Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my beef be processed, and is there an additional cost for transport? 

Why doesn’t SkyView Farms process their own meat?

We’ve elected to work with Elma Locker for several reasons: 

#1 – 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. 

#2 – They can provide specialty processing that we wouldn’t be able to offer with their variety of smoked and dried meat products. 

#3 – 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.

What steps do you take to prioritize animal welfare?

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, we monitor health and well-being and maintain partnerships with a team of veterinarians and a nutritionist to assist when needed.

We provide our herd with clean, spacious pastures, fresh water, nutrient-rich forage and home-raised feed, and adequate shelter and protection from extreme weather.

We practice low-stress handling techniques, ensure humane transport, and treat our animals with dignity and respect from birth to harvest. 

Why isn’t your beef labeled grass-fed?

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 spend the majority of their lives on grass, North Iowa winters are much too harsh to rely on grazing year-round. Our past customers have agreed that the best approach for maximum cattle comfort and the highest-quality beef product with incredible flavor is a diet mix of grass and grains.