Wagyu Beef

stavebuyer · February 02, 2022, 04:48:18 PM

I have a close friend that got into breeding some Wagyu. I bought a 1/4 steer because I wanted to try it and we have done a world of good business. Delicious but too expensive for me to get hooked on. He has some half-blood steers(Wagyu-x-Angus) on feed now I am anxious to sample. Any of you raising Wagyu or crosses?

Southside · February 02, 2022, 05:23:21 PM

What does he sell it for?

Raider Bill · February 02, 2022, 05:24:18 PM

Quote from: Southside on February 02, 2022, 05:23:21 PM
What does he sell it for?

Profit. Lol

doc henderson · February 02, 2022, 06:12:50 PM

costs enough I am afraid to cook it.

stavebuyer · February 02, 2022, 06:17:32 PM

The cost was high ($6 lb carcass weight plus processing) but less than he actually spent. This round was fullbloods from embryo transfers. He tracked costs and I have followed the whole process since he bought the first heifer. What seems like 3 lifetimes ago I worked at farm that was a pioneer in the ET development of the Simbrah breed, so this intrigues me. At the same time Wal-mart is selling choice graded angus ribeye at $20/lb. No comparing the taste and qaulity of farm raised Wagyu to Wal-mart Angus.

Halfbloods you would get faster growth and only incur the cost of a $5-6k bull. What you lose in taste I don't yet know.

For someone selling freezer beef it may be worth exploring.

newoodguy78 · February 02, 2022, 08:38:45 PM

That seems like a very fair price. Is that a friends and family discount?

stavebuyer · February 03, 2022, 05:09:11 AM

Quote from: newoodguy78 on February 02, 2022, 08:38:45 PM
That seems like a very fair price. Is that a friends and family discount?

Thats basically his motivation; to see if he can raise some at a cost that is within reason for friends and family.

A decent market for the 1st cross steers could make it feasible to start with a fullblood bull and some good Angus heifers. The halfblood calves at 18 months are 1200-1300#. The fullbloods took 24 months to hit that weight.

rusticretreater · February 07, 2022, 07:32:37 PM

Interesting. I am in the process of buying a side of beef from a farm vendor in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The meat is from "Select Angus Crossbred Steers from our Cow/calf operation of 20+ years" according to their website. The price is $3.94lb which is amazing right now.

The steer is processed, individually packaged, labeled and has a USDA stamp on it. First time I'm trying it so it will be an experience. 225lbs of beef. Ima gonna have a great grilling summer!