When buying a whole or half hog from Ex Libris Farm, one of the most exciting parts of the process is filling out your custom cut sheet. This document lets you decide how your pork is processed, tailored to your family’s preferences and cooking habits. If it’s your first time, the options can feel overwhelming—but don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the process and help you make informed decisions.

What is a Custom Cut Sheet?

A custom cut sheet is a form provided by the butcher that outlines all the ways your pork can be processed. You’ll specify things like:

• Types of roasts

• Sausage flavors

• Whether you want certain specialty cuts or organ meats

Essentially, it ensures you get the most out of your purchase and align it with how you like to cook and eat.

Key Decisions to Make

1. Pork Chops

Pork chops are one of the most popular cuts, and you’ll have several decisions to make:

• Bone-in, Boneless, or Steakhouse: Bone-in chops tend to have more flavor, while boneless chops are convenient for quick meals. If you decide to go with bone in chops, you won't get baby back ribs. If you go with Steakhouse, you get a T bone style chop that includes part of the tenderloin, so you won't get a tenderloin roast. 

2. Roasts

Roasts come from the shoulder and loin, providing tender, flavorful options for slow cooking.

• Shoulder (sometimes called Boston Butt or Picnic Roast): Decide whether to keep these as roasts or grind them into sausage. Shoulder roasts are ideal for pulled pork.

• Loin Roasts: If you don’t want all your loin turned into chops, you can opt for roasts instead.

• Size: Choose a roast size based on your household. Common sizes range from 2-5 pounds.

3. Ham

Ham is the hind leg of the hog, and you’ll need to decide:

• Whole, Half, Quartered or Steaks: A whole ham is great for holidays, but ham steaks are a convenient option for smaller meals.

• Curing: Cured hams are smoked and ready to eat, while fresh (uncured) hams can be roasted or smoked at home.

• Packaging: How much ham do you need per package? Families often choose halves or quarters for easier storage.

4. Bacon or Fresh Side Pork

• Bacon: Most customers choose to have the belly cured and smoked into bacon. You can also specify thickness (thin, medium, or thick-cut).

• Fresh Side Pork: If you prefer unsmoked belly meat, fresh side pork is a versatile option that let's you season and prepare the meat however you see fit.

5. Sausage & Grinds

Ground pork can be purchased plain or seasoned and processed into sausage in a variety of ways:

• Flavors: Breakfast sausage, Sweet Italian, Hot Italian, Kielbasa or Smoked Chorizo.

• Links or Bulk: Most of our customers prefer linked sausages, but we can also provide bulk grind for orders of 5 or more hogs. 

6. Ribs

You’ll get spareribs, and baby back ribs if you ordered boneless pork chops.

7. Specialty Cuts and Byproducts

Don’t forget about these unique and useful options:

• Hocks: Great for soups, stews, or adding smoky flavor to beans and greens.

• Jowls: Can be cured like bacon or used in stews.

• Fat for Lard: Choose whether to render your own lard or leave the fat with the butcher.

• Offal: If you enjoy organ meats, consider keeping the liver, heart, and kidneys. These are nutrient-rich and versatile for cooking.

8. Trimmings and Ground Pork

• Ground Pork: The remaining trimmings can be ground into plain pork or seasoned sausage.

• Packaging: All sausage is packaged in 1 lb packs for easy storage and use.

Tips for Filling Out Your Cut Sheet

1. Know Your Cooking Habits

• Love grilling? Opt for chops and sausage.

• Prefer slow-cooked meals? Lean into the loin roasts and shoulder.

• Smaller cuts are better for fewer people, where larger roasts are best for entertaining and leftovers.

3. Ask for Help

• If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. At Ex Libris Farm, we’re happy to explain your options and make recommendations. You can easily reach our staff at orders@exlibrisfarm.com.

4. Consider Variety

• Balance your choices between quick meals (chops and sausage) and long-cooking options (roasts and hams) to get the most flexibility.

5. Labeling and Packaging

•Every package is professionally sealed on roll-stock and clearly labeled by the butcher. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to identify cuts.

Recommended Cut Sheet Configurations

Here’s an example of a typical order for a half hog:

Final Thoughts

A custom cut sheet is your chance to tailor your pork order to your preferences and cooking needs. It’s a fun and rewarding part of buying a whole or half hog, and at Ex Libris Farm, we’re here to make it easy.

Have questions or need help filling out your cut sheet? Contact us today! Let’s work together to create the perfect pork order for your family.