The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: SusannahandHarvey on September 20, 2016, 01:47:40 pm

Title: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: SusannahandHarvey on September 20, 2016, 01:47:40 pm
So our little (or big) weaners are nearly ready to go off to the abattoir... boo hoo.  but yippee for some lovely sausages.  We've sold most of our 'quarter pigs' to local friends and family but there are some who are a little farther afield.... has anyone ever sent a quarter of a pig in the post before?  Can you share your experience and tips please?  Thank you!  Susannah  :pig: :)
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: Alex_ on September 20, 2016, 03:43:23 pm
I have never sent but have received meat through the post.
You have to send it on a special super quick delivery. Mine was insulated with ice packs and bags of wool.
I used the wool to mulch my brassicas and to put off slugs.
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: harmony on September 20, 2016, 04:31:54 pm
Unless you are registered to sell meat it is actually safest to get your friends and family to collect straight from the butcher and if you want to send by carrier I would certainly ask the butcher to do that for you. Our abattoir/butcher will package and send meat.


It will certainly need to be in an insulated box made for the job otherwise you risk contamination and leakage and yes, as Alex_ says super quick delivery.
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: SusannahandHarvey on September 20, 2016, 05:58:04 pm
Thank you so much.  Yes I'm hoping the butcher will be able to do it for us!!
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: Pigsmightfry on September 20, 2016, 07:05:00 pm
Package the meat in a polystyrene box with some freezer blocks, this should keep it cool for 24 hours. Use a local courier service for an overnight delivery, dropped off by 4pm is usually delivered by lunch time the next day. Make sure the box is well taped up. Cost is around £10 for upto 10kg.
If you go into your nearest wagon transport company they should be able to tell you who to use, these are much more cost effective than the main couriers, and they provide the same service.
Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: greenbeast on September 20, 2016, 09:26:05 pm
We use parcelforce 24 hour service, with woolcool packaging.
Works a treat and will lose a degree or two in that time
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: Backinwellies on September 21, 2016, 05:07:44 am
Greenbeast how much would your p & p cost ?  Just wondering how much you would have  to add to bill to cover costs.
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: greenbeast on September 21, 2016, 10:54:19 am
we charge £10 but until recently it was ~£12 to parcelforce and then about £3 on the wool and box.
After a solid year's business parcelforce just dropped to sub-£10
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: Marches Farmer on September 21, 2016, 10:59:56 am
Watch out for health regulations regarding taking temperature of meat, etc. 
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: greenbeast on September 21, 2016, 01:08:50 pm
The OP or me?
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: Marches Farmer on September 21, 2016, 03:51:41 pm
Anyone supplying meat or meat products to the public.
Title: Re: Putting pork in the post?!
Post by: greenbeast on September 21, 2016, 03:57:34 pm
:)

It's probably best to get EH on board early on, that's what we did.