"Hanging weight" is the weight of the animal after the slaughter process which removes the head, internal organs, hooves, hide. You can expect a "take home weight" in packaged meat of about 60% - 70% of the hanging weight, depending on the cuts you choose.

On average, your cost per pound of "take home" beef is between $6.50/lb - $7.75/lb depending on how much you purchase and which cuts you choose. This is for everything from ground beef to choice steaks.

A whole beef "take home" weight is about 300-400 lbs. depending on the animal, a half is about 150-200 lbs., and a quarter is about 75 - 100 lbs. We will estimate as close as possible at the beginning, but please remember that the final weights will vary, and we cannot give you an exact number until the butcher calls and says that your order is ready.

About 1 cu. ft of freezer space for each 25 lbs. of beef. For a whole beef you will need a 20-cu. ft. freezer space, half a 10-cu. ft., and a quarter a 5-cu. ft. freezer space.