Our Practices
What does USDA organic certification mean when it comes to meat?
“As for organic meat, regulations require that animals are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones.
When it comes to processed, multi-ingredient foods, the USDA organic standards specify additional considerations. Regulations prohibit organically processed foods from containing artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and require that their ingredients are organic, with some minor exceptions.” - USDA.gov
Are your animals given any antibiotics or hormones?
Our animals raised for meat production are not given any hormones. As part of the animal husbandry ways of Organic farming, we must give animals antibiotics to save its life in order for the animal to not suffer. This rarely happens, but if this situation arises, the animal is treated, marked, and tagged specifically and is no longer certified organic. This animal is then sold and not marketed as organic. Animal welfare is a top priority on our farm.
Do you use GMO grains in your grain mixture?
We do not use any GMO products on or in anything we grow. Our farm is certified organic which ensures that we never use these.
What are the ingredients in the grain mixture you feed the chickens and hogs?
At OOA we proudly boast that we grind and mix our own organic feed ration for both the chickens and hogs. This ensures that all of our grains are as fresh and home grown on the farm. Our ration includes: corn, wheat, oats, roasted soybeans, vitamins, and minerals.
Are your beef cattle corn finished or 100% grass-fed?
Our cattle are 100% grass fed from start to finish. They are never fed any grain.
Where are your animals taken to be processed?
Our beef and pork is processed at a USDA organic inspected facility in Minnesota, called Dover Processing. If you are getting bulk meat, we typically use a local butcher to handle that. Our chickens are currently being processed at Brummel Poultry Processing in Illinois.
Can I come visit the farm and see the animals you raise?
Yes you are more than welcome to see how we raise the animals first hand. We only ask that you schedule an appointment to do so.
Ordering, Pick-up & Delivery
Do you sell bulk cuts of beef, pork, and chicken?
Yes we sure do! We offer ¼, ½, and whole cows. As well as ½ and whole hogs. For chickens we offer a discounted rate on orders over 20.
How far in advance should I place my bulk order?
We take orders for cattle and hogs year around. You can place your order and be put on the waitlist at any time. For more questions on animal processing timelines please inquire via email. Chickens are processed May-October.
What days do you deliver to the local area?
We deliver door to door on Wednesday nights to the local area. This includes: Dubuque, Key West, Peosta, Epworth, Farley, Dyersville, New Vienna, Luxemburg, Holy Cross, Rickardsville, Sageville, and Durango. Please inquire if you have questions about the delivery zone.
We also have another delivery day to the Iowa City area and the towns along our route, including Cascade, Monticello, Anamosa, Martelle, Mount Vernon, Solon, and North Liberty. We deliver to these areas on the third Monday of the month.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept all major credit cards through our website shop. In addition to credit cards, we accept cash and checks at farmers market, and in our farm store. We also accept Venmo payments for specific situations.
