Decoding Beef Weights
Live, Hanging, and Packaged Explained
Ever thought about buying beef directly from a farm, but then encountered terms like "live weight" or "hanging weight" and felt a bit lost? You're not alone! At Purple Mockingbird Farm, we believe in transparency, and that starts with understanding exactly what you're paying for.
Let's break down the three key stages of beef weight and what they mean for your plate and your pocketbook.
1. Live Weight (On the Hoof)
This is the weight of the animal when it's alive, walking around on the farm. It's the total weight of the steer before any processing begins, including everything from hide and bones to internal organs and blood.
What it includes: The entire living animal.
Why it's mentioned: Sometimes farmers will discuss their animals' size in terms of live weight and this weight is used at the stock yard for sale figures.
Example Weight & Price: For a 1000 lb live animal, if you were to purchase beef based on this weight, you might see a price around $4.09 per pound (Live Weight). This lower number reflects that you're paying for much more than just the meat you'll take home.
2. Hanging Weight (Carcass Weight)
Also known as "hot carcass weight" or "dressed weight," this is the weight of the animal after it has been humanely harvested, and the hide, head, internal organs, and hooves have been removed. The carcass is then "hung" in a cooler for a period of dry-aging (which tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor). During this aging process, some moisture loss occurs. Typically, hanging weight is about 60-65% of the live weight.
What it includes: The skeletal frame and muscle, including bones and some fat that will be trimmed.
Why it's mentioned: Many farms and butchers base their processing fees and bulk beef prices on this weight.
Example Weight & Price: From a 1000 lb live animal, you could expect approximately 620 lbs of hanging weight. If you were to purchase beef based on this weight, you might see a price around $6.60 per pound (Hanging Weight). This is higher than live weight because the non-edible parts have been removed, but it still includes bones and excess fat.
3. Packaged Weight (Take-Home Weight)
This is the weight that truly matters to you – it's the actual weight of the meat cuts you receive, neatly packaged and ready for your freezer! This weight is significantly less than the hanging weight because all bones, excess fat, and any undesirable trim have been removed according to your cutting instructions. Typically, packaged weight is about 55-65% of the hanging weight.
What it includes: Only the edible, vacuum-sealed (or butcher-wrapped) cuts of beef ready for cooking and freezing.
Why it's our standard: At Purple Mockingbird Farm, we believe in complete clarity for our customers. When you buy from us, especially our beef quarters, our price is based on the final packaged weight. This means you know exactly what you're paying for: the delicious, healthy beef you'll actually consume.
Example Weight & packaged Price: From a 620 lb hanging weight, you could expect approximately 372 lbs of packaged meat. Packaged is $11.00 per pound (Packaged Weight).
In Summary:
The differences in these weights can be confusing, but understanding them is key to making informed purchasing decisions. When you buy from Purple Mockingbird Farm, there’s no guesswork involved. Our clear pricing based on packaged weight ensures you know exactly the value you're receiving from our pasture-raised beef.
Ready to fill your freezer with transparently priced, high-quality beef? Visit our website to learn more about our beef quarters!
This blog post provides approximate examples for educational purposes using a 1000 lb live animal as a basis. Actual yields and prices may vary slightly based on individual animal characteristics and specific processing options.