THE WILD WAY
Dear Friends,
Quarter 3 has been busy with hurricanes, football, prep for the 2024 American Wagyu Association Conference and making time to manage our Wagyu cows! We are beyond grateful for the ability to continue building excitement with our partners and communities. Moreover, our passion for growing our WILD brand and the Wagyu industry is stronger than ever.
In case you missed it, we made a huge announcement last month. We are thrilled to have Andrew and Nicole Coates join our team. We are excited about the talents they bring to our Wagyu operation and we are optimistic for how they can help take our WILD mission to the next level. More importantly, we are growing our circle of great friends to do life on the farm with. Check out page 6 for more updates on our farm team.
As we approach the end of the year, a time when the warmth of giving fills the air, we are reminded of the countless blessings that grace our lives each day—family, friends, and the freedom to work and care for the land that God has so graciously provided. With hearts full of gratitude, our team is deeply committed to our partnership with OneCompassion, our faith-based 501c3 Foundation, and the two vital ministries that are making a profound impact: Holiday Ministry and Farm to Need Ministry.
In 2014, we founded OneCompassion alongside the launch of our Real Estate and Construction company, RiverWILD. Within a year of starting OneCompassion, we created our Holiday Ministry. As we prepared for the Christmas season with our older two kids, we found ourselves pushing aside their perfectly good toys to give them brand-new ones. In that moment, we recognized how blessed we were and how many families in our community struggled to provide their families with even the bare necessities, let alone new toys for their children. From this realization, our Holiday Ministry was born, quickly becoming one of the most important projects we would ever undertake. It was essential to us that no matter where our WILD journey took us, we remained steadfast in our mission to glorify God by impacting and developing people to build up our local community.
Our Holiday Ministry brings hope and joy to families in need during the Christmas season. Through this ministry, we provide Christmas bundles filled with necessities, toys, and little joys that can make the holiday season truly magical. But beyond the physical gifts, we include StoryBook Bibles, coloring books with scripture, and other faith-based items, believing that there is no limit to what God can do with the seeds we are planting in the hearts of children and families in our community. Since our inception, OneCompassion has served over 500 families, each one a testament to the power of love, faith, and community. To see the heart of our Holiday Ministry in action, please click here to watch the video.
Our Farm to Need Ministry is our newest initiative and it holds a special place in our hearts. This ministry allows us to bridge the gap between local farmers and those facing food insecurity in our community. By using donations to purchase excess and unsold products from our local farmers, we are able to provide nutrient-dense, sustainable food to local food pantries. It’s a beautiful cycle of support that sustains both our farmers and those who need it most. When you shop at Wilders and choose to donate, 100% of your contribution goes directly toward this cause— supporting our local farmers and feeding our neighbors in need.
We invite you to visit wilders.com and consider making a purchase that not only nourishes your family but also supports our Farm to Need Ministry. To see the impact firsthand, click here to watch a video that brings this ministry to life.
This holiday season, we encourage you to reflect on the blessings in your life and find ways to pay it forward. Whether through OneCompassion or by getting involved in your local community, we ask you to give beyond just writing a check. Take another step by giving of your time, by being the hands and feet of Christ—no matter how big or small.
If you’d like to learn more about our work with OneCompassion or how you can join us on this WILD OC journey, please visit onecompassion.com today. Together, we can bring hope, love, and sustenance to those who need it most.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
See y'all in Virginia at the American Wagyu Association Conference – and until then...StayWILD.
SUMMER UPDATE: MARKETS, CONFERENCES, AND OVERCOMING THE HEAT
This summer has been one for the books, with our team busier than ever bringing our 100% Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork to farmers markets across North Carolina. From bustling city centers to charming small towns, the response from our community has been nothing short of incredible. Each market visit is a reminder of why we do what we do, as we meet customers who are as passionate about quality meat as we are.
The end of July took us to Boone, NC, where we attended the Carolina Meat Conference at Appalachian State University. This event brought together meat producers from across the Southeast, and we had the opportunity to dive into discussions on everything from innovative processing techniques to sustainable farming practices. One session that particularly stood out was led by Dr. Temple Grandin, whose insights into humane livestock handling have inspired us to evaluate and refine our own practices.
The conference wasn’t just about learning—it was about connection. We exchanged ideas with fellow producers, explored potential collaborations, and returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. We’re excited to implement some of the strategies we learned and to continue our commitment to producing high quality beef and pork products.
Shipping our frozen meat nationwide has always been a cornerstone of our business, but this summer presented unique challenges. As temperatures soared and storms brewed, we faced the difficult task of ensuring that our products arrived at customers’ doors in perfect condition. Despite our best efforts with a combination of dry ice and gel packs, some customers experienced thawed packages— a situation we knew we had to address quickly.
Behind the scenes, our logistics team worked tirelessly to pivot our strategy. We increased our reliance on dry ice, sourcing it in bulk every Monday from a local supplier to ensure that every order was packed with the best insulation possible. We also adjusted our shipping schedule to limit the chances of packages sitting in transit over the weekend, further safeguarding the quality of our meat.
Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re grateful for the understanding and support we’ve received as we navigated these challenges. We’re constantly learning and adapting, and as the weather cools, we’ll reassess our use of gel packs to balance cost and quality effectively.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to share that we’ll be launching a corporate gifting program this fall, just in time for the holiday season. Stay tuned for more details on these holiday offerings, which we believe will make the perfect addition to your festive gatherings.
We’re also gearing up for several events, including the NC State Fair in October, and some exciting collaborations that we can’t wait to announce.
As always, none of this would be possible without our dedicated team. This summer, we’d like to shine a spotlight on one of our logistics interns, Josh, who recently accepted a full time position with us. Josh’s Will to Win and Disciplined Execution shine brightly in his work ethic and operational procedures. We are grateful to have him on our WILD team!
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to the rest of summer, the changing seasons, and all the delicious meals yet to come.
WILD PROGENY TEST 2024-2 (PT2 RECAP)
Dear friends of the Wagyu industry,
We are pleased to provide an update on our PT2 progeny test results and outline the next steps in our journey. In May, we initiated PT2 by artificially inseminating 119 fullblood Wagyu cows, with the resulting calves expected in March 2025. After 87 days, our herd veterinarian conducted a pregnancy check via ultrasound, confirming 61 AI pregnancies.
While this conception rate is below our expectations, it remains within the typical range for an AI event of this magnitude. However, Wilders is committed to exceeding the "normal range," and we will continue striving for improved results. Fortunately, this breeding round provided valuable learning opportunities.
The pregnancy check results revealed several key insights that will enhance our future efforts. First, in Eastern NC our springs and summers are hot and humid. This past spring was exceptionally hot. The heat wave we endured at breeding time certainly added a level of environmental stress that negatively impacted our conception rate.
Second, we also had one of the driest April, May, and June in history. We have predominantly sandy soils that dry out quickly. Our coastal Bermuda and crabgrass struggled immensely, and did not begin growing till it started to rain in the month of July. I am confident our forage quality was not as high as we would typically experience throughout those months. Although best management practices were utilized, unfortunately environmental conditions are out of our control.
Of the 58 cows that did not conceive through AI, most were successfully bred by our clean-up bulls. However, any cows that remained open after both AI and bull breeding have been culled from our breeding program.
Although the AI results were not as successful as we had hoped, we are immensely proud of our team. They sacrificed their Memorial Day weekend to breed our cows, adhering to the high standards set by our core values. This dedication is especially commendable given that, at the same time, they were synchronizing 220 recipients for our ET program. Our team truly is our greatest asset.
We often remind ourselves that building something extraordinary takes time. While it can be frustrating when we don't achieve our desired results, we must seize these opportunities to learn and improve. Our WILD core values guide us through these challenges, clearly defining our purpose, methods, and goals on this journey. We are grateful for the opportunity to openly share our experiences with our colleagues in the industry, as we work together toward a prosperous future for Wagyu in the U.S.
Until next time, StayWILD,
Jake Newbold, Director of Agriculture
PT2 SIRES CONCEPTION RATES
PT2 PROJECT TIMELINE
UPDATES FROM THE FARM
As we close out the summer months, we prepare for fall calving and our biggest beef sale season—our Wilders team couldn’t be more energized. A significant part of this drive comes from the impressive strides we’ve observed in our breeding herd, calf crops, genetic projects, and customer service efforts. Witnessing the success milestones our customers are achieving through our ET and donor services further fuels our motivation.
BREEDING HERD AND CALF PERFORMANCE
This summer, we weaned 117 of our fall fullblood Wagyu calves, averaging 200 days old, marking the best-performing group in our program’s history. Our spring group, consisting of 120 fullblood Wagyu calves, shows even greater promise, and we’re eagerly awaiting the data to confirm what we suspect—that these calves will set a new benchmark for our operation. We look forward to sharing those results with you in our Q4 update.
GENETIC PROJECTS
Our commitment to genetic advancement is unwavering, and with each breeding season, we’re refining the quality of our cattle. This fall, we’re particularly excited about the arrival of our first progeny from BDWFQ0291 MACQUARIE WAGYU Q0291 (AI). Q0291, Macquarie’s leading G113 son, left a lasting impression on Reid during his visit to Australia. The size and phenotype of both G113 and Q0291 offspring were exceptional, and we firmly believe Q0291 is poised to become a supersire in the Wagyu breed. The anticipation surrounding his progeny is building, and we can’t wait to see how they perform.
We’re also thrilled to introduce calves from HPEF22T0190 HP WAGYU TRIUMPH T0190 (ET) this fall. Triumph is a full brother to our two donor twins, acquired from Wagyu Sekai in July 2023. We’ve leveraged their genetics through our ET program, and our expectations are high for their offspring. Triumph’s dam line, Mayura L0032—owned by HP Wagyu—traces back to exceptional maternal genetics, with two generations of marbling bred back in. Combined with the impeccable qualities of N100 as the sire, Triumph’s pedigree promises outstanding progeny.
