Maxwell Custom Beef: A Family’s Guide to Buying Local, Bulk Beef in Iowa

by Erin Huiatt

Maxwell Custom Beef: A Family’s Guide to Buying Local, Bulk Beef in Iowa

If you’re like most busy families, dinner can sometimes feel like a scramble. Between sports practices, homework, and just trying to keep everyone fed, having a stocked freezer of quality, ready-to-go protein is a game-changer. That’s exactly why we were so excited to learn about Maxwell Custom Beef, a local, family-run business connecting Iowa farm families directly to you.

We recently started exploring the world of custom beef, and spoiler alert: it’s way easier (and more budget-friendly) than it sounds! Whether you’re curious about buying in bulk or looking for a more intentional way to feed your family, here’s everything we’ve learned so far.

Meet Maxwell Custom Beef

Maxwell Custom Beef is proudly rooted in seven generations of Iowa farming. With deep roots in agriculture and meat production, their family saw a growing need: families like ours wanted better access to locally raised, high-quality beef, while local farmers needed a trustworthy partner to process and deliver their product.

So they built just that, a custom-exempt, state-inspected facility where families can buy beef directly from Iowa farmers and have it processed exactly the way they want it.

When you buy from Maxwell, you’re not just filling your freezer. You’re supporting multiple Iowa farm families, keeping dollars in the community, and building trust in where your food comes from. You know how much we love to support local!

What Is Custom Beef, Anyway?

If you’ve never heard of “custom beef,” don’t worry, we hadn’t either until recently!

Here’s the simple version: instead of buying one package of ground beef or a couple of steaks at the grocery store, you purchase a quarter, half, or whole animal. Then, you work with Maxwell Custom Beef to decide exactly how it’s cut and packaged to fit your family’s needs.

Love thick ribeyes? Need smaller roasts for the slow cooker? Want to stock up on ground beef for taco night? You get to customize your order so nothing goes to waste.

Once everything is processed, it’s wrapped (vacuum-sealed or butcher paper), frozen, boxed, and ready for pickup. All you need is some freezer space, and you’re set!

Why It’s a Smart Move for Families

For families in Central Iowa, the benefits of buying custom beef add up fast:

Budget-Friendly Over Time – While the upfront cost may feel big, the savings are real. A half beef typically runs around $2,000, which breaks down to $6.75–$7.50 per pound for everything from T-bones and ribeyes to ground beef and stew meat. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay at the grocery store for the same cuts.
Health and Ingredient Transparency – Maxwell works with local Iowa farmers who raise their cattle with care. Most are finished on grain for great flavor and marbling, and you can feel good knowing there are no added hormones or antibiotics.
Fewer Grocery Trips (and Less Stress!) – With your freezer stocked, you’re not running to the store last minute for dinner. Instead, you can plan and know you always have a family-friendly meal ready to go.

Behind the Scenes: Our Family’s Journey So Far

Since bringing home our first order from Maxwell Custom Beef, we’ve already enjoyed several delicious meals, from steak night on the grill to smoked ribs to celebrate a birthday. Our kids have loved being part of the experience, asking questions about where the meat comes from and even helping choose what we cook next.

It’s been more than just filling the freezer; it’s sparked meaningful conversations about food, farming, and the importance of supporting our Iowa community.