What is the Average Price Per Pound for Beef Hanging Weight?

When buying beef directly from a rancher or farm the price is typically quoted based on the hanging weight rather than the weight of packaged cuts. But what exactly does hanging weight mean and what is the average price per pound that farmers charge for it?

In this article we’ll break down how hanging weight is determined, factors that affect the price and provide typical price ranges so you know what to budget for your beef purchase. Whether you’re investing in a whole cow or just a few steaks, understanding hanging weight pricing is key to getting the best deal.

What is Hanging Weight?

Hanging weight refers to the weight of the beef carcass after slaughter, with the head, hide, and internal organs removed. This is before the carcass is broken down into wholesale cuts by the butcher.

On average, the hanging weight yields about 60-70% meat that is sold for consumption. The remaining 30-40% is things like bones and fat trimmings

Calculating Hanging Weight Price Per Pound

When you see a price per pound quoted by a farm or rancher, it will be based on the hanging weight. Here is how it’s calculated:

Hang Weight Price Per Pound Formula:

(Cost of Whole Carcass ÷ Hanging Weight in Pounds)

So if a whole beef carcass costs $2,500 and hangs at 500 lbs, the price per pound hanging weight would be:

($2,500 ÷ 500 lbs) = $5 per lb

The hanging weight price accounts for the entire animal instead of just the meat you’ll receive. This allows farms to accurately quote beef prices upfront.

What Impacts Hanging Weight Prices?

Several factors influence the hanging weight price per pound that a farm will charge:

• Beef breed – Specialty breeds like Wagyu will be pricier than conventional Angus or Hereford.

• Grade – Higher meat quality grades like Prime or Choice cost more than Select.

• Feeding method – Grass-fed/finished beef commands a higher price than grain-finished.

• Farm location – Regional variables like demand, feed costs and climate affect prices.

• Beef cut – Different cuts have varying values (i.e. tenderloin vs. brisket).

• Processing – Butchering and custom cutting fees get added on.

• Weight of carcass – Smaller cattle generally have a higher price per pound.

What is the Average Hanging Weight Price?

According to USDA data, the typical hanging weight price farmers receive for conventional beef falls between:

• $2.50 – $3.00 per lb for Choice grade beef

• $2.20 – $2.70 per lb for Select grade beef

However, the price can range higher depending on the factors mentioned above. For example, locally raised grass-fed beef may run $4.50 – $6.00 per lb hanging weight or more.

Organic, dry-aged, Wagyu and other specialty beef can cost $6.00 – $12.00 per lb hanging weight.

As you can see, hanging weight pricing covers a wide range, so get quotes from multiple farms to find the best deal.

Converting to Retail Cuts

To determine the retail value of packaged cuts, you’ll need to convert the hanging weight price to an estimate per pound of usable meat.

Here’s a simplified example:

• A 750 lb carcass at $3/lb hanging weight costs $2,250 total

• With 60% yield, 750 x 0.6 = 450 lbs of meat

• $2,250 ÷ 450 lbs = $5/lb for packaged cuts

This means that $3/lb hanging weight equals about $5/lb retail for individual steaks, roasts, etc. Compare this to grocery store prices to see the value.

Buying a Half vs Quarter Beef

For small households, buying a quarter beef (half a side) is popular. But this comes at a higher pound price:

• Half beef = $3.00/lb hanging weight

• Quarter beef = $3.50-$4.00/lb hanging weight

You pay more for the convenience of a smaller amount of beef. So go whole or half beef if you have the freezer space.

Is Hanging Weight or Retail Pricing Better?

Hanging weight pricing gives you an honest total cost upfront before processing. Retail pricing per pound of packaged meat can vary a lot depending on the skill of the butcher.

With hanging weight, you know exactly what you’re paying for the entire animal. But you’ll want to calculate both prices to determine the best deal when buying beef.

Average Prices for Beef Cuts at Retail

To give you a sense of retail values, here are typical current price ranges per pound:

• Ground beef = $4-$6/lb

• Roasts = $7-$9/lb

• Steaks = $9-$12/lb

• Short ribs = $6-$8/lb

• Brisket = $7-$9/lb

Compare to premium steakhouse or grass-fed grocery store prices to appreciate the savings!

Should You Buy a Whole Cow?

While buying an entire cow might not be realistic for small households, go whole or half if you can. You’ll get better price per pound and a good variety of cuts.

If you only want specific cuts, buying beef à la carte directly from a farm is an option too. Just expect to pay a bit more than hanging weight prices.

No matter what amount you buy, understanding how hanging weight factors into beef pricing is key to getting the best deal direct from a farm. Use the average beef hanging weight prices listed here as a budgeting guide before your purchase.