What to Expect When You Buy a Whole or Half Hog
Buying a whole or half hog might sound a little intimidating at first—but we are here to make it simple, clear, and stress-free.
Whether this is your first time buying in bulk or you’re a seasoned customer, here’s a step-by-step guide to what the process looks like from start to finish.
1. Reserve Your Hog
The process starts when you sign up to reserve a whole hog or half hog. This holds your spot for the next available pig.
2. Stay in the Loop
Once you're on the list, Brittany (that’s who runs the show around here!) will contact you to keep you updated on the timeline. As your hog gets closer to ready, she’ll let you know what to expect and when.
3. Get the Butcher Date
About a week before processing, Brittany will email you with the scheduled butcher date. This is when you’ll call Davis Meat in Jonesburg, MO, to customize your processing order—like choosing how you want your cuts prepared, whether you’d like sausage or brats, and other preferences.
(Curious to learn more about pork cuts? See our post on What Cuts of Pork Come with a Whole or Half Hog)
4. We Take Care of the Transport
When the butcher date arrives, you don’t need to do a thing — Sullivan Farms delivers the pig to Davis Meat. The animal is processed the next day.
5. Get the Hanging Weight + Pay Sullivan Farms for the Cost of the Hog
Once Davis Meat provides the hanging weight (this is the weight used to calculate your cost), Brittany will email you the total amount due for the pig itself. Currently, the processing fee is paid separately to Davis Meat when you pick up your pork.
6. Pick Up Your Pork + Pay the Processor for the Cost of Processing
When your order is ready, you’ll pick up your meat directly from Davis Meat. You’ll pay the processing cost to Davis at that time.
We’ll always keep you in the loop as this part of the process evolves.
Why It Matters
We believe buying meat directly from the farm should feel good—not confusing! This isn’t just about getting high-quality pork at a great value (though you are absolutely getting that). It’s about knowing where your food comes from, building relationships, and supporting regenerative farming practices that respect animals, the land, and you, the customer. And fully enjoying all a pig has to offer!
Thinking about buying a whole or half hog, but not sure where to start?
We’ve got you covered. Reserve your spot here, or get in touch if you have any questions — we're always happy to help.
