Yes, buying a half or quarter cow is the best route. You pay by the pound, not by the cuts of beef. It is a lot of beef and ends up costing hundreds of dollars, but you could always find some friends or family that want to go in on it with you. Maybe email back that MB farmer and ask about how much a half or quarter cow would cost.

Hutterite farms can also be a good place to get meat, eggs, produce. There must be some close to Brandon.