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At Newcastle Beef Company, we specialize in cattle ranching, focusing on olive-fed Shigefuku, Kuroge Washu, and Akage Washu Wagyu, ensuring premium quality beef from our ranch in Newcastle, California.

Our Ranching Philosophy
Quality Beyond Compare

We are dedicated to sustainable practices, raising our cattle with care and respect, resulting in exceptional beef that reflects our commitment to quality and the rich heritage of Wagyu cattle.

A5 Wagyu is so expensive due to the rigorous standards and specialized care that go into raising the cattle. This includes:

  • Genetics: Only four breeds of Japanese cattle are used for authentic Wagyu.

  • Specialized Diet: The cattle are fed a specific diet of hay, rice, and grains for 2-3 years, a much longer period than typical cattle.

  • Rearing Guidelines: The cattle are raised in low-stress environments with ample space, and some farms even use special techniques like massaging to improve tenderness.

  • Regulations and Importing Costs: The Japanese government has strict regulations and a tracking system for each cow. Importing the meat to other countries also adds significant costs.

Wagyu in the United States

Wagyu beef has a rich and interesting history in America. Here's a detailed timeline of how it came to be a prized product in the United States:

The First Imports (1970s)

  • 1976: The first Wagyu cattle were imported to the U.S. by Morris Whitney, a researcher at Colorado University. This initial shipment consisted of four bulls: two Japanese Black (named Mazda and Mt. Fuji) and two Japanese Red (named Judo and Rueshaw).

  • These bulls were used for crossbreeding with American cattle breeds, primarily Angus, since no female Wagyu cattle were imported at this time.

Expanding the Genetic Pool (1990s)

  • 1990: The American Wagyu Association was incorporated, with the goal of preserving the genetics and integrity of Wagyu cattle in the U.S.

  • 1993: For the first time, female Wagyu cattle were imported.6 The Mannett Group brought three Japanese Black females to the U.S., allowing for the first full-blood Wagyu to be bred on American soil.

  • 1994-1997: Several more shipments of Wagyu bulls and females were imported from Japan.8 These imports greatly expanded the genetic diversity of the American Wagyu herd. The total number of full-blood Wagyu exported to the U.S. was less than 200.

  • 1997: The Japanese government declared Wagyu cattle a national treasure and banned all further exports, making the existing American herds the foundation for the breed's future in the U.S.

The Rise of American Wagyu

  • 2003: A case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was discovered in the U.S., leading Japan and other countries to halt imports of American beef.11 This event, while difficult for producers, forced them to focus on developing a domestic market for Wagyu beef.

  • As a result, American consumers were introduced to the superior eating qualities of Wagyu, and the domestic market began to expand significantly.

  • Today, American Wagyu is a distinct category of premium beef.14 The American Wagyu Association estimates there are around 30,000 Wagyu-influenced cattle, but fewer than 5,000 are considered full-blood Wagyu.

  • American Wagyu is often crossbred with breeds like Angus to combine the intense marbling of Wagyu with the size and productivity of American cattle.16 The American Wagyu Association has a grading system that classifies cattle based on the percentage of Wagyu genetics they possess, from F1 (50%) to purebred (93.75% or higher).

Thick cuts of marbled beef steak placed on a wooden surface, showcasing intricate marbling patterns. In the background, a copper pot is visible, slightly blurred due to the focus on the meat.
Thick cuts of marbled beef steak placed on a wooden surface, showcasing intricate marbling patterns. In the background, a copper pot is visible, slightly blurred due to the focus on the meat.
Three black cattle are standing close together, each with an ear tag displaying numbers. Their expressions appear calm and inquisitive. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting, possibly on a farm.
Three black cattle are standing close together, each with an ear tag displaying numbers. Their expressions appear calm and inquisitive. The background is blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting, possibly on a farm.
A black cow with long horns stands in the foreground of a grassy field. In the background, other cows are scattered across the pasture near a small body of water. The landscape is open and expansive, with trees lining the horizon under a clear sky.
A black cow with long horns stands in the foreground of a grassy field. In the background, other cows are scattered across the pasture near a small body of water. The landscape is open and expansive, with trees lining the horizon under a clear sky.
A group of brown cattle stands on a grassy hill with a backdrop of lush, green mountains. The sky is overcast with clouds partially covering the peaks. A wooden fence runs along the left side of the image, separating the cattle from the steep hillside.
A group of brown cattle stands on a grassy hill with a backdrop of lush, green mountains. The sky is overcast with clouds partially covering the peaks. A wooden fence runs along the left side of the image, separating the cattle from the steep hillside.
A grassy field is dotted with grazing cattle, including a mix of brown, black, and tan Highland cows with long, curved horns. The backdrop features a gently sloping, treeless hill with scattered small shrubs.
A grassy field is dotted with grazing cattle, including a mix of brown, black, and tan Highland cows with long, curved horns. The backdrop features a gently sloping, treeless hill with scattered small shrubs.
woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

The quality of Newcastle Beef Company's wagyu is unmatched; truly a gourmet experience every time.

Duane C.

A group of black cattle is gathered behind a concrete barrier in a farm setting. Behind them, vibrant red flowering trees stand under a clear blue sky, adding a burst of color to the scene. A wooden fence and farm structures are visible in the background.
A group of black cattle is gathered behind a concrete barrier in a farm setting. Behind them, vibrant red flowering trees stand under a clear blue sky, adding a burst of color to the scene. A wooden fence and farm structures are visible in the background.

I've never tasted beef this rich and flavorful; their olive-fed wagyu is simply outstanding!

Dorothy W.

Three longhorn cattle are in an enclosure with rocky walls and natural vegetation. One brown longhorn is lying on the ground, while another stands next to it. The third cattle, white with black spots, is walking nearby. The background features a wooden sign that reads 'LONGHORN'.
Three longhorn cattle are in an enclosure with rocky walls and natural vegetation. One brown longhorn is lying on the ground, while another stands next to it. The third cattle, white with black spots, is walking nearby. The background features a wooden sign that reads 'LONGHORN'.
★★★★★
★★★★★
Ranching

Specializing in olive-fed Wagyu cattle ranching.

Quality

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