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["Lisa K.V. Perry" <lisakvperry AT gmail.com>]

On 6/28/06, Bevanron <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Last night, we butchered 8 rabbits  (big snip)
>
> In previous years, I have sold frozen whole feeder rabbits for $1.75 per
> pound at the age of 4 weeks when they weigh out at about 1.5-1.75 lbs per
> rabbit.


I hope this analysis helps someone....


You get an  'A' in my book.  I've never butchered anything, going to admit
it right now.  I admire your skills.  If push comes to shove, I'll do it,
but thus far push hasn't quite come to shove yet.  Just a bit squeamish.

Around here, pasture-raised/healthy grain-raised rabbit meat is sold for $5
per lb.!  I haven't bought any but have thought of a rabbit stew for
winter--but at $15 for the stew for the 3# chunk of meat--push may first
have to come to shove.  A couple of local organic certified farms with CSA's
(or other farms who partner with them) have a local 'garage market', in
addition to the traditional farmer's market in nearby towns and sell meat,
veggies, fruit and homemade bread.  The meat is kept in freezers at the
garage market and you help yourself (along with pasture raised beef and
pork).  They transport frozen meat in coolers to farmer's markets.

Fwiw, rabbit meat sells for more than the pasture-raised hamburger meat at
$4.25/#.

Can you increase your selling price some?  I don't think your healthy meat
should cost less than what you'd pay for inferior meat at the grocery.  When
people taste the difference in your superior product and understand the
benefits of eating it, surely they'd be willing to pay more.  I would.  Next
time I'm in your area.

Lisa