Meat prices $$$$$

[tigerkitten45]

Hi all my husband is raising cornish cross to see, can anyone give me an idea what to sell them for per pound? These will be organic, free-ranging chickens. Thanks in advance!

 

[momofchicks]

there is another thread on page 2 "sale price for processed meaties" if you want to take a look over there. Hope this helps.

 

[UncleHoot]

True Organic? Keep in mind that if you use that word, you MUST feed them organic feed, otherwise you're doing something technically illegal.

My chickens are "all natural" and "pasture-raised". I sell them at $2/lb, dressed weight. If I had to feed them organic feed, my feed costs would double or triple, and I'd probably have to sell them at about $3+/lb.

But it's a regional thing. Short answer: charge whatever folks are willing to pay in your area. Or figure your costs, and make sure that you're making a buck or two per chicken.

 

[uhuh555]

The store charges 3.99 to 5.99 per pound for certified organic chicken in our area. If your land and operation has been certified, you can get a $1 pre pound more than the store easily. Advertise in the local rags (newspapers) and you'll be surprised how many will pay premium prices for the better bird and bragging rights with their friends. Don't claim organic if you’re not; say they were feed organic feed, free of chemicals and antibiotics (only state the truth). Start small and your business will grow fast for now people are more aware of the hidden dangers in store bought factory foods.

Our accountant calculates all the labor, expenses and depreciation of equipment it take to bring each bird to market. Then this amount is multiplied by 3 for an adequate profit margin. Example: If it costs $5 then we sell for $15 (About $3.00 per pound). Ours are feed grains we raise and mix, free of chemicals, antibiotics and grown out in 1/4 acre pens.

 

[scubaforlife]

Mine are pasture fed and run $12 for a whole bird, or $3 per pound as they end up at about 4lbs ready to cook.

 

[terri9630]

Wow. I don't think anyone could get that much per bird here.

 

[dublin man]

not sure what your area is but here in central indiana i live in a small town and have no problem at $2.75 per lb whole dressed,$3.00 per lb cut up and 3.95 per lb on bone in breast sold over 400 last year

 

[terri9630]

Wow. I've had people complain over paying $2 for eggs. I could just imagine what they would say over $10 chickens.

 

[uhuh555]

Terri,

When some one complains about my prices (which are very rarely) I simply say maybe Wal-Mart is cheaper if cheap is what you want. If you want chemical free, antibiotic free, and humanely treated birds to provide you with eggs and meat then you’re at the right place.

 

[jaku]

Quote:
Good point- "organic" is a legal, government regulated term. Seems to me you can't even call your birds organic just based on feed. Don't you need some type of official certification, which takes time and money to get?