How to Buy a Quarter, Half, or Whole Cow from Maxwell Custom Beef in Des Moines, Iowa
If you’re ready to buy beef in bulk in Des Moines or anywhere in Central Iowa, the process is simple.
No confusion.
No complicated steps.
No guessing where your beef came from.
Here’s exactly how to buy a quarter, half, or whole beef share from Maxwell Custom Beef.
Step 1: Visit buy.maxwellcustombeef.com
Start by going to:
👉 buy.maxwellcustombeef.com
From there, select your beef share size:
¼ Beef (Quarter Cow)
½ Beef (Half Cow)
Whole Beef (Whole Cow)
Each option clearly outlines estimated hanging weight and average pricing so you can choose what fits your family and freezer space.
Step 2: Lock in Your Spot with a $150 Deposit
To reserve your beef share, place a $150 deposit.
This deposit:
Secures your place in the harvest schedule
Locks in your beef share
Allows us to begin sourcing your animal
Beef shares are limited based on harvest capacity. Deposits ensure we can plan properly and maintain quality control.
Step 3: Choose Your Sourcing Option
When placing your deposit, you’ll select one of two options:
Option A: “I Have a Producer”
If you already have a local farmer, select this option. We will coordinate directly with your producer to process your animal through our facility.
Option B: “Please Source Me Local Beef”
If you don’t have a producer, select this option.
We will source high-quality local cattle from trusted Central Iowa producers. All beef comes from farms within Story, Polk, Jasper, Warren, Marshall, Boone, Dallas, and surrounding counties.
You get local beef without having to find it yourself.
Step 4: Complete Your Custom Cut Sheet
Once your deposit is placed, you’ll receive access to your custom cut sheet.
This is where you personalize your beef exactly how you want it.
Steak Options
Ribeye steaks
New York strip steaks
T-bone steaks
Porterhouse steaks
Sirloin steaks
Filet mignon
Flank steak
Skirt steak
Flat iron steak
Choose your:
Steak thickness
Packaging preferences
Number per package
Roast Options
Chuck roast
Arm roast
Rump roast
Sirloin tip roast
Eye of round roast
Ground Beef Options
1 lb packages
1.5 lb packages
2 lb packages
Patties (optional)
Lean percentage preferences (if applicable)
Additional Options
Brisket (whole or split)
Short ribs
Back ribs
Soup bones
Stew meat
Cube steak
Liver
Heart
Tongue
Oxtail
Fat (for rendering)
Organ meats upon request
You control how your beef is cut, packaged, and labeled.
Step 5: Aging for Maximum Tenderness
After harvest, your beef is brought through our facility and dry aged 17–21 days.
Why does this matter?
Aging:
Improves tenderness
Enhances flavor
Breaks down muscle fibers naturally
Elevates overall eating quality
This step is critical. We do not rush the process.
Step 6: Precision Cutting & Packaging
Once aging is complete, your beef is:
Professionally cut to your exact specifications
Vacuum sealed or freezer paper wrapped for long-term freezer storage
Clearly labeled
Frozen solid
Boxed for easy pickup
No guessing what’s inside. Everything is organized and ready.
Step 7: Pickup Made Easy
When your beef is ready, you will receive:
A text message
An email notification
Pickup instructions are simple:
Pull up to Dock Door #1
That’s it.
No need to bring coolers.
No scrambling to reorganize your vehicle.
Your beef will be:
Frozen
Boxed
Ready to load
We make the pickup process efficient and smooth.
Why Buying Beef This Way Makes Sense for Des Moines & Central Iowa Families
Buying beef shares through Maxwell Custom Beef gives you:
Transparent pricing
Local Central Iowa cattle
Direct-from-farm sourcing
Custom cutting control
17–21 day aging for premium quality
Bulk value pricing
Fewer grocery store trips
Long-term freezer security
Instead of buying beef weekly at fluctuating retail prices, you secure months of high-quality beef in one decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Cow in Iowa
How much freezer space do I need?
Quarter: 4–5 cubic feet
Half: 8–10 cubic feet
Whole: 16–20 cubic feet
How long does beef last in the freezer?
Properly vacuum sealed beef can last 12+ months when frozen.
Is buying a cow cheaper than grocery store beef?
When factoring in premium cuts, locked-in pricing, and reduced impulse grocery purchases — yes, especially at the half and whole beef level.
Ready to Lock In Your Beef Share?
If you’re searching for:
“Buy a cow in Des Moines”
“Quarter beef near me”
“Half cow Central Iowa”
“Custom exempt beef Des Moines”
“Whole cow for sale Iowa”
You’re in the right place.
Visit buy.maxwellcustombeef.com
Select ¼, ½, or Whole
Place your $150 deposit
Fill out your cut sheet
We’ll handle the rest.
Your beef.
Your cuts.
Your freezer.
Lock in your quarter, half, or whole beef share today before the next harvest schedule fills up.
