Understanding Weights & Pricing
Learn about Local Meats Weights & Pricing
Farmers may discuss three different weights with consumers: Live weight, hot carcass weight (HCW) (also called hanging weight), and Final weight (also called retail weight and take home weight).
Live weight- the weight of the entire, living animal.
HCW- the weight taken immediately after slaughter, but before final trim. HCW ≈ 60% of live weight
Final weight- the "take home" weight after trim and cutting into useable portions. Final weight ≈ 65% of HCW.
For example: If Live weight = 1100 lbs.
then HCW ≈ 660 lbs.
and Final weight ≈ 430 lbs. of meat
Some farms base their pricing on HCW, which confuses some consumers.
For example: If the price is $2.50/lb. HCW
and the HCW = 660 lbs.
then the price/lb. is $3.85/lb. for the 430 lbs. you take home.
(assuming 660 HCW at 65% yield).
