Buy a Whole Lamb
Farm-fresh whole lamb and half lamb shares direct from small farms and hobby ranchers
Buying a Whole Lamb from the Farm
Lamb raised on small farms and hobby homesteads offers a richness and tenderness you simply won't find in commercially raised alternatives. When you buy a whole lamb directly from a farmer, you receive the full array of cuts: rack of lamb, leg of lamb, chops, shanks, ground lamb, and more. Most whole lambs hang at 50–90 lbs and yield 30–60 lbs of packaged meat.
What Cuts Come from a Whole Lamb?
- Rack of lamb (one of the most coveted cuts)
- Leg of lamb (bone-in or boneless)
- Shoulder roast
- Loin chops and rib chops
- Lamb shanks
- Ground lamb
- Lamb ribs
- Neck and stew meat
- Organ meats (heart, liver, kidneys upon request)
Whole Lamb Pricing
Whole lambs typically sell for $5.00–$12.00 per pound hanging weight depending on breed, region, and whether the animal is grass-fed or grain-finished. Pasture-raised and heritage breeds command a premium. Total cost for a whole lamb including processing is typically $400–$900.
Breeds Known for Exceptional Flavor
Not all lamb tastes the same. The breed, diet, and age of the animal all affect flavor significantly:
- Dorper: Lean, mild-flavored, popular for first-time lamb buyers
- Rambouillet: Excellent flavor, common in the American West
- Katahdin: Hair sheep with mild, less gamey flavor — great for those new to lamb
- Suffolk and Hampshire: Heavier, well-muscled breeds with classic lamb flavor
- Icelandic: Grass-fed heritage breed with rich, complex flavor