a few years ago i decided to start doing my own processing. a good freind of mine has done it for years and i learned some things from him. ive made it all pepperoni,summer sausage,beer dogs, jerky, smoked turkeys, cheddar dawgs, etc....its fairly easy and fun and you get exactly what you want....there is some expense though grinder, stuffer, and a good smoker..I think a guy can get it all for a 1000$ or less...My smoker is custom built 50lb capacity which is about right for the average joe..i think your investment would pay for itself in 5 years.. and faster when you start doing it for buddies...I will help anyone if they want some advice(for what its worth?)