Buying Your Family Grass-Finished Beef + Goat
How Does it Work?

We got a quarter of beef last spring from John Hogeland at Whippoorwill Creek Farm. The meat was fantastic, and the process was very smooth. The pickup process was very easy with The Milo Locker. He was very responsive with communication and helpful in making selections with the cuts. His background and knowledge added level of service when we ordered our meat. We went through the quarter very quickly and were excited to work with John again this fall. We learned from our only mistake…order a half of beef so we don’t run out so fast. Thanks again to John and Whippoorwill Creek Farm.
Jeff J. Neighbors, O.D.
Johnston, IA
Our beef is tasty and nutritious! Read about how we raise the animals and about how the process benefits the planet and your family by clicking here.
We sell our regeneratively grazed, grass-finished beef by the quarter, half and whole beef several times throughout the year. While we cannot sell individual steaks, if you are looking for less than a quarter beef, please contact us with the form below anyway - often we can group together willing participants to purchase a quarter or half together.
Additionally, we sell live goats. Please contact us with the form and we will get in touch with you directly.
How much does grass-finished beef cost?
We charge $3.65 (whole beef), $3.80 (half beef), $3.95 (quarter beef), $4.10 (eighth beef) per pound hanging weight for your share, plus the locker processing fees (we use the Milo Locker).
The grand total of your beef will come out to somewhere around $7.50-8 a pound for all cuts. This may be is higher than a pound of ground beef in the store but it is much lower than the cost of most steaks available in the grocery store. And it is of much better quality and higher nutritional value.
We will deliver your beef in Des Moines or comparable distances (up to 1 hour from Lovilia, Iowa). Delivery is a $50 charge.
How do you calculate the cost for a quarter, half or whole animal?
If your calf's live weight is 1100 pounds, the hanging weight (minus head, hide, feet and entrails) should come out to about 60% of the total weight, or 670 pounds. The hanging weight is the basis of what you are charged by us and Milo.
Yet once the butchers are done trimming excess fat and bones, your take "home weight" is closer to the following:
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Whole – take home weight** ~ 450 lb. comes to $2900, or, with the processing charges, about $6.45 per take home pound**
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Half - take home weight** ~ 225 lb. comes to $1500, or, with the processing charges, about $6.67 per take home pound**
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Quarter - take home weight** ~ 112 lb. comes to $775, or, with the processing charges, about $6.90 per take home pound*
** These numbers are estimates. You can (and we hope you will), take home your bones, fat and variety meats (tongue, heart and such) which can seriously reduce your per pound price for the beef.
How does the process work?
1. First, inquire about purchasing beef, either by filling out the form below, or by emailing John at johnbutcherman@gmail.com. You can also call him at 641-218-8480.
2. Review our upcoming processing dates with John and find one to fit your needs.
3. Reserve your place by sending in a $100 deposit.
4. John will then get in touch with you a few weeks before the cattle are dropped off at Milo. At this point you can:
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work directly with Milo in selecting your cuts.
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OR you can discuss how to have your beef cut with John - an artisanal butcher and chef. John can talk you through many of the decisions and make cooking recommendations. John will then pass on your cut requests to Milo.
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Finally, your beef can be delivered for $50, or you can pick it up yourself at Milo.
All of the meat is wrapped for you and delivered frozen.
What about goats?
Fill out the form below or call John at 641-891-4950
I have other questions not covered here. What do I do?
If you have questions about the beef, this process or anything else about the farm you can also call and chat with John at 641-891-4950.
And if your freezer is full but you would like to be on our mailing list for beef in the future, please fill out the form below as well and we will contact you.
Thank you for your support!
Locker Dates 2023
May 24
June 13
June 27
August 9
More dates may be available - contact us if you do not see one that fits your needs
**Pick up or delivery of beef is about 2-3 weeks after the locker date