Butchering a Berkshire Pig

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Butchering a pig is a task that many people have never seen, and they probably don’t want to, but it is necessary in order to get all those delicious cuts of pork that we love to eat. Juicy pork chops, succulent loin roast, and a southern favorite, pork shoulder, A.K.A. Boston Butt.
There are many different cuts of meat that come from a whole hog. For instance, if your pig is processed, and you choose to get pork chops, you may not get pork loin. There are many other options available when you have your pig processed, and depending on the butcher, you may or may not get your bacon and hams cured. Be sure to take time to talk with your butcher. Ask specific questions about the cuts you want. Go visit the shop prior to taking your pig. Is the butcher shop clean? Are the holding pens for livestock clean? We have seen a few butcher shops over the years and there have been more than one that we do not recommend. So please check out your options before it’s time for butchering.
I’ve come across some videos that show the processing of Berkshire pork. Great find!! Well it is, since we raise Berkshires. Give these videos a watch to see how the butchering process is handled and which part of the Berkshire pig produces the cuts you love. Don’t worry, no bloody gore! The pig is slaughtered prior to these videos, so it’s safe for all of you. You have seen all this at your local grocery store, just not as detailed.
If you’re having trouble viewing these videos get VLC Player Here

A Side of Berkshire

Primal Cuts

Working On The Shoulder

Ready For A Picnic?

Got Butt?

To The Loin

Bring on the BACON!

Parting Out The Loin

Berkshire pork loin, Chops and Sweet Baby Back Ribs. There are so many options with pork meat.
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Le Loin Continued

Here you will see how to cut a whole pork loin and pork chops from the same side of a pig. Also why smaller pigs have less bacon when you get those thick ribs for barbeque’s.

Can You Say Tenderloin?

By now you should be ready to do some cooking. *This one starts with an ad. I hate it but couldn’t make it go away*

Pork Chops

Ran out of witty repertoire (repə(r)ˌtwär). That works!

She’s got Legs

Moving on to the Ham. Have you noticed so far how dark Berkshire meat is? I might have to take a break and go fry up some bacon.

Glorious Ham

Breaking down the Berkshire Ham. That’s a lot of meatsa.

Boneless Ham? Ok I’m not Canadian eh…. but this is a great way to process ham.

Thanks to Le Gourmet for these videos and to Dave Meli from The Healthy Butcher.

Hopefully you learned a little more about processing a pig. Now what are you waiting for? Order a pig.