how do you cut up a pig?

Question

pig chart on butchering pigs,different cuts of pork,raising my own meat,tired of paying butcher.

Answer 1

Good question
I'd like to buy a pig for butcher, but the meat processor charges as much as the hog itself. I'm not squeamish; any guidance?

Answer 2

To do a job as good as a butcher, you will need band saws, sharp knives, paper wrap and an idea of what the cuts are and where they are located. The last part is easiest since you can get a butchers diagram on line.

Unless you intend to use as much of the hog as a butcher would, it will not be cost effective. They will make bacon, use the liver, etc. This is assuming you get the hog skinned and gutted. If you are considering a live hog, this gets alot more complicated.

Raising hogs might be problematical also if you dont have sufficient land or knowledge of animal husbandry.Disease and cost of feed and care will make the cost go higher.

I'd suggest starting with butchering either a hole hind quarter or a lean pork butt section. It will get a little greasy so use a big enough work surface to handle the mess.

I have never done my own hog but do all my own venison for the very reasons you have listed wanting to do it yourself. I just went a step further and have the band saw, butcher utensils, meat grinder and means of sealing the finished product.

I wish you luck and you'll be pretty pleased when you do this stuff for yourself. Practice is the key.