The cost of a cow varies widely depending on factors such as type (beef or dairy), breed, age, weight, and purpose (meat or milk production). General Price Ranges in the USA:

• Beef cows typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, with mature cows weighing around 2,200 pounds costing up to $4,000 to $5,000. Beef heifers average around $2,800 each

• Dairy cows range from about $900 to $3,000, with lactating cows costing $1,500 to $2,100. Jersey dairy cows can cost between $1,400 and $1,800

• Yearlings usually cost between $800 and $1,500, while calves (newborns) cost around $40 to $50, depending on weight and care requirements

Pricing by Weight:

• Prices are often quoted per hundredweight (CWT, 100 pounds). Beef cows sell for roughly $135 to $165 per CWT, averaging about $140 per 100 pounds

• Full or half cows sold for meat typically cost between $3.95 and $5.50 per pound, plus processing fees

Additional Costs:

• Processing (slaughter, cutting, wrapping) can add about $0.50 per pound and a kill fee of around $50

• Annual maintenance costs (feed, vet care, etc.) range from $500 to $1,000 per cow, depending on whether you have grazing land or must purchase feed

Half Cow Pricing:

• A pasture-raised half cow generally costs between $2,000 and $3,000, with lower prices for non-pasture-raised or smaller cows

In summary, buying a cow in the USA typically costs from around $900 for a dairy yearling to $5,000 for a mature beef cow, with many variables influencing the final price