Additionally, this fall will see the debut of WFSF22T032 WILD ITOSHIGENAMI 32K (AI) progeny—our first retained herd sire. With an impressive 3.9 MS and +4 MILK EBVS, 32K represents the future of our program, and we’re eager to see these progeny progress through our production model. The potential they hold for elevating our herd’s performance is truly exciting.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Our embryo transfer services have become a cornerstone for our customers, accelerating their genetic progress and enhancing their herds. The WILD Way offers a unique opportunity—our customers can place their Wilders-purchased embryos in quality beef cows without the need to own a recipient cow. This service, backed by our live calf guarantee, ensures that their investment is secure, resulting in weaned calves at 6-8 months of age. With a few hundred customer slots available to be filled for the next 12 months, now is the time to act if you believe your operation could benefit. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us and explore how our custom recipient program can help you achieve your breeding goals.
As we look ahead, we’re filled with optimism and excitement for the future of the Wagyu industry. Our operation is bustling with activity, and we anticipate a successful fall and winter season, highlighted by strong beef sales, the weaning of our spring calves, and continued customer support. Around our farm, there’s never a dull moment, and we’re more motivated than ever to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
IT’S NOT JUST WHAT WE DO BUT
WHO WE DO IT WITH - OUR TEAM
At Wilders, we believe that it's not just about what we do, but who we do it with. Our team is the backbone of our success, and every member plays a pivotal role in driving our mission forward. We take pride in cultivating a culture where passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to our WILD values—Will to Win, Intentional Adaptability, Live Compassionately, and Disciplined Execution—are at the forefront of everything we do. It’s this collective spirit that fuels our journey, and we’re thrilled to welcome two new members who embody these principles and love what they do just as much as we do.
We are excited to welcome Andrew and Nicole Coates to the Wilders team, where they will lead our Cattle & Performance Horse programs. With a wealth of experience in the industry, particularly in developing and managing Wagyu herds, Andrew and Nicole bring a level of expertise that will be instrumental in enhancing our operations.
Having come to us from the West, Andrew and Nicole share our deep respect for the land and animals, and we are thrilled to have them help guide our Wagyu and Performance Horse divisions to new heights. Jake Newbold, our Director of Agriculture, expressed his excitement about the Coates’ joining us, noting that their impact will be transformative. "They will be critical in our mission to continue producing the highest quality 100% fullblood Wagyu beef, and we look forward to learning from them and growing alongside them," he said.
At Wilders, our culture is the cornerstone of our success, and it’s the people behind the scenes who make it all possible. We are eager to embark on this WILD journey with Andrew and Nicole and to see what the future holds for our team.
In addition to this exciting news, we are also pleased to announce a new feature on our website: team member bios. You can now visit our Team page to get to know the incredible individuals who make Wilders the unique and thriving business it is today. This new section of our website allows you to learn more about our team's background, experience, and the passion they bring to their roles every day. We invite you to explore these bios and discover the people who are at the heart of our mission to cultivate culture and craft exceptional Wagyu.
UPCOMING EVENTS
STAYWILDNOW.COM ONLINE GENETICS SALE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
STAYWILDNOW.COM
Get ready for our second StayWILDNow online frozen Wagyu genetics sale happening on Sunday, November 17th, 2024! This is your chance to secure premium frozen Wagyu genetics from some of the most exceptional bloodlines in the industry. Whether you're looking to enhance your herd with proven, high-quality genetics or are new to Wagyu breeding, this sale offers a unique opportunity to invest in the future of your cattle program. Don’t miss out on this exclusive event—prepare to elevate your herd with the best in Wagyu genetics.
2025 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN'S BEEF ASSOCIATION
FEBRUARY 4-6, 2025
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Join us at the 2025 NCBA Convention, taking place in San Antonio! Organized by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, this event features educational seminars, keynote presentations, and extensive networking opportunities. Explore the latest in cattle genetics, nutrition, and farm management through interactive exhibits and workshops. Be sure to stop by the Wilders Wagyu booth to learn more about our premium Wagyu genetics and how they can elevate your herd. Visit www.convention.ncba.org for more details and registration.
STAYWILD’25 PRODUCTION SALE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2025
WILDERS FARM, TURKEY, NORTH CAROLINA
Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as we proudly present our second-ever StayWILD'25 Wilders Wagyu production sale, held right on our farm in Turkey, NC. This exclusive event will feature a premium selection of bulls, heifers, embryos, and semen from our top-tier Wagyu genetics. Whether you’re looking to enhance your breeding program or invest in high-quality Wagyu cattle, this sale offers a unique opportunity to secure the best of the best. Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your herd—join us at StayWILD'25 for an unforgettable day.
Through Vytelle’s integrated technology platform, generations of genetic gains can be made in just a few years. This allows producers to sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, helping to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations.
Check out upcoming opportunities for In Vitro Fertilization collection at Wilders Wagyu. To register or inquire about a date, please contact our Director of Agriculture, Jake Newbold.
Jake Newbold - Director of Agriculture
Phone: 919.316.0643
Email: jake@staywild.com
