If you haven't read this, it will give you pause. And yes, it does have some age on it, but it has to be pretty accurate today.
I can see buying a half or a quarter through a reputable butcher/supplier but to think that doing it from scratch? Not for the faint of heart. And for the people who want the"Reader's Digest" version, an approximately 1000 lb animal, which in all indications was a pretty good selection by the author, gave him....$30 in profit. This is NOT a game for the frugal but for the person who wants to know exactly what their protein has endured and doesn't mind the expense. One or two animals is like......silly, IMO.
I did indeed read the entire article and yes, it gave me pause. My thinking and reason in the OP was to try to find a source of high quality beef at a reasonable price. What I've gleaned from all the input by the great folks here is that I will not save much at all in the raising of a beef critter and the margins for the ones that do are low right now until the national herd is brought back up after the natural disasters that have occurred over the last years. I was after some prime grade beef for less than $5-6 a pound. Not looking like that will be possible these days. I'm not willing to pay $200 for a brisket for example being a back yard BBQ'er.
All that means is that I'll keep my steak knifes sharper so the lower grade meat cuts easier. :becky:
I must say that I have a whole new respect for the folks that make a living raising these critters.
A Big Thank You to the Ranchers and folks in the industry on this site!