​​Q: How much does a share cost?​​

A: Prairie Oak Homestead uses graduated pricing.  Larger shares have a lower price per pound.

Your total is based on the hanging weight of the animal after it is harvested.

Typical Hanging Weights:

  Beef: Whole ~700 lbs | Half ~350 lbs | Quarter ~175 lbs

  Pork: Whole ~200 lbs | Half ~100 lbs

How Payment Works

Meat Cost: Hanging weight x price per pound (reservation fee applied to total).

Processing Cost: Based on your cut selections and processing options.

Here is an example of a 1/4 Share of Beef at 175 lbs:

  Meat Cost: 175 lbs x $5.19 = $908.25 paid to Prairie Oak Homestead

  Processing Cost: Butcher's Choice Processing = $295 paid to Story City Locker

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Q: What is hanging weight?​​

A: Hanging weight (or carcass weight) is the weight of an animal after slaughter (where the hide, head, feet, and organs have been removed), but before final butchering. It usually equals about 60–65% of live weight.

 

​Q: How do I reserve my share?​​

A: Email us at info@prairieoakhomestead.com or contact Brett at 515-357-8072 and then submit your deposit.  Payment can be made with a check or with Venmo (note an additional 2% fee is added on for Venmo payments).

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Q: What is 100% grass fed beef?

A: 100% grass-fed beef refers to cattle that are raised on a diet consisting solely of grass and forage throughout their entire lives, except for the milk they consume before being weaned. This type of beef is often considered to have a more natural and nutrient-rich profile compared to beef from cattle that are fed grains and processed plant matter. 

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Q: What cuts of beef will I receive?

A: The breakdown of a beef share can vary depending on the specific preferences and choices made by the customer.  However, as a general guideline, a typical beef share will consist of approximately 30% steaks, 30% roasts, and 40% ground beef.

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Q: Do I need to cook grass fed beef differently?

A: Typically, yes.  Grass fed beef is a leaner meat, the best results are achieved by reducing the cooking temperature to a medium setting and reducing the cooking time by about 30% when grilling or pan frying.  For further tips, visit Cooking Grass Fed Beef.

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Q: Does grass fed beef taste different?

A: Many people notice a difference in flavor between grass fed and grain fed beef, while others may not perceive a significant distinction.  Certain cuts also tend to showcase the contrast more than others.  Grass fed beef is often described as having a richer, beefier, or more natural flavor.

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Q: What is pasture raised pork?

A: Pasture raised pork refers to pigs that are raised outdoors on pasture and/or in wooded areas.  They are able to eat a more diverse diet of grasses, forbs, insects, and grains from feed.  Though they have plenty of shade, they are also exposed to sunshine and are able to forage, run, play, and root around in the soil.  This results in healthier animals and more nutritious food for people.