Frequently Asked Questions
Get to know the ranch behind your beef — how our cattle are raised, what makes our beef unique, and what to expect when ordering from Nohava Ranch.
WHAT BREED OF CATTLE DO YOU RAISE?
We raise a unique cross of Scottish Highland x Texas Longhorn cattle.
These heritage breeds are known for their hardiness, ability to thrive on pasture, and excellent foraging instincts. Our cattle spend their lives outdoors grazing diverse pastures and expressing their natural behaviors.
The Highland influence contributes exceptional marbling and tenderness, while the Longhorn genetics add efficiency, hardiness, and strong maternal traits. Together, they create flavorful beef that's unlike anything you'll find in a grocery store.
───────
DO YOU GRASS OR GRAIN-FINISH?
The answer to this is truly what sets us apart from other ranches!
Our cattle spend their whole lives on grazing pasture. Just before heading to the butcher we offer them a free-choice, homegrown blend of corn and oats from neighboring Iowa farms, while still on pasture. We've found that a small amount of local cracked corn + oat blend during the final days before harvest results in a beef that's rich, tender, flavorful, and well-marbled — while still being raised on pasture every day of our cattle's lives.
It's our way of delivering the best of both worlds!
───────
WHAT DOES "DRY-AGED" MEAN?
Dry-aging is a traditional process that naturally improves tenderness and flavor.
After harvest, our beef is aged in a carefully controlled environment for a minimum of 14 days. During this time, natural enzymes help tenderize the meat while moisture loss concentrates the flavor.
The result is beef with a richer, more robust taste than conventionally wet-aged (commercially processed) beef.
───────
WHAT DOES YOUR BEEF TASTE LIKE?
Our customers often describe it as rich, flavorful, tender, and "the way beef used to taste."
Because our cattle spend their lives on pasture and are dry-aged before processing, the flavor is noticeably different from typical grocery store beef.
Many first-time customers tell us they can't go back after trying ranch-direct beef.
───────
WHY DO SOME CUTS VARY IN SIZE?
No two animals are exactly alike.
Unlike mass-produced grocery store beef, our cuts come from real cattle raised on pasture. Natural variations in size, shape, and weight are normal and are part of what makes ranch-direct beef unique.
───────
HOW DOES SHIPPING WORK?
We ship orders nationwide via UPS every Tuesday. Place your order by 3pm CST on Monday for beef at your door later in the week!
We use compostable, eco-friendly liners and dry ice to ensure that your beef arrives fast and frozen. Orders will arrive in 1-3 days depending on your location.
───────
CAN I SEND BEEF AS A GIFT?
Absolutely!
Many customers send Nohava Ranch beef for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and corporate gifts.
Simply leave a gift note at checkout, and we'll include your message.
───────
HOW MUCH FREEZER SPACE DO I NEED?
Approximate freezer space requirements:
- Quarter Beef Bundle: 4–5 cubic feet
- Half Beef Bundle: 8–10 cubic feet
- Whole Beef: 16–18 cubic feet
A standard chest freezer can typically accommodate a quarter or half beef.
───────
HOW LONG WILL MY BEEF LAST IN THE FREEZER?
Properly vacuum-sealed beef can maintain excellent quality for 12 months or longer when stored at 0°F or below.
For the best eating experience, we recommend enjoying it within one year.
───────
CAN I BUY A QUARTER, HALF, OR WHOLE COW?
Absolutely!
We offer quarter, half, and whole beef options throughout the year. Purchasing in bulk is one of the most economical ways to stock your freezer with premium pasture-raised beef.
Bulk beef customers receive a variety of cuts including steaks, roasts, ground beef, and more. Availability can be limited, so we recommend reserving your animal in advance. You can always email us at nohavaranchbeef@gmail.com with questions.
───────
WHY IS YOUR BEEF MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GROCERY STORE BEEF?
When you purchase beef from Nohava Ranch, you're buying directly from the ranch that raised the animal — not a grocery store chain supplied by a large industrial system.
Our cattle are raised on pasture, cared for individually, dry-aged at our local butcher for superior flavor, and processed in small batches. We never cut corners on animal welfare, hay quality, or processing standards.
While our beef may cost more upfront than conventional grocery store beef, many customers find that the superior flavor, quality, and peace of mind are well worth the investment.
───────
DO YOU USE HORMONES?
No. Our cattle are never given added growth hormones or growth-promoting implants.
───────
DO YOU USE ANTIBIOTICS?
We do not routinely administer antibiotics to our cattle.
If an animal ever requires treatment for health or welfare reasons, we will always provide appropriate care. Healthy animals and responsible stewardship come first.
───────
DO YOU USE MRNA VACCINES?
No. We do not administer mRNA vaccines to our livestock. We are fortunate to have a very healthy herd with no plans to ever utilize mRNA vaccines in the future.
───────
IS YOUR BEEF GLUTEN FREE?
Yes. Beef is naturally gluten-free.
Please note that some value-added products, such as beef sticks or jerky, may contain seasonings with allergens. Individual product packaging will provide ingredient information.
───────
DO YOU EVER OFFER SALES OR SPECIALS?
We sure do! Join our email list below (link at the bottom of this page) to be the first to know about our special offers and giveaways!