Price: The price for 2018 is $2.75/lb based on the hanging weight. This is paid to Buffalo Hills Ranch.
Processing (Approximate- depending on processor): Cutting and wrapping @ $0.70/lb (hanging wt.) + $70 per animal kill charge ($35 for a half and $17.50. for a quarter) +$6.00 Disposal fee ( $3 for a half and $1.50 for a quarter) + your share of the Nebraska State Brand Inspection fee of $1.00 per head. This is paid to the processor.
Final price: Take-home meat is approximately 70% of the hanging weight (bones, excess fat removed) making your final price for take-home freezer meat approximately $5.11 per pound. Compare this to retail below.
USDA Ag. Marketing Service reports “National Monthly Grass Fed Beef Report” at the end of each month. For Friday, July 27, 2018 the “Direct to Consumer Average Price for a half beef is $7.54/lb and for a quarter is $7.70/lb. https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/lsmngfbeef.pdf . Additionally, for all beef (primarily grain fed) USDA reports national supermarket retail price for Choice beef at $6.02/lb. and All Fresh Beef at $5.76/lb. http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/meat-price-spreads.aspx#.UqxlitJDvxB. Updated July 27, 2018.
