[bethjames]

Pel: It works out that usually our customers would pay between £180-190 for their 'reared', un-butchered pig. Based on previous prices, a simple, finished pig, jointed would be between £250-300.

Thanks for your comments LachlanandMarcus and HappyHippy. That's exactly how we run our smallholding - don't think we're going to reach our first million anytime soon!  We're not a commercial unit, more of a hobby than anything I suppose, my main enterprises are my gundog training and smallholding sitting. It's all a case of enjoying the lifestyle and getting what you want out of it at the end of the day, meeting new people, learning new skills and being happy with your life. 

Beth

www.bancyboblenanimalcare.co.uk
www.cilwg.co.uk

[robert waddell]

i am not to sure how to write this without offending or at least giving that impression
where we are situated (equidistant betwean Glasgow and Edinburgh) it would be ideal for the system that you are proposing  but and it is a very big but you are dealling with the public and they don't like being told a price and then there are add ons         you are quoting £180-190 for there reared pig then slaughter charges and minimal cutting to make it handalable     so what appears to be a bargain basement deal can end up costing a fortune    you cant just say there is your pig it is up to you to get it killed and butchered not much chance of recommendations or repeat sales    that is why i said it is better to deal in finished pigs much less chance for them spitting the dummy out
as to millionairs you would be better marrying one than being delusional about pigs making you one either commercial or small scale
we considered this idea years ago and left it as an idea far to many stumbling blocks than rays of sunshine and we have used different abattoirs with different butchers/cutting plants to come to this conclusion

[bethjames]

The £180-190 figure includes slaughter charges and quartering the carcass for transportation. The only add-on is butchery. This is a highly variable price depending on what the customer wants. If they only want it jointed, the abbatoir can do that for them cheaply. We don't include butchery in our estimates simply because it is so variable.

As to the comment about being millionaires I would have hoped that comment between myself and HappyHippy would have been taken as intended - tongue in cheek. I don't think anyone on this forum is under any illusion of the fortunes to be made in farming, not least smallholding.

[princesspiggy]

we also do a "Buy-a-Piglet" scheme and charge £320 per whole pig (or £160 per half pig), including feed, vet bills, transport, transport and butchery. the average weight of meat was 25kg(min) so that works out as £6.40 (max) per kg for pedigree rare breed free range pork.
we raise a few spare weaners so if one dies then we can replace it at our cost.
we have enjoyed doing the scheme as the pigs get regular visitors, and most of our customers are very local - we live right in the village - and are happy to help in summer with filling wallows and water troughs etc.
we have a waiting list for piglets so can breed next year with knowledge the weaners will be sold.
i enjoy doing the "Buy-a-Piglet" scheme but also sell meat and breeding weaners at 8 weeks.
we charge the same price for the scheme as for pork (half pig), as some people just do not want to know the pig they are eating, especially if it has a name!
the owner gets to know each pigs eartag number/tattoo and birth notification number.
if u like people its fun, if u dont, then dont do it.
go for it beth, after the first time u will change bits around to make it easier, but learning is part of the fun! good luck

www.auchlethen.com

[bethjames]

Thanks PrincessPiggy, it seems quite a lot of people have success with their own version of this scheme. Seems like you're doing really well with it and you and your clients/friends are enjoying - especially if they're helping out as well! Gives them a taste of what actually goes into everything.
Definitely a people friendly farm here haha! 
Thanks for your kind words and best of luck with your venture, long may your success continue!