What Does Hanging Weight Mean?

Welcome to JB Cattle Co., your trusted, family-owned beef and pork producer based in the heart of Centerburg, Ohio. At our farm, we pride ourselves on raising our livestock with care, ensuring that every product we sell meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability. A common question we encounter from our customers, especially those purchasing whole, half, or quarter amounts of meats, is: What exactly is hanging weight? Let's dive into what this term means and why it's important for you as a consumer.

Understanding Hanging Weight

Hanging weight, also known as carcass weight, refers to the weight of an animal's carcass after it has been slaughtered and eviscerated but before it has been processed into individual cuts of meat. This is a critical measure in the meat industry because it provides a standardized way to calculate the cost of meat before it undergoes further processing and packaging.

When an animal is slaughtered, the non-edible parts such as the hide, head, hooves, and viscera are removed. The remaining carcass, which includes the major muscle groups and bones, is then weighed. This weight is what we refer to as the "hanging weight."

Why is Hanging Weight Important?

Hanging weight plays a pivotal role in how we price our meat for several reasons:

1. Transparency: By pricing our meat based on hanging weight, we offer transparency to our customers. You know exactly what you are paying for – the pure, unprocessed weight of the meat you will receive.

2. Fairness: It provides a fair system for both the farmer and the consumer. It takes into account the effort and resources that go into raising each animal, ensuring that you get what you pay for.

3. Value: Purchasing meat based on hanging weight often provides more value for your money. While the final yield (the actual amount of meat you take home) will be less than the hanging weight due to the removal of bones and any excess fat, you benefit from wholesale pricing, which is often significantly lower than retail prices for individual cuts.

How Does This Affect Your Order?

When you order whole, half, or quarter shares of our beef or pork, your price will be based on the hanging weight of the meat. After processing, the actual yield of edible meat that you receive will typically be about 60-70% of the hanging weight, depending on the type of animal and the cuts requested. This variance is simply due to the nature of butchering and the fact that not all parts of the carcass are edible.

Commitment to Quality

At JB Cattle Co., we are committed to ensuring that every step of the process, from pasture to plate, meets our high standards of quality. We understand that purchasing meat in bulk is an investment, and we strive to make sure that investment is worthwhile by providing you with the freshest, highest-quality meat possible.

Thank you for choosing JB Cattle Co. for your beef and pork needs. We are proud to serve the Centerburg community and beyond, offering sustainably raised, family-farmed meats that you can trust. If you have any more questions about hanging weight or our farming practices, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help!