A whole hog is one of the best values in pasture-raised meat. You get a full range of cuts from one animal — but you need somewhere to put it all.
The Short Answer
You'll need approximately 5-7 cubic feet of freezer space for a whole hog. A typical whole hog from our ranch yields approximately 107 lbs of packaged pork.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
- Standard chest freezer (15 cu ft): A whole hog with plenty of room to spare for beef or chicken
- Medium chest freezer (7 cu ft): Perfect fit for a whole hog
- Side-by-side fridge/freezer: Usually 7-10 cu ft — doable if it's mostly empty
- Top freezer on refrigerator: About 5 cu ft — very tight
What Comes in a Whole Hog?
When you buy a whole hog from us, you're getting approximately 107 lbs of packaged pork at $10.00 per pound. Everything is vacuum-sealed and labeled, ready for the freezer.
You can also add optional extras:
- Rendered lard — approximately 55 lbs available per hog
- Liver — approximately 2.5 lbs
- Heart — approximately 0.5 lbs
If you add all the extras, plan for another 2-3 cubic feet of freezer space — the lard especially adds up. Visit our pork page for the full cuts breakdown and current pricing.
Why Packaged Weight Matters
Just like with buying a whole cow, the number that matters is packaged weight — the actual pork that goes in your freezer, not live weight or hanging weight.
We charge by packaged weight. You pay only for what goes in your freezer. No confusion, no surprises.
Why Berkshire?
Not all pork is the same. Our registered Berkshire hogs are a heritage breed known for superior marbling, darker meat, and richer flavor than the commercial white hogs you'll find at the grocery store. They take longer to raise and cost more to feed, but the difference on the plate is unmistakable.
We raise our Berkshires on pasture with 100% certified organic, no-soy feed. No antibiotics, no growth hormones, no confinement. They root, wallow, and forage the way hogs are supposed to live.
Freezer Organization Tips for Pork
- Group by cooking method: Quick-cook cuts (chops, tenderloin) together, slow-cook cuts (shoulder, ribs) together, everyday items (ground, sausage) in their own section
- Use reusable bags or bins: Grocery bags work great for grouping similar cuts
- Keep lard separate: If you order the optional lard, it takes up real space — dedicate a section of the freezer to it
- Post an inventory list: Tape a simple checklist to the freezer lid and mark items as you use them
How Long Will It Last?
Vacuum-sealed pork stays good in the freezer for 10-12 months. Our pork comes vacuum-sealed and clearly labeled, so you'll always know what you're pulling out.
Most families of 4 go through a whole hog in about 8-10 months, which lines up well with our availability.
Ready to Stock Up on Pork?
We have limited availability for whole hog purchases. Our Berkshire pork is pasture-raised right here in Edmonton, Kentucky, fed 100% certified organic feed with no soy — priced at $10.00 per pound of packaged weight.