Fore vs Hind Cow Shares

Understanding Fore & Hind Cow Shares
What You Get in a ¼ or ½ Cow from Mother Acres?
At Mother Acres, we offer locally raised, 100% grass-fed beef by the quarter, half, or whole cow. If you're considering a ¼ or ½ cow share, it's helpful to understand how the cow is divided — and how that affects the cuts you’ll receive.

How a Cow is Divided
A side of beef (half cow) is split into two main sections:

  • Forequarter – the front half
  • Hindquarter – the rear half

The dividing line is typically between the 12th and 13th ribs.

Forequarter Share
Included in: Some ¼ shares or half of a ½ cow

What It Includes:

  • Chuck
  • Rib
  • Brisket
  • Shank (foreshank)
  • Plate

Common Cuts You’ll Receive:

  • Chuck roast
  • Short ribs
  • Brisket
  • Ribeye steaks (bone-in or boneless)
  • Stew meat
  • Ground beef

Hindquarter Share
Included in: Some ¼ shares or the other half of a ½ cow

What It Includes:

  • Loin
  • Sirloin
  • Round
  • Flank
  • Hind shank

Common Cuts You’ll Receive:

  • Texas Strip (New York strip)
  • Filet mignon (tenderloin)
  • T-bone or Porterhouse steaks
  • Sirloin steak
  • Flank steak
  • Round steaks
  • Rump and sirloin tip roasts
  • Ground beef

What About a ¼ Cow?
When you purchase a ¼ cow from Mother Acres, you typically receive either:

  • A split quarter (even mix of fore and hind cuts)
  • Or a true quarter (either a full forequarter or full hindquarter)

Split quarters offer a balanced variety of roasts, steaks, and ground beef from both ends of the cow. These are the most popular option for first-time buyers or small families.

Choosing the Right Share for You
Share Type    Weight (approx.)    Ideal For    Includes Cuts From
¼ Cow – Split    90–140 lbs    Small families, freezers    Fore + Hind
¼ Cow – Fore    90–140 lbs    Slow-cook lovers, budget    Forequarter only
¼ Cow – Hind    90–140 lbs    Steak lovers, grilling fans    Hindquarter only
½ Cow    180–240 lbs    Families, bulk savings    Whole side (Fore + Hind)

Still Not Sure?
We’re happy to walk you through your options, answer questions about specific cuts, and help you choose the right share for your household.

Contact us anytime at MotherAcres.com/contact, email us at motheracrestx@gmail.com or drop us a line on social media.

 

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