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Is Buying Pork in Bulk Worth the Investment?

Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Let’s be honest... you’ve probably been wondering what this whole bulk pork share thing is really going to cost.


We get it. This isn’t just a quick grocery run. This is a freezer-filling, money-saving, high-quality meat decision.


So let’s break it down together. Because once you see the full picture, we think you’ll agree it’s totally worth it.



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First, a Mindset Shift: This Is an Investment


Buying pork in bulk means paying upfront for meat that’ll last you a year (or close to it).


No more last-minute grocery runs. No more wondering what’s actually in your bacon.


Just delicious, forest-raised pork at your fingertips, anytime you need it.


Yes, the upfront cost is more than what you’d spend in one trip to the store, but it's not just one trip worth of meat.


This is a long-term, cost-effective, freezer-stocking strategy.


Let’s take a look at the numbers for a whole pork share.






What You’ll Pay and When


We like to keep things simple and transparent. So here’s how the cost breaks down:


1. The Deposit


You’ll pay a $650 non-refundable deposit when deposits open. This locks in your processing date for the year.


This deposit is roughly 50% of the total cost.





2. Final Payment to Us


Once the pigs are processed, we get the hanging weight from the butcher. This weight is what's used to calculate your total.


We take the hanging weight and multiply it by the price per pound.


For this example: We'll be using $5.00/lb for a whole hog (half shares are typically 30-50¢ more per pound).


NOTE: This price does not reflect our current pricing.


We aim for around 180-200 lbs hanging weight, but that number can vary slightly depending on the animal.


Every pig is unique, just like people!



So let’s do the math:


  • $5.00 x 180 lbs = $900 total

  • Subtract your deposit: $900 - $650 = $250 final payment





3. Payment to the Butcher


You’ll also pay Circle S Meats when you pick up your pork for processing and any extras like:


  • Slicing, curing & smoking (like your bacon and hams)

  • Sausage seasonings

  • Patties or links

  • Boxes


Their prices for these services range from $0.45 to $3.75 per pound, depending on what you choose.


We typically see this cost land around $50-60.



Circle S charges $1.25/lb hanging weight for processing fees and a $90 kill fee per hog.


*We try our best to keep up with our processor's fees, but they can change without our notice. We always double check before opening deposits so we can get the most up to date info.



So you'll pay the butcher: $1.25/lb x 180 lbs = $225 + $90 kill fee + $50-60 depending on the above.





Payment Options


We only accept a full deposit payment and full final payment.


We do not offer payment plans at this time.


Our butcher only accepts payment in full at the time of pickup.


We charge a 3% transaction fee for payments made by debit/credit card.


Circle S also charges a 3% transaction fee for payments made by debit/credit card.





So What’s the Grand Total?


Most customers end up paying around $1,275 for a whole hog, which gives you roughly 120-130 lbs of take-home meat.


That comes out to less than $10 per pound for premium-quality, forest-raised pork!


And when you compare that to grocery store prices (bacon alone can run $12/lb and still leave you disappointed), the value is crystal clear.





Why Our Customers Say It’s Worth It


  • You're paying once for an entire year’s worth of pork.

  • You skip the meat aisle entirely for months.

  • You know exactly where your meat came from.

  • You’re feeding your family something that actually tastes like pork should taste.

  • It’s broken into 3 manageable payments:

    1. Deposit

    2. Final payment to us

    3. Final payment to the butcher



Our pork isn’t just “better than the grocery store.” It’s in a category all its own.



From flavor to farming practices, we do things the right way.... no shortcuts, no concrete, and no question about what you’re feeding your family.







So... Is It Worth It to You?


If you’re looking for convenience, cost-savings, quality, and peace of mind all in one purchase, the answer is probably yes.


And when you open your freezer on a busy weeknight to find everything you need ready to go?


You’ll be glad you made the investment.




*Please note: We reserve the right to change our prices whenever needed without notice. However, once your deposit is complete, your price per pound is secured.





Edwards Family Farms NC | McDowell County's favorite pasture-raised meats. Serving western NC with the best pasture-raised meats straight from the farm. Local pick up only.

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