Instructions

1. Decide what size pig you need. Figure you'll need about one pound of dressed meat per person. That means the pig's head is still on. To give you an idea, an 80-pound carcass will feed about 70 people.

2. Ask your local butcher if he has any pigs. It doesn't matter what it looks like. You only need to tell him what size you need. Typically, you can buy pigs with a butchered weight of 60 to 120 pounds.

3. Look for a farmer who raises pigs. If you don't know one, ask the local agricultural agency for names of farmers who sell directly to the public.

4. Place an order with the farmer. Some can also butcher the meat. Others may have a deal with a butcher to take care of it.

5. Check with your grocery store's meat department to see if they can order a pig for you.

6. Have the butcher or farmer clean the pig. You want the hair removed but the skin, head, ears, feet and tail should be kept intact.

7. Pick up the pig the day before the event, so you have time to marinate it.