We take reservations for two things: whole chickens and Miniature Hereford beef shares. Reservations put your name on a specific bird or share from the next batch we raise. This page spells out how that works — what the deposit is, what it covers, and what you can expect at pickup.
Chicken reservations
Deposit: $15 per bird. Non-refundable. Applies to both Cornish Cross and Heritage birds.
Balance: Paid at pickup, based on the actual weight of your bird multiplied by the posted per-pound rate — $7/lb for Cornish Cross, $9/lb for Heritage. Your $15 deposit is credited against the balance.
Size: You pick your target size when you reserve (3.5 to 6.5 lb in half-pound increments). We aim for the size you chose, but birds finish in a natural range. If yours comes in a bit over or under, we honor the reservation as-is — you pay the actual weight × rate.
When your bird is ready: We process in small batches through the season and contact you when yours is ready to pick up.
Pickup: At the farm in South Haven, or at the Annandale Farmers Market during our season (Saturdays, roughly two weeks before Memorial Day through two weeks after Labor Day, 8 AM–noon). Tell us which is easier when you reserve.
Beef share reservations
Deposit: $150 per share. Non-refundable. Applies to Mini Quarter and Mini Half.
Balance: Paid at the processor when you pick up your beef. Balance = hanging weight × $6.25/lb (paid to us before pickup) plus the processor’s cut-and-wrap cost (paid directly to them at pickup, typically $100–300+ depending on your cuts).
Cuts: The processor calls you directly a week or two before pickup to go through your options — steak thickness, roast sizes, packaging, and how much goes into ground. If you want help deciding beforehand, call us.
Pickup: At our butcher in Foley, MN, not the farm. You pay them there. Bring more cooler than you think you need.
Why deposits are non-refundable
Every reservation is a specific animal we choose not to sell to anyone else. If you cancel, that bird or share still finishes; we absorb the cost of finding another home for it, often at a discount. The deposit covers that risk and keeps the price fair for people who follow through.
If life happens and you truly cannot pick up your order, call us — we can usually transfer your deposit to a future season or to a friend of yours who wants to take the order. What we cannot do is refund the deposit outright.
What if a bird or share doesn’t come in as expected?
Farming isn’t a factory. If a bird or animal doesn’t finish well or doesn’t survive, we’ll contact you directly and offer either:
- A replacement from the next available batch, or
- Refund of your deposit if you’d rather not wait.
That’s the only case where we refund a deposit.
Questions?
Call us at 320-398-6389 or email Sales@windhaven-farm.com. If you’re between the farm and the market and cannot decide which pickup is easier — that’s our favorite conversation.