Four steps.
No surprises.
From the day you reserve a share to the day you pack your freezer, here's exactly what happens and what you'll hear from us.
-
Reserve your share
Pick your share size on the beef shares page and send your reservation. A 60% holding fee holds your spot for an upcoming harvest window, with the balance in two equal payments before pickup — or spread the whole thing out with Klarna or Afterpay. Every dollar counts toward your final total. You'll get a confirmation email the moment your reservation lands.
-
We confirm and raise it
Once we confirm availability for the harvest window, you'll get a second email with the exact pickup dates and the cut-sheet form. You don't need to fill it out yet — cut sheets come due about two weeks before processing.
-
Cut sheet: how do you want it?
We send you a form a couple of weeks before harvest to capture the specifics: steak thickness, roast sizes, how much goes to ground beef, whether you want soup bones, organ meats, tallow. Standard or fully custom — your call. Not sure? Our cut sheet guide walks through the common choices.
-
Processing at Maxwell Custom Beef
Our processor is Maxwell Custom Beef in Des Moines, about fifteen minutes from the farm. Processing is included in your price — there's no separate bill from the locker.
-
Final invoice + pickup
Once your animal's hanging weight is confirmed, we calculate your total: hanging-weight-lbs × $7.49/lb, processing included. Your 60% holding fee and two payments cover it — anything owing settles before pickup. Pick up at Maxwell Custom Beef during your assigned window, or have it delivered for an added charge.
Questions we get a lot.
How long from reservation to pickup?
Typically 4–8 weeks depending on the harvest window. Each window has a cutoff date — once it's closed, we shift reservations to the next one.
What if the hanging weight comes in heavier or lighter than estimated?
Your final invoice reflects actual hanging weight. Our published estimates are averages; your animal may come in ±10%. Your 60% holding fee is fixed — only the two follow-up payments flex with the final weight.
Do you accept EBT / SNAP?
We're getting approved to accept EBT and SNAP benefits. If that applies to you, get in touch — we'll work it out on an order-by-order basis while approval is in progress.
Can you deliver instead of pickup?
Yes. Pickup at Maxwell Custom Beef in Des Moines is the default, and delivery is available for an added charge — mention it when you reserve. See pickup & delivery.
Ready to reserve?
Pick your share and lock in a spot in the next harvest window.