What to Look For in a Seedstock Wagyu Ranch

When it comes to finding a seedstock Wagyu ranch that can fulfill your needs, it can be tough to know what to look for. Not only are Wagyu cows in America rare, but they must adhere to certain standards to be considered “full-blooded” Wagyu. Don’t worry though, we can help you know what to look for when you begin your search for a seedstock Wagyu ranch! Here are 5 key metrics you should be looking for when considering partnering with a Wagyu ranch.

1. Stress-free environment
2. Certified by the American Wagyu Association
3. Genetic tracing
4. All-natural diet
5. Great staffing

Stress-free environment

When it comes to raising cattle many factors can affect the health of a herd. From weather conditions to feeding, each ranch has to consider these obstacles and solve them. One of the most important factors to look for in a seedstock Wagyu ranch is that the cattle live in a stress-free environment. When cattle are stressed they can suffer, resulting in lower weight gains, increased sickness, and degrading of the beef that cattle will produce. If a Wagyu ranch isn’t concerned about the stress levels of their cattle, it’s probably best that you stay away from them. Wagyu is a delicacy around the world and is known for its adaptability. However, those Wagyu can’t live up to those expectations unless they are treated with the utmost care. Having a stress-free ranch can help produce the steak that meat-eaters crave.

Certified by the American Wagyu Association

The American Wagyu Association is an organization that provides standards for Wagyu beef, ensuring that cattle are indeed wagyu and come from a registered bloodline. Why is this important? The Wagyu breed is a premium Japanese beef cattle breed, considered a national treasure in Japan. In the late 1900s, less than 200 Wagyu cattle were exported from Japan. However, shortly after, Japan ceased exportation of live Wagyu, semen, or embryos to overseas markets to prevent competition with foreign producers. Today, only a few thousand Full-Blood Wagyu cattle exist in the United States. To be considered “full-blooded” Wagyu, you must be DNA certified by the AWA. If you want the real deal when it comes to a Wagyu ranch ask for this certification.

Genetic tracing

Choosing a specific Wagyu ranch, and a specific seedstock is an investment. You need to maximize the profits. Before you invest, however, you need to see if the ranch can provide you with genetic tracing, not just the certification of their bloodline, but from birth until harvest. This simple addition to detail can help make all the difference when it comes to helping your herd.

All-natural diet

To get the best result out of Wagyu cattle you don’t want to pump them full of antibiotics and feed them bad feed. You want to take an all-natural approach. Not only will this make the wagyu healthier so you can take advantage of a better seedstock operation, but the cuts of meat will be better from that animal. With a clean and stable environment, a grass diet supplemented with all-natural grains, and a calm, comfortable life free from chemicals, antibiotics, or added growth hormones, you’ll know that this is some of the best Wagyu on the planet. Before choosing a Wagyu ranch make sure to ask them about their feeding procedures and their stance surrounding antibiotics.

Great staffing

Lastly, but certainly not least, staffing is highly important to a ranch. You want experienced ranch managers who understand how to raise cattle the proper way. They should be able to answer your questions thoroughly and explain their entire process. Ask tough questions, ask for referrals to past customers, and only partner with a ranch that is willing to the extra mile to keep you happy. 

Are you trying to find the right seedstock Wagyu ranch for your needs? Want to partner with a ranch that is committed to excellence in everything they do? If so, there’s only one place to turn too and that’s DL Texas Ranch! We have registered full-blooded Wagyu and registered Beefmaster that can’t be topped. Contact us today to find out more!