maine12, i paid too much for my cows, and since i'm not a breeder or an established brand, their price just went down. any price beyond price per pound is marketing. everyone else who didn't purchase the animal for what you paid, thinks you paid too much, otherwise they would have the animal. so, yes, in a way, you paid too much, not only that, you paid the most. but it's ok, that's how capitalism works. just think if the price was subsidized to either inflate or reduce the price abouve an agreed upon price. that would be the REAL tragedy.