Are you curious about the cost of pork per pound?
Whether you’re planning a BBQ or considering raising your own pigs, it’s important to know what to expect when it comes to pricing.
With so many variables at play, from demand to genetics, it can be difficult to determine the average cost.
But fear not, we’ve done the research for you!
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of feeder pigs, roasters, and custom-raised pigs, as well as provide insight into USDA prices and the butchering process.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of pork pricing.
How Much Does Pork Cost Per Pound?
When it comes to purchasing pork, the cost per pound can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.
Feeder pigs, which are pigs that are still being raised and are not yet ready for slaughter, typically cost an average of $2.00 per pound. However, this price can range from $1.00 to $4.00 per pound depending on demand and the genetics of the pigs.
If you’re looking for a pig that is ready to cook, plan to pay between $4.00 and $6.00 per pound for roasters. These pigs are typically larger and have already been raised to a size suitable for cooking.
Custom-raised pigs, which are raised specifically for a buyer and can be purchased as a whole or half pig, cost between $2.40 and $5.00 per pound based on hanging weight. The more work that is done by the farmer to get the pig to butchering size, the higher the cost per pound will be.
It’s important to note that these prices are just averages and can vary depending on your location and the specific farm or butcher you’re working with.
Feeder Pig Pricing
Feeder pigs are a popular option for those looking to raise their own pork. The price of feeder pigs can vary depending on a number of factors, including demand and genetics. On average, feeder pigs cost $2.00 per pound, but this can range from $1.00 to $4.00 per pound. It’s important to consider the cost of feed and other expenses when raising feeder pigs, as these costs can add up over time.
If you’re looking for a pig that is ready to cook, roasters are a good option. These pigs are typically larger and have already been raised to a size suitable for cooking. Plan to pay between $4.00 and $6.00 per pound for roasters.
Custom-raised pigs are another option for those looking to purchase pork. These pigs are raised specifically for a buyer and can be purchased as a whole or half pig. The cost of custom-raised pigs is based on hanging weight and typically ranges from $2.40 to $5.00 per pound. It’s important to keep in mind that the more work the farmer does to get the pig to butchering size, the higher the cost per pound will be.
When purchasing feeder pigs or any other type of pork, it’s important to consider the location and specific farm or butcher you’re working with. Prices can vary greatly depending on these factors, so it’s important to do your research and shop around for the best deal.
Roaster Pig Pricing
If you’re looking to purchase a roaster pig, the cost per pound can vary depending on the size of the pig and the location you’re purchasing from. On average, you can expect to pay between $4.00 and $6.00 per pound for a roaster pig.
It’s important to note that some catering companies may charge a flat rate for a roasted pig, which can range from $650 to as much as $2,000 per pig. This price includes the cooking, preparing the food, and the cleanup process.
If you’re planning to roast your own pig, you can often purchase a slaughtered pig from a local farm for about $200 to $500. Additionally, some companies offer rental services for towable grills, tents, and more if you want to roast your own pig.
When purchasing a roaster pig, it’s also important to consider the butterfly cut, which is necessary for cooking the pig in a La Caja China Box. The price per pound for whole roasting pigs can vary depending on the weight of the pig. For example, pigs that weigh between 30 and 40 pounds typically cost $29.99 per person for 30-40 people, while pigs that weigh 100 pounds or more can cost as little as $2.29 per pound.
Custom-Raised Pig Pricing
For those interested in purchasing a custom-raised pig, the cost per pound can also vary depending on a number of factors. The price for a whole hog typically ranges from $600 to $1,200, with a deposit of around $300 due at the time of order. The total cost per pound is based on the hog’s hanging weight, which typically ranges from 180-220 pounds for a whole hog.
The take-home meat yield will depend on the size of the hog, but on average, you can expect to receive 120-160 pounds of meat. A typical whole hog order will include 28-36 pounds of ham cuts, 16-20 pounds of bacon, 36-44 pounds of loin cuts (chops or roasts), 16-24 pounds of shoulder cuts (steaks or roasts), 8-10 pounds of hocks and organ meats, and 6-10 pounds of ground pork, sausage, or brats.
When purchasing a custom-raised pig, you will be able to specify how your hog is cut, which portions are cured and smoked, and how large to cut the roasts, chops, and ham or shoulder steaks. However, it’s important to note that the customer is responsible for submitting cutting instructions to the butcher, paying processing costs (~$325 per half), and picking up the finished product.
If you want No Nitrate/Nitrite curing, you MUST send a follow-up email requesting it or make note in ordering instructions. Pickup at processor for no additional charge is available or you can opt to have it picked up from the processor and brought back to the farm for storage and pickup at the farm store for an additional fee of $35.
Understanding USDA Pork Prices
USDA pork prices are determined by a number of factors, including the cost of production, processing, and marketing. According to ERS research, changes in livestock and meat prices are driven by dynamic adjustment, meaning that it takes time for prices to adjust and they tend to adjust more rapidly when they are increasing than when they are decreasing. This slow and asymmetric adjustment of prices does not appear to work against livestock producers.
The USDA provides regular reports on pork production and prices, which can be helpful in understanding the current market. For example, the January hog slaughter and pork production were higher than expected, but anticipated lower dressed weights are expected to mitigate the effect of the higher numbers on quarterly production. First-quarter pork production is reduced 32 million pounds to 7.010 billion pounds, which is 1.5 percent higher than production a year ago.
First-quarter hog prices are reduced $5 per hundredweight (cwt) to $58 per cwt on general weak demand for pork cuts. Pork exports for 2022 wrapped up at 6.3 billion pounds, which is 9.8 percent lower than shipments in 2021. Exports are forecast at 6.35 billion pounds in 2023, up fractionally from last year.
All of these factors can impact the price of pork per pound that consumers see at their local grocery store or butcher shop. It’s important for consumers to stay informed about market trends and pricing fluctuations in order to make informed purchasing decisions.
The Butchering Process And Its Impact On Cost
Once you have purchased a pig, the next step is to have it butchered. The cost of butchering a pig can vary greatly depending on the specific cuts you want and the amount of additional handling required. On average, the cost for butchering a whole pig after processing is around $680 to $800.
When it comes to custom-raised pigs, the cost of butchering is typically included in the overall price. However, if you’re purchasing a pig from a farmer or butcher, you’ll need to factor in the cost of butchering on top of the purchase price.
The butchering process can impact the final cost per pound of pork. For example, if you request boneless cuts, this will reduce the total pounds of product returned to you from your butcher. Additionally, the type of cuts you request, such as bratwurst or curing and smoking, can increase the cost per pound.
It’s also important to note that there are reductions in weight at every step of the process, from live animal to cut and packaged product. As a result, your cost per pound will go up with every step.
To remain profitable, it’s important to make a rough estimate of your costs and what you will need to charge your customers. Keep in mind that there are many variables that can impact these costs, such as how much fat was on the animal and what type of animal you are processing.