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Beef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Beef information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do beef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for beef in Iowa is $16.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a beef job?

Beef jobs refer to occupations involved in the production, processing, and distribution of beef and beef products. These can include roles such as cattle ranchers, feedlot workers, meat processors, butchers, and quality inspectors. People in these jobs are responsible for raising cattle, ensuring animal welfare, processing meat, and delivering beef to markets and consumers. The beef industry offers a wide range of careers for those interested in agriculture, animal science, food safety, and food production.

What are some key challenges faced by beef cattle ranchers in managing livestock health and productivity?

Beef cattle ranchers often face challenges related to disease prevention, nutrition management, and weather extremes, all of which can impact herd health and productivity. Keeping up with vaccination schedules, monitoring for signs of illness, and ensuring access to high-quality feed and water are ongoing responsibilities. Additionally, ranchers must adapt to market fluctuations and changing regulations while working collaboratively with veterinarians, feed suppliers, and sometimes agricultural extension agents to implement best practices. Successfully addressing these challenges is essential for maintaining a productive and sustainable operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a beef production manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Beef Production Manager, you need expertise in livestock management, animal nutrition, and agriculture business, typically supported by a degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with herd management software, feed systems, and quality assurance protocols is important. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with suppliers and buyers. These skills ensure efficient operations, animal welfare, and profitability in the beef production industry.

What is the difference between Beef vs Butcher?

AspectBeefButcher
Primary FocusRaising cattle and producing beef productsProcessing, cutting, and preparing meat products, including beef
Required CredentialsFarming experience, livestock management knowledgeMeat cutting certifications, knife skills
Work EnvironmentFarms, ranches, livestock facilitiesMeat processing plants, butcher shops
Industry UsageAgriculture, livestock farmingMeat retail, food service

While both roles are connected to beef, a Beef farmer focuses on raising cattle, whereas a Butcher specializes in processing and preparing beef meat for sale or service. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and industry roles related to beef production and processing.

What are the most commonly searched types of Beef jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Beef jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Beef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,002 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Producción de Fabricación, Iowa Premium, Tama, Iowa

National Beef

Tama, IA • On-site

$22/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


National Beef Packing rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Iowa Premium Job Opportunity

Find your future at Iowa Premium! Iowa Premium a National Beef Company in Tama, Iowa, has excellent opportunities for people interested in working in one of our production areas. With competitive pay and benefits, a stable job, and a caring and supportive environment, National Beef could become your next professional step! Apply today!

Competitive salaries and benefits:

  • Pay starts at $22 per hour with the potential to earn up to $27.50
  • Perfect attendance bonus of $2.50 per hour
  • Family benefits including health, vision, and dental
  • 401K retirement plan with company contribution
  • Paid time off after 1 year of service
  • Paid holidays, personal days, birthdays
  • Employee meat purchase discounts
  • Paid life insurance

For more information about Iowa Premium, click here!

Responsibilities

Qualified candidates for manufacturing production positions must be:

  • Available to work any shift, up to six days a week
  • Willing and able to work with knives, machinery, and/or saws
  • Willing to stand and lift for a full shift
  • Willing to push/pull for a full shift
  • Capable of good product handling
  • Willing to work in extremely cold and hot areas

This is a safety-sensitive position. This is not a remote position.

Qualifications

Production experience preferred but not required. Must be at least 18 years of age or older. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We cannot provide visa sponsorship at this time.

Iowa Premium, a national beef company, is dedicated to being the leading provider of premium Black Angus beef fed corn and raised on quality family farms. Our employees are the key to our success. We offer a variety of employment opportunities in our production and packaging plant in southeast Iowa. We strive to be a preferred employer in Tama County, whether measured by the number of people employed or the good we do in the community. Come join our family!

National Beef is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, protected veteran status, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.


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