Buying beef straight from a family farm is one of the best ways to enjoy higher-quality meat while supporting local agriculture. But not all farms or beef are the same. Whether you’re new to this or have bought local meat before, asking the right questions helps you make an informed, confident purchase.
Here are five important questions to ask before you buy beef direct from a farm, so you know exactly what you're getting and who you're supporting.
One of the biggest benefits of buying from a family farm is knowing how the animals were cared for. Don’t be afraid to ask about the farm’s practices—things like:
At Oak Barn Beef, our cattle are born and raised right here in Nebraska. We work with trusted partner ranches - people we know personally - to purchase calves at weaning time, so we can guarantee every animal was raised with care, right from the start. Then, we bring the cattle to our family farm in West Point, Nebraska - just five miles from our storefront. The cattle are grass-fed and corn-finished until they meet butcher weight.
The way beef is processed affects everything—from taste and tenderness to food safety. Ask:
Our beef is USDA inspected, dry-aged for 14-21 days, and vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness and flavor. Dry aging is a process you don’t often find in grocery store beef—but it’s a game-changer when it comes to taste.
If you’re buying in bulk—like a quarter, half, or whole beef—it’s smart to know what to expect. Every farm does things a little differently. Some give you standard cuts, others let you customize. Ask about:
We created our Quarter of Beef Package to take the guesswork out. You’ll see exactly what cuts are included and about how much freezer space you’ll need. It’s our most popular option for first-time buyers who want to stock their freezer with premium, Nebraska beef.
Check out the Quarter of Beef Package by clicking here.
Buying local doesn’t always mean you have to drive out to the farm. Ask how the farm handles logistics:
At Oak Barn Beef, we ship beef anywhere in the United States in insulated boxes packed with dry ice. Whether you’re sending a gift or stocking your own freezer, you’ll receive your order safely and frozen, delivered right to your door. However, we do not offer shipping on our whole, half, and quarter of beef shares. We do offer shipping on our Quarter of Beef package.
When you buy beef from a family farm, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting people. Take a few minutes to learn about who’s raising your food.
At Oak Barn Beef, we love sharing our story—from a college project to a full-time family business. Our customers become part of our journey, and we’re proud to show exactly where your beef comes from.
When you're ready to buy beef direct from a farm, these five questions will help you find a source that aligns with your values—and fills your freezer with beef you can feel good about.
If you're ready to get started, we’d love for you to check out Oak Barn Beef. We offer family farm beef, raised with integrity and shipped nationwide, so you can enjoy true farm-to-table flavor no matter where you live.
See details on Oak Barn Beef's whole, half, or quarter of beef shares here: https://oakbarnbeef.com/pages/beef-shares
My name is Julie, and I work for Oak Barn Beef—mostly on Saturdays. I got the job last fall when my volleyball coach recommended me to Hannah. I expected the job would involve helping customers buy their beef and keeping the store clean. Nice and simple, right?
Wrong.
Little did I know how much heart goes into keeping this store running.
Buying beef in bulk is smart—but where will you put it all? This guide shows exactly how much freezer space you’ll need for a quarter or half beef, plus tips to keep it organized.
Calving season has officially started at Oak Barn Beef, and we’ve welcomed three new calves to the farm! In this Friday on the Farm update, we’re sharing a peek at springtime on the farm—from new life in the pasture to tractors in the field and plans for the next generation of cattle.