On small Saskatchewan farms, butchering seasons are driven mostly by feed costs. Animals are cheapest to raise in summer, when they can graze on pasture. In winter, farmers rely on grain and stored hay—which can cost several times more per day.
Because of this, most local, pasture-based farms aim to finish animals before winter feed bills begin. Commercial operations, by comparison, finish animals year-round because they rely on grain feeding regardless of season.
Here’s a quick look at typical timing.
Beef – Mostly Fall
Small farms butcher beef September to December.
- Summer grass is inexpensive
- Winter grain and hay are costly
- Finishing before winter keeps beef affordable
Commercial: Grain-fed cattle are finished year-round, so timing doesn’t matter.
Pork – Anytime, but Cheaper in Fall
Hogs can be finished anytime, but many farms process them in fall to avoid months of winter grain feeding.
Commercial: Continuous grain feeding allows weekly processing year-round.
Lamb & Goat – Late Summer to Early Fall
Most lambs and goats are butchered August to October while still on grass.
Winter feeding quickly becomes expensive for small ruminants.
Commercial: Grain-heavy feeding enables more flexible schedules.
Poultry – Summer to Fall
Pasture-raised chickens and turkeys are processed June to October.
Raising poultry in winter means high grain use, heating costs, and no pasture, so small farms avoid it.
Commercial: Indoor grain-fed barns run all year.
Bison – Fall and Early Winter
Bison bulk up on summer pasture, so most small farms butcher October to February.
Even though bison handle cold well, winter feed is still expensive.
Commercial: Some use grain finishing for year-round availability.
Why Seasons Matter
For small Saskatchewan farms:
- Summer = cheap pasture
- Winter = expensive grain and hay
- Fall = ideal finishing window
Buying seasonally supports local producers and keeps farm-fresh meat prices reasonable.
Purchase From Local Producers
Use our interactive map to find producers right here in Saskatchewan and fill your freezer today!