> We breed/raise both horses and
> cattle too. Now, here is an
> "academic" question to
> consider: The formula: Initial
> cost of animal + hay, grass,
> minerals, special feed, water +
> vaccinations, de-worming, and any
> other special Vet care needed +
> any other prorated overhead
> expenses = "True Cost of the
> Animal" X .65% dressed weight
> + any processor charges for your
> carcass = "True Cost of the
> Carcass Meat" / (divided by)
> TOTAL pounds of packaged beef =
> "True Cost of the Beef per
> pound you will have to eat".
> Now--which is cheaper to get the
> same high quality choice beef? A
> good meat market or raising your
> own beef? Almost forgot--you can
> deduct from the cost of the beef
> the value of the cattle mowing
> your grass...
>That's why some of us have a second job and the packages in the freezer are marked Elk and Venison.
>Rod