Why is Wagyu Beef so Expensive?

When it comes to talking about beef there are not many contenders who can hold a candle to Wagyu. From its storied history to its premium cuts, Wagyu beef is expensive for many reasons, all of which are good. If you’ve ever wondered why Wagyu beef is so expensive, we’ve got the breakdown of why each piece of meat is worth the cost. Here are four reasons why Wagyu beef is so expensive:

1. Health Benefits
2. Ranch Treatment
3. Genetic History
4. More Value for Your Money

Health Benefits

Wagyu beef is so expensive because it contains a large amount of marbling within meat. In short, marbling is the strains of fat that are weaved throughout the lean pieces of meat. This intramuscular fat makes the meat tastier and better for you. Specifically, Wagyu beef is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 6 fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In fact, Wagyu beef cuts are so fine that 90% of American-raised Wagyu beef rates as USDA Prime, the highest rating afforded to beef.

Ranch Treatment

For a rancher to get the most out of Wagyu beef, they must invest in their ranch treatment. Why? To produce the best quality of meat they need a stress-free environment and an all-natural diet free from hormones. They need experienced ranch hands to help take care of these animals. Not to mention they also need acres of pristine pasture, a clean and stable environment. Creating this environment and upkeeping it takes a lot of time and money which is another reason that Wagyu beef is so expensive.

Genetic History

In order for a cow to be considered full-blooded Wagyu, it has to be certified by the American Wagyu Association. Why is this? Wagyu beef and cattle originally were exported from Japan. However, in the late 1900s, Japan ceased exporting these cattle and recognize them as a national treasure. Meaning, the American Wagyu that are around today originated from those brought over during the 1900s.

This requires documentation of genetic lineage, genetic testing, and references. To put this into perspective, the population of Full-Blood Wagyu in the United States is considered limited, totaling fewer than 5,000 cattle. Therefore, the importance of Full-Blood Wagyu is centered on maintaining the purity of ancient lineages. Needless to say, there isn’t a large selection of Wagyu beef even though it is so tasty. With a limited selection, pricing goes up. Additionally, keeping track of bloodlines, calves, and other traits can all be a considerable expense to the rancher.

More Value for Your Money

While many people place high importance on providing a stress-free atmosphere, that doesn’t mean that Wagyu cattle are not adaptable. In fact, they are one of the most adaptable breeds of cattle in the world. Wagyu are prized for their fertility, resiliency, longevity, docile temperament, and high carcass yield. Because these animals are so adaptable, they are priced higher than your average breed cattle.

Are you considering buying Wagyu beef, but want the assured quality that is mentioned above? If so, DL Texas Ranch can serve you. However, supply is limited so it is imperative that you move quickly. Contact us today to find out which selections of meat will be ready and when.