Choose the Buying Format That Fits Your Family
Farm-direct pork may be sold by individual cut, curated bundle, half hog, or whole hog. The right option depends on freezer space, cooking habits, budget, desired variety, and how quickly your household uses pork.
Quick answer: Start with cuts or a small bundle if you are learning the product. Choose a hog share when you want the best whole-animal value and are comfortable planning ahead.
Individual Cuts, Bundles, and Hog Shares
- Individual cuts: maximum flexibility and the smallest commitment.
- Bundles: a convenient assortment, often at a modest package value.
- Half hog: broad cut variety with a manageable bulk quantity.
- Whole hog: the greatest volume and full use of the animal.
Availability varies because small farms raise animals seasonally rather than maintaining unlimited warehouse inventory.
Understand Pricing and Processing
Ask whether bulk pricing is based on live weight, hanging weight, packaged weight, or a fixed share price. Confirm what the deposit covers, whether processing is included, and when the final balance is due.
Cut instructions, curing, smoking, sausage, organ meats, and packaging can affect both cost and final take-home weight.
Plan Freezer Space and Delivery
Make room before pickup or delivery and verify that your freezer holds temperature reliably. Ask how the pork is packaged, whether it arrives fully frozen, and what happens if weather or processing changes the expected date.
Review our freezer-space guide and hog-share process.
Buying from Dos Lobos Ranch
We offer pasture-raised Kunekune pork by the cut and through half or whole hog shares when available. Our pigs receive corn-free, soy-free, flax-free, non-GMO feed and are managed on pasture in North Texas.
Shop current pork availability or visit our hog-share page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a whole hog from a farm?
No. Many farms sell individual cuts or bundles in addition to half and whole shares.
What does hanging weight mean?
Hanging weight is the carcass weight after initial processing but before final cutting, trimming, and packaging. It is not the weight placed in your freezer.
How much freezer space does a hog share require?
The answer depends on final packaged weight and freezer shape. Confirm the farm’s estimate and clear space before delivery.
Can pasture-raised pork be shipped?
Some frozen cuts can be shipped where packaging, carrier service, and regulations allow. Bulk shares are commonly delivered or picked up locally.