Buying beef by the cut

We take pride in being able to sell direct to you by the cut, just like a grocery store! You can purchase a single piece or a bundle without having to make the large financial and space commitment that buying a whole, quarter or half might take. We have a pick up location right here on the farm. Call, text or place an order online and we will reach out to you to schedule a time for pickup!

Buying beef by the whole, half or quarter

The purchase price of the animal is determined by hanging weight, which is the weight of the animal after butchering and hanging on the rail. Payment is made to Hickory Homestead for the animal after hanging weight is determined. It will hang in the cooler to age for about 2 weeks.

The butcher will contact the customer and ask them to fill out a cut sheet. This cut sheet has all the instructions for the butcher on how they would like their beef cut and packaged. The usual options are different kinds of roasts, steaks (bone in or no bone), stew meat pieces and of course ground beef. After the beef has aged and has been cut and packaged, the customer is contacted to pick up their meat and pay the butcher. Just like the good ol’ days!

How do you care for your animals?

Our cattle are raised right here in Sioux Center on our family feed yard. We take great pride in growing premium grain fed and finished cattle. They are fed twice daily with a ration that is specifically developed to meet their needs and includes grain, protein, and roughage including grass. Our animals have unlimited access to water, sunshine and shade.

What’s the difference between corn and grass fed?

The question of the decade for sure! The difference lies in fat content and taste. Corn fed beef has more fat marbling and a juicier taste. Grass fed beef has less fat and a more gamey taste. This all comes down to consumer preference. There have been many studies proving that there is almost no difference nutritionally between the two (check this out). Grass fed meat has a slightly higher omega 3 fatty acid content, but the amount isn’t significant to human health. All beef is an excellent source of B12, iron, zinc and high-quality protein. No matter what cattle eat, they are amazing a turning raw materials into a great piece of meat! Let’s not fall victim to fear based advertising.

How much freezer space do I need?

We can find an option to fit any space! If you don’t have much room in your freezer you can purchase a meat bundle or individual cuts. A quarter of a beef will take up about 5 cubic feet of freezer space. A half will take about 10 and so on. We find that an investment in an upright freezer is well worth it!

How do i order and pick up my beef?

You can call, text or email Ashley with your order or place it online. We offer deposits online for whole, halves or quarters as their final price is determined by the weight of the animal. We are located in Sioux Center, Iowa and are willing to deliver or arrange pick up locally. We also have a pick up location on the farm. Reach out if you have any questions!

How can i pay for my beef?

You can pay online for your order with a credit or debit card or we accept cash/check at pickup. Have a cool product or skill yourself? We’re open to trade as well!