There are a lot of factors that go into the final hanging weight of an animal, but these are some general weights and processing fees.
Whole beef: 800 lbs./ Half beef: 400 lbs./ Quarter beef: 200 lbs.
Whole pork: 160 lbs./ Half pork: 80 lbs./ Quarter pork: 40 lbs.
Whole chickens range in weight from 4-6 lbs.
Beef is $5/lb. and pork is $6.50/lb.
There is an additional $0.90-$1.10/lb. fee from the processor that covers packaging and cuts.
Here is what you might expect to pay for a half of beef:
400 lbs. x $5/lb. = $2,000 (farm cost)
400 lbs. x $0.90/$1.10 = $360-$440 (processing fees from butcher)
Total cost: $2,360-$2,440
Total price per pound: $5.90/lb. - $6.10/lb.
Again, final hanging weights are not known until processing time. The price of processing can also increase for specific cuts or special packaging (hotdogs, hamburger patties, etc.) The above calculation and weights are for informational purposes and so you can better understand all associated costs.
