What does it cost to process beef?
Big Hickory Farms recommends a local USDA approved processor for preparing your grass fed Angus Beef. Costs vary slightly based on the cuts desired but as a general rule you can expect to pay $30.00 to dress the cow, plus forty cents (40¢) per pound for the butchering and $35.00 to vacuum pack your meat (HIGHLY recommended to prevent freezer burn!) A live cow dresses down to approximately half the live weight. Below is a chart explaining some typical costs for the cow and the costs of preparation it.
| Example - 500 Pound Live Weight | |
| Beef Cost $1.40/lb (Example only - Market prices apply) |
$700.00 |
| Dressing Fee | $30.00 |
| Processing Fee 40¢/lb (based on 250lb dressed weight) |
$100.00 |
| Packing Fee | $35.00 |
| Total | $865.00 |
| Processed Cost per Pound (based on 250lb dressed weight) |
$3.46 |