Frequently Asked Questions
Categories
About the Cattle
What is the breed of cattle on your farm?
The cattle are Angus and Simmental based.
How are the cattle fed and cared for?
The cattle eat a diet of corn, hay or grass, and additional mineral supplements. A corn-fed diet results in a more tender and tastier beef. The steers have access to a barn year-round. We are highly committed to quality assurance, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices.
Why is Purple Ribbon Beef Higher Quality?
The freezer beef you purchase from Purple Ribbon Beef is of high quality, locally raised, and more flavorful than beef purchased at the grocery store. Our beef tastes better because the cattle are corn-fed. A corn-fed diet results in a more tender and tastier beef.
Processing
Whom do I pay?
You will pay Purple Ribbon Beef for the beef and you will pay the processor for the processing.
Once beef is delivered to the processing facility, when can I pick up my order?
Between 2-3 weeks. The beef will hang for approximately 14 days before it is processed into the cuts you want. Then the beef will be frozen solid.
What is the age of the steer at processing time?
14-20 months.
How does dry-aged processing improve flavor?
When the beef is processed it is dry-aged 10-14 days. The dry-aged process allows the beef to increase in tenderness and a more beefy flavor than compared to the beef in grocery stores that is not dry-aged.
How often is beef processed?
We are processing once a month.
If you would like to be placed on our reservation list please email us at contact@purpleribbonbeef.com. You will be placed on a first come first served list. Prices are subject to change.
Freezer Beef (Bulk)
How many pounds of beef will I receive?
½ Beef carcass weighs about 400 Lbs. of beef
A whole beef will yield about 800 Lbs. of beef.
*While beef is dry aged about 2% shrinkage will occur with your meat. Also, some bones and extra fat are removed during processing. Typically, about 35-50% is "thrown away" meaning bones and fat are removed when the processor begins cutting the carcass. This 35-50% is referred to as a cutting loss.
How much freezer space do I need?
One cubic foot of freezer space will hold approximately 30 Lbs. of beef.
½ Beef ~13-14 Cubic Ft. of Freezer Space
How long will the beef last in the freezer?
Approximately one year.
Purchase Beef
Can I purchase individual cuts of beef?
Yes! Steaks, ground beef, burger patties, all beef skinless brats, beef sticks, beef summer sausage and beef jerky will be available for purchase directly from Purple Ribbon Beef.
Shop Here
Do you deliver beef to customers?
We will coordinate delivery of the freezer beef. For individual cuts we do offer nationwide shipping.
How do I know which beef cuts are best for my family?
We will be happy to help you decide which beef cuts you will enjoy the most. You will also place your order directly with the processor who is very knowledgeable and a great resource.
We have also provided this great resource on beef cuts and how they are best cooked as you will only want to get cuts your family will enjoy. (Beef Cuts Resource from Beef Check Off)
What is the smallest amount I can order?
The smallest amount you can order is ¼ beef. Or you can purchase individual cuts or bundles from our online store.
Shop here!
Delivery
Shipping Information
We currently are shipping nationwide! We will ship every week on Monday or Tuesday. Orders will come via Speedy Delivery or UPS. All orders will need to be under 22lbs. If your order is over, please contact us directly for a shipping estimate.
Delivery Information
We currently are delivering within 60 miles of Clarion. We have regularly scheduled times to Ames and Clear Lake. For more information contact us directly.
Pick Up
We offer free pickup at Purple Ribbon General Store Thursdays and Saturdays. Other special arrangements can be made as well if you contact us directly.
Purple Ribbon General Store is located at 1119 Central Ave E; Clarion, Iowa 50525