Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of cuts that result from a typical Half Beef processed at Elma Locker.

• 18 T-Bone Steaks (1” thick) OR New York Strips (1” thick)
• 16 Ribeye Steaks (1”thick) OR Filets (1” thick)
• 6 Sirloin Steaks (1” thick)
• 16 Chuck Roasts (3 lb)
• 6 Arm Roasts (3 lb)
• 80-120 lb Ground Beef

Our preferred processor is Elma Locker and Grocery in Elma, Iowa. Elma Locker has specialized in custom meat processing since 2006 and we’ve trusted them processing for our family’s table for nearly 10 years. The cost of transport to this processor is included in your beef price.

For custom processing orders, we are happy to transport to another preferred location at a rate of $1.00 per mile from our farm gate to the processor location. Please keep in mind, if we transport to a location other than Elma, the customer is responsible for the purchase of a full beef instead of a half or quarter. (However, you’re welcome to split processing with a friend or acquaintance on your own. Or your locker may be able to work with you on other options as well.)

We’ve elected to work with Elma Locker for several reasons: They do great work! We’ve learned from experience that every processor has their own way of doing things from style of cut, to packaging and storage. Elma Locker provides the total service experience and puts out an excellent product. They can also provide specialty processing that we wouldn’t be able to offer with their variety of smoked and dried meat products. Certified processors like Elma Locker undergo stringent health inspections on a regular basis to maintain their certified status. When we process with Elma Locker, we feel confident that your meat is always kept in a clean environment and at constant safe temperatures. Our main goal is to provide the highest quality meat product possible, so we focus on what we do best - raising quality animals - and leave the rest to our trusted partners at Elma Locker.

Our goal at SkyView Farms is to deliver juicy, tender prime beef that allows families to cook restaurant-quality dishes at home. While our cattle do spend the majority of their lifetime on grass, North Iowa winters are much too harsh to rely on grazing year-round. Our past customers have agreed the best approach for maximum cattle comfort and the highest quality beef product with incredible flavor comes from a diet mix of both grass and grains.

Cattle on SkyView Farms spend the first seven months of life beside their mothers on pasture. In the winter, they are transported back to the farm where there is proper shelter and clean dry bedding for protection against harsh Iowa winters. Calves join other similarly-aged calves so they may be fed a proper diet of protein, energy vitamins and minerals. At each stage of life, Aaron and Laura monitor health and wellbeing and maintain partnerships with a team of veterinarians and a nutritionist to assist when needed.

Customers have three options when placing an order from SkyView Beef: 1. Arrange on-farm pickup 2. At-home delivery for those in the Nora Springs area. 3. Ask about special arrangements. Upon placing your order, you’ll be prompted with those three options and Laura will follow up to confirm details.

As soon as you receive your beef, place it in your freezer or refrigerator. Product placed in the refrigerator should be used within 2-3 days to maintain optimum freshness. Frozen product should be used within twenty-four months of the packing date.