THE WILD WAY
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year from North Carolina! As we turn the page on 2024, we are blessed to reflect on a WILD year filled with milestones, new opportunities and the invaluable support of those who believe in TheWILD Way. To each of you who has been part of our journey—whether as a partner, customer, or advocate—we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
REFLECTING ON 2024
2024 was transformative for Wilders. We made great strides on our path to elevate the US Wagyu industry, launching our StayWILDNow sales platform and advancing our Progeny Test Program. Our team of professionals led the way with their Will to Win and we are excited to see how their influence shapes the industry for years to come.
We were able to Live Compassionately and serve our community through our Farm to Need program, giving back in meaningful ways that impacted local farmers and their families.
We had an incredibly successful holiday retail season, with our beef and pork products flying off the shelves. Our commitment to being a beef company first paid off tremendously and we finished the year strong, reinforcing the demand and appreciation for premium products crafted with Disciplined Execution.
Our work and Intentional Adaptability in 2024 have laid a strong foundation for the future, rooted in our dedication to stewarding God’s creation.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025
New year, same commitment - we are more motivated than ever to work on Cultivating Culture, Crafting Wagyu. Every decision we make is driven by intentionality, whether nurturing relationships, making data-driven decisions, or building a robust fullblood Wagyu supply chain.
We started the year by taking a significant step forward, acquiring the Triangle B Ranch herd to advance our fullblood Wagyu beef supply chain and enhance the genetic progress. These foundational genetics come from a program rooted in data and proven performance, and we believe their integration into our herd will make a lasting impact.
This year will continue to be one of growth and welcoming new opportunities to make a positive impact. With that, we are excited to announce our newest program - Wilders Performance Horses!
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Our focus remains steadfast: to establish Wilders as the premier Wagyu beef and seed stock program in the United States. Every step we take is toward expanding our herd and investing in cutting-edge programs. But Wilders is about more than just cattle—we are building an experience on the farm that extends beyond livestock. From customer service and fostering intentional relationships to creating agritourism opportunities, we are dedicated to providing more than just a product. This holistic approach connects us deeply with our customers while setting a new benchmark for the agriculture industry.
STAYING CONNECTED
We’re excited to connect with many of you at CattleCon in San Antonio this February. Events like this remind us of the incredible community we’re fortunate to be part of. They’re an opportunity not just to showcase our work but also to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the ties that bind us together in the cattle community. We invite you to stay engaged with our journey in 2025 and beyond. Follow along as we share updates, celebrate milestones, and continue to cultivate our culture and craft the future of Wagyu. Your support fuels our passion, and we can’t wait to share what’s to come. Here’s to another year of staying true to our values, embracing bold ambitions, and making a difference together. Always, StayWILD.
With gratitude,
SEASONS OF SUCCESS AND GROWTH
The end of 2024 brought incredible momentum for our beef company, and we are beyond grateful for the support of our customers. The holiday season was a tremendous blessing, with more than 450 online orders fulfilled in just 60 days, numerous corporate bundle orders, and the sale of several beef and pork shares.
Our curated holiday bundles were a huge hit! Designed to offer variety and convenience, these bundles helped customers find the perfect gift for everyone on their list. They also allowed us to introduce new customers to our products while moving inventory we had in abundance—a win-win for all.
The season kept us busy with holiday markets in Raleigh and Wilmington, a beautifully decorated farm general store, and extended hours during Black Friday weekend, including a successful Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sale. Being present and available to our customers during the holidays truly paid off. At Wilders, we understand that exceptional customer service and experience are essential when offering premium products like fullblood Wagyu beef.
PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: LAGANA IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with LaGana, a fine casual burger concept in downtown Raleigh. Their staple "Textbook" burger features our fullblood Wagyu beef, highlighting the unparalleled quality of our products. Chef Luis Zouain, who worked with us during the AWA PostConference Tour meal, has been an incredible partner, and we’re grateful for his trust in our beef. Be sure to check out LaGana and taste the difference!
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025
This year, we’re excited to focus on expanding our direct-to-consumer business through ouronline store and local markets, while also exploring new wholesale opportunities to continuestrengthening the fullblood Wagyu beef supply chain. Operational excellence is our top priority,and we’ll be honing our logistics, from shipping to branding, to ensure the Wilders experience is unmatched.
As we grow, we’re also planning to launch new product lines to give our customers even more to love about Wilders Wagyu. We won’t be slowing down—2025 is all about building on our success and continuing to provide the highest quality Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork products.
