Help center
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about buying direct from Canadian farms through Silioa.
How Silioa works
Is Silioa a marketplace? Do I order through the site?
No. Silioa is a directory — we help you find farms, but you contact the farm directly to place an order. We don't process payments, handle shipping, or take commissions. You deal with the farmer, not us.
How do I contact a farm?
Every farm listing includes their phone number, email, and/or website. Click through to the farm's page, then use whichever method works best for you. Most farms respond within a day or two.
Are the farms on Silioa inspected?
We verify that every farm has real, working contact information and is Canadian. We don't inspect farm operations or certify animal welfare. Practice claims (grass-fed, organic, etc.) are self-reported by the farm. Read more about our verification process.
Buying & ordering
What's the difference between farm pickup and delivery?
Farm pickup means you drive to the farm to collect your order. Some farms also offer pickup at farmers' markets. Delivery means the farm brings the order to you — either to your door or to a drop-off point in your area. Delivery details vary by farm, so ask when you contact them.
How does buying in bulk work (quarter cow, half pig, etc.)?
Many farms sell bulk orders — a quarter, half, or whole animal. You typically pay by the hanging weight (the animal before butchering) and choose your cuts. The farm or their butcher handles cutting and wrapping. Bulk buying is cheaper per pound but requires freezer space. Ask the farm about pricing, cut lists, and pickup logistics.
How do I pay? Can I use a credit card?
Payment methods vary by farm. Some accept e-transfer, cash, or cheque. Some have online stores with credit card processing. Silioa is not involved in payment — you arrange everything directly with the farm.
How much does it cost to buy direct?
Prices vary by farm, product, and region. In general, buying direct is competitive with or cheaper than premium grocery store meat — especially in bulk. The main trade-off is that you're buying from a specific farmer, not a supermarket supply chain, so pricing reflects the actual cost of raising the animal well.
Do I need a large freezer?
For individual cuts, no. For bulk orders (quarter cow, etc.), you'll need a chest freezer. A quarter beef typically requires about 4 cubic feet of freezer space. Ask the farm for guidance if you're not sure.
Reviews & trust
Are reviews real?
Reviews are submitted by users and moderated by us before publishing. We remove spam, abuse, and off-topic content. We can't verify that every reviewer purchased from the farm, but reviews reflect real customer experiences.
Can I leave a review?
Yes. Go to the farm's page and scroll to the review section. Fill out the form with your name, rating, and experience. Reviews are moderated before they appear on the site.
What if I had a bad experience with a farm?
Leave an honest review on the farm's page. If your experience involved safety concerns or fraudulent behavior, please also contact us directly so we can investigate.
Still have questions?
If you didn't find what you were looking for, get in touch — we're happy to help.