Our Pig Shares Explained: How It Works and What You Get

In a world where food labels are confusing and grocery store meat quality varies wildly, more people are turning to their local farm for answers—and for flavor. At Middle Mountain Farmstead, we offer an alternative that’s more ethical, more delicious, and more transparent: our pasture-raised pig shares.

Whether you're new to the idea of buying a pig for meat or you're just curious about what a half hog share actually includes, this article will walk you through everything you need to know—from cuts and price to storage and preparation. You’ll discover how sourcing directly from your farmer can give you better pork, better protein, and a stronger connection to your food.

What Is a Pasture-Raised Pig Share?

A pasture-raised pig share means you’re purchasing a portion (or all) of a pig that has been raised outdoors, with room to roam, graze, and root in its natural environment. Our pigs—including heritage breeds like Gloucestershire Old Spots and guinea hogs—are raised without hormones or antibiotics, and fed a clean, balanced diet that includes grain, pasture vegetables, and milk from our dairy partners.

These pigs grow at a natural pace, develop proper fat marbling, and live happy lives. We believe happy animals produce the best-tasting meats—and our customers agree.

Half Hog Share vs. Whole Hog: What’s the Difference?

A half hog share is the perfect entry point for families or individuals new to bulk pork. It includes roughly 60–70 pounds of processed meat, depending on the size of the animal and your chosen cuts of pork.

Here’s a basic breakdown of what you might get in a half share:

• Pork chops

• Boston butt (great for pulled pork)

• Spare ribs

• Shoulder roast

• Bacon

• Breakfast sausage

• Pork belly

• Ham

• Ground pork or sausage in links

• Optional: offal, lard, or bones for broth

Choosing a full share doubles your yield, often saving more per pound and giving you more flexibility in your menu planning.

💡 Rule of thumb: A half share fits in a standard refrigerator freezer (~4-5 cubic feet); a whole share may need a chest freezer.

What You Get When Buying a Pig for Meat

When you commit to buying a pig for meat, you’re securing a true variety of cuts—not just the premium ones you see at the grocery store. Our butcher works with you to customize your share based on your cooking habits, family size, and preferences.

Popular options include:

• Sausage in bulk or links: bratwurst, garlic, chorizo

• Curing options for bacon, ham, and shoulder

• Vacuum packaging for longer shelf life

• Smoked meats available upon request using traditional methods

We can also include bones for broth, head cheese (if you’re adventurous), and rendered lard for baking or sausage making.

How It Works: Step-by-Step

• Reserve Your Share Visit our shop page and place a deposit for a half hog share or whole. We raise our pigs in small batches, so availability is limited by acre, season, and demand.

• Choose Your Cuts We'll send a cut sheet or schedule a phone call to talk through your preferences. Want more pork chops and fewer roasts? We can do that. Interested in breakfast sausage, bratwurst, or pork belly? Just let us know.

• Processing & Butchering Once your pig reaches ideal weight, we transport it to a USDA-inspected slaughterhouse. The butcher then processes the meat according to your selections.

• Packaging & Pickup All cuts are vacuum sealed, labeled, and frozen for easy storage. You can pick up at the farm, or we can arrange delivery depending on location and season.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary slightly depending on the breed, weight, and final unit price from the butcher, but here’s a general idea:

• Half hog share: Approximately $325–$375

• Whole hog: Approximately $625–$700

• Processing fees: Typically billed separately (about $1.10–$1.25 per pound)

Our shares are competitively priced when you compare them to grocery store pork—especially when you consider the flavor, quality, and animal welfare.

Storage, Cooking & Enjoyment

Each cut of pork is packaged and ready for your freezer. Store everything at or below 0°F in a chest freezer or refrigerator freezer to maintain shelf life for 6–12 months.

From bacon and eggs to barbecue and smoking, you’ll have endless recipes at your fingertips. Whether you’re roasting a pork shoulder, grilling spare ribs, or slow-cooking a ham, nothing beats the flavor of pasture-raised meat—especially when it came from a farm you know by name.

Why It Matters

When you buy from a small ranch like ours, you’re supporting:

• Ethical livestock care

• Better agriculture practices

• Grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork systems

• Real relationships with your farmer

You’re saying no to industrial feed, synthetic nitrates, and anonymous animal operations—and yes to food that tastes better and means more.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Food, Love Your Food

Buying a pasture-raised pig share isn’t just a purchase—it’s a commitment to healthy, fresh, honest food. Whether you're feeding a family or stocking up for the year, our half hog shares give you full access to every part of the pig, from ham hocks to loin chops.

Ready to secure your share? Visit mmfarmstead.com to browse current availability, learn more about our process, and reconnect with your meat.