state can request introductions.

How do I get paid?

Buyers pay you directly using your preferred method (check, Venmo, Zelle, bank transfer, etc.). You set your terms. You control the transaction.

When a sale closes through a BuyHalfCow introduction, you report it to me and handle the commission separately. Simple, transparent, no payment processing involved.

What if I get tire-kickers?

You won't. That's the whole point.

Every member is vetted. Every inquiry is reviewed by me before it reaches you. You only receive introductions from serious buyers who have been verified and approved. No random browsers. No time-wasters. Just qualified buyers ready to source.

How long does the whole process take?

Application to approval: 24-48 hours (launch week), usually same day
Finding a rancher: Immediate once approved (browse your state's ranchers)
Introduction facilitation: 12-24 hours (I review and approve inquiries)
Transaction with rancher: Varies — some have beef ready now, some take custom orders (4-6 months)

Do I need a chest freezer?

For a half cow or more, yes. You'll need 8-10 cubic feet minimum. A standard chest freezer (10-15 cubic feet) works great for a half cow.

Quarter cow might fit in a large upright freezer if you have space. Many members split a half or full cow with friends/family.

What states do you cover?

We have verified ranchers in 30+ states and expanding weekly. Once you're approved, you'll see ranchers specifically in your state.

If your state isn't covered yet, join anyway — I'm actively recruiting and touring ranches nationwide.