Frequently Asked Questions.

Ordering & Payment

  • How do I place an order?
    → You can place an order directly through our website. Simply browse our selections, add items to your cart, and check out. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

  • What payment methods are accepted?
    → We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and other secure payment options for your convenience.

  • Do you accept SNAP Benefits?
    → At this time we do not accept SNAP Benefits, but we are exploring this as an option with the USDA.

  • Is there a minimum order requirement?
    → Yes, our minimum order requirement is $75 for those choosing shipping. If you are choosing to pick up in store there is no minimum order requirement.

  • Do you sell individual cuts?
    → Yes! We offer a wide selection of individual cuts.

  • Do you offer organ meats, bones, or fat for purchase?
    → Yes! We offer nutrient-dense organ meats, marrow bones, and suet/tallow for those who want to use the whole animal.

  • Do you sell packages?
    → Yes! We offer several ways to stock your freezer:
    - Beef shares (Eighth, Quarter, Half)
    - Family Essentials collections in 10# and 20# sizes
    - Daily Grind ground beef bulk boxes in 16# and 30# sizes

  • Do you sell 1/4, 1/2, or whole cows?
    → We do offer 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 shares online. Due to the weight and cost of shipping of quarter and half shares, we recommend farm pick up.

    Check out our beef shares here:
    - Eighth Beef Share
    - Quarter Beef Share
    - Half Beef Share

Shipping & Delivery

  • Where do you ship?
    → We currently ship to 17 nearby states: AR, IA, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD, TN, and WI. Live outside this area? We’re happy to ship to any other continental U.S. state with a little coordination. Reach out to us to arrange custom shipping using 3-day guaranteed service.

  • How is your beef shipped, and when will I receive my order?
    → We ship orders on Mondays or Tuesdays, depending on the workload on the farm, using eco-friendly, recyclable packing materials with dry ice to ensure freshness. Orders typically arrive within 1-3 days, depending on your location.

  • What is the cost of delivery?
    → Shipping is free for orders over $160 within our 17 previously mentioned states and is between $12.95 - $16.95 depending on which of those 17 states you live in for all orders under $160. During the checkout process, you'll see the exact shipping charges before finalizing your order. Live outside our current shipping area? We’re happy to ship to any other continental U.S. state with a little coordination. Reach out to us to arrange custom shipping using 3-day guaranteed service.

  • How do you keep the shipment cold?
    → We use high-quality insulation and dry ice or ice blankets to keep your beef frozen during transit.

  • My order arrived thawed. What should I do?
    → If your meat is still cold to the touch (below 40°F), it is safe to refreeze or refrigerate. If you're unsure, contact us immediately, and we’ll make it right.

  • Will I receive tracking information on my package?
    → Yes! Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with tracking details so you can monitor its arrival.

  • Do I need to be home to receive the shipment?
    → No, but we recommend bringing your package inside as soon as possible to keep everything frozen.

  • My box arrived, and there wasn't any dry ice. Is that okay?
    → Yes! Dry ice evaporates in transit. As long as your meat is still cold to the touch, it is safe to store.

  • Are the shipping materials recyclable?
    → Yes! We use compostable insulation and recyclable packaging to minimize environmental impact.

  • Can I pick up my order directly from the farm?
    → Yes! We love farm visitors. During the checkout process, choose “Pick up in store” and we will coordinate a time for you to stop by once we have the order fulfilled.

Beef Quality & Sourcing

  • Is your beef grass-fed?
    → Yes! Our cattle are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, meaning they graze on open pastures their entire lives.

  • Is your beef non-GMO?
    → Yes! We never feed our cattle GMO grains or crops.

  • Is your beef organic?
    → While we follow organic farming practices, we are not USDA-certified organic at this time.

  • Do you use mRNA vaccines?
    → No, we do not use mRNA vaccines and have no plans to do so.

  • Is the beef hormone-free?
    → Yes! We never use growth hormones or artificial stimulants.

  • Is your beef USDA-certified?
    → Yes! Our beef is processed at a USDA-inspected facility to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.

  • Is your ground beef single-source?
    → Yes! Unlike many store-bought ground beef products, our ground beef comes from a single animal, ensuring unmatched quality, consistency, and traceability. We never mix or blend meat from multiple cattle, so you can trust exactly where your beef is coming from.

  • Are your cows happy?
    → Absolutely! Our cattle roam freely on lush pastures, engaging in natural grazing behaviors. We believe happy cows make the best beef! Want to see for yourself? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, @crossroadsbeef, for behind the scenes content!

Freezing & Storage

  • Is the meat shipped fresh or frozen?
    → All our beef is flash-frozen at peak freshness and shipped frozen to maintain quality.

  • How is the beef packaged?
    → Currently most cuts are carefully wrapped in plastic and then butcher paper, just like you’d find at a quality grocery store meat counter. We are currently working with our processer to explore vacuum-sealing our products so you may receive a few steaks packaged this way.

  • How long does frozen beef last?
    → Properly stored in a freezer at a consistent temperature, our beef can maintain its quality for up to 24 months. For optimal taste and texture, we recommend consuming it within this timeframe.

Cooking & Nutrition

  • Does grass-fed beef cook differently than grain-fed beef?
    → Yes! Grass-fed beef is leaner, so we recommend cooking it at a lower temperature and using a meat thermometer for best results. Thicker cuts like roasts may need to cook longer at the lower temperature. We also recommend cooking to a medium-rare temperature.

  • Is grass-fed beef healthier?
    → Yes! It contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and CLA, which are beneficial for overall health.

Customer Support & Contact

  • How do I get in touch with you?
    → You can reach us through our website’s contact form. We’re happy to help with any questions!

  • Where are you located?
    → Our farm is based in Carroll, Iowa.

  • Can I shop at the farm?
    → While we don’t have a retail store, we do offer farm pickups by appointment.