Source for sides of pork/ whole hogs, etc in the Twin City area?

[plautus]

Does anyone know where one can buy either a side of pork or a whole hog? I can travel to a not too distant farm if necessary. This meat would have to be refrigerated but not frozen, as I don't have the ability (i.e. a walkin cooler) to thaw frozen meat. Thanks.

[saintfirky]

I've purchased halves from seward coop before, I seem to recall the option of frozen or not.

[ike.]

I've bought quantities of pork straight from Tim Fischer of Fischer Farms. He's a great dude. And he's usually willing to meet you somewhere in town so you wouldn't have to drive to the farm. Highly recommended.

http://www.fischerfamilyfarmspork.com/

[The Dairy Queen]

Here's an old thread that might be helpful. Good luck! Let us know how it works out for you. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5656...

~TDQ

[LiaM]

You might try going to the farmers market (I'd go to St. Paul Lowertown) and talking directly to the meat vendors there to see what they can offer. Most of the time I've seen such things offered already cut into smaller pieces and frozen, but they might be able to accommodate you. Am I right in thinking you want the whole thing in one piece? Are you wanting to butcher it yourself?

If you have a porch or garage that doesn't get too cold this time of year, I'd say you have the equivalent of a walk-in cooler - just a thought.

[SmartCookie]

I've purchased them from Everette's; you'll need to order them a few days in advance.

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Everett's Foods
1833 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN

[foreverhungry]

+1 on Everett's. Excellent quality, good price, very knowledgeable butchers. I've liked their pork belly products.

[type2runner]

Try the MInnesota Grown catalog.
http://www3.mda.state.mn.us/mngrown/

[green56]

This was going to be my suggestion.

You can contact raisers all over the state - many who don't go to the various farmers' markets - and discuss directly with them your wants/needs and what the can supply.

I highly recommend you get a copy of Minnesota Grown. If you're into pork as you are I bet you'll find other items close to home you can get fresh.