When buying a "live weight" animal, remember that only about 60-63% of that weight becomes the actual carcass, and even less becomes the "take-home" retail meat after processing.
Before you pull the trigger on a 100 lb box of beef (which can cost around $1,300 depending on the ranch), keep these logistics in mind: buy meat in bulk cheap
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Meat in Bulk Without Breaking the Bank When buying a "live weight" animal, remember that
How to: Buy Cheaper Cuts of Meat and Save Money on Groceries If buying from a farm, clarify if the
Purchasing a portion of a "side of beef" or a "whole hog" allows you to pay a flat price per pound for the entire animal. Experts at Tasting Table note that the larger the portion you buy, the lower your price per pound becomes.
If buying from a farm, clarify if the price includes "hang weight" plus "kill and wrap" fees, as these can add to your final cost.