READY TO EXPERIENCE WILDERS?
Discover the difference premium quality makes. Shop Wilders.com today for the finest fullblood Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork products, and taste why Wilders is your go-to for exceptional flavor and excellence.
WILDERS WAGYU LAUNCHES PERFORMANCE
HORSE PROGRAM
Introducing our newest WILD venture - Wilders Performance Horses.
Horses are an integral part of our WILD culture, complementing our Wagyu program and ranch operations. Herd management is at the core of our day-to-day, and horses enhance an efficient, low-stress environment.
Also like the Wagyu breed, successful cutting horses are created from proven genetics. Our ranch has a rich history with performance horses, being home to a first-class horse training and breeding facility, which provides a natural path to introducing this new opportunity when paired with the Coates family’s cutting horse background. This step into a new industry will allow us to use the ranch to its fullest potential, while honoring its history as home to Matthews Cutting Horses.
The Wilders team purchased 5 yearling fillies at December’s National Cutting Horse Association Futurity and yearling sales in Fort Worth, Texas. Our newest additions to the farm are progeny of industry leading sires - Metallic Cat, StevieRey Von, Metallic Rebel, Badboonarising and out of dams with extensive performance and production records. The fillies have begun the training process, and we are excited to be a part of their development. The picture to the left features one of the mares our team purchased in December to launch our performance horse program.
Ranch work provides young cutting horses a variety of benefits, including miles of daily outside riding and experience with ranch operations. This exposure lays a solid foundation for horses - whether they go on to become champion cutting horses, rope horses or finished ranch horses.
As our program matures and grows in the coming years, we hope to intentionally cultivate a group of mares with the pedigrees, earnings and broodmare potential to produce offspring on the ranch in the future. This new chapter opens many doors for our programs, and we look forward to developing it with our team in 2025 and beyond.
UPDATES FROM THE FARM
Reflecting on the end of 2024, the Wilders team made significant strides, finishing the year strong with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose. It was one of our busiest seasons, navigating a hectic holiday retail craze and focusing on selling our premium Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork.
To add the finishing touches on an exciting year, we expanded our general store hours to serve our customers six days a week, we fenced in new pastures, completed construction on two cabins, and had our best-performing calf group to date.
We’re motivated to keep building on this momentum into 2025 and beyond!
SPRING CALF PERFORMANCE
Our spring calf crop exceeded all expectations. These 120 calves were our best-performing group, averaging 30 pounds heavier per head at their 200-day weight compared to previous years. These results speak to the dedication and care of our team and our commitment to continual improvement in our breeding program.
FENCING PROJECTS
In Q4, we began fencing in 370 acres of new pasture, significantly expanding our grazing capacity. These efforts not only allow us to manage forage more efficiently but also ensure our cattle have access to the best possible environment, aligning with our long-term sustainability plans.
AGRITOURISM
A major milestone for our farm this season was the completion of two cabins on the main property. With this step, we’re dipping our toes into the world of agritourism, offering customers and guests the opportunity to stay on the farm and experience the Wilders way of life firsthand. Cheers to new ventures!
RETAIL HOUR EXPANSION
To better serve our customers during the holiday season, we’ve expanded our general store hours to six days a week. This change allows us to capture more sales while maintaining a convenient shopping experience for those looking to enjoy our premium beef and pork for all seasons.
We’re eager to continue building on our recent successes, paving the way for a strong breeding season in Q1 of 2025. With every step forward, we remain committed to delivering top-quality products and services to our customers while embracing the opportunities that each new season brings. At Wilders, there’s always something new on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
PROGENY TEST UPDATES
Dear Friends of the Wagyu Industry,
As we begin a new year, we are excited to share updates on the progress of our progeny testing program, highlighting key data, upcoming milestones, and the next steps in our journey to refine and strengthen Wagyu genetics.
PT1 UPDATE:
All of our PT1 calves were born in the fall of 2024, and the first set of data has already revealed encouraging trends. The birth weights of the calves align with expectations based on their sires' EBVs for birth weight. For example, calves sired by SUMO MONJIRO Q51, which had the highest EBV for birth weight among the group, were indeed the heaviest at birth. This consistency between EBVs and actual outcomes reinforces our confidence in the predictive power of Breedplan and highlights the strength of our genetic strategies. To illustrate this, we’ve included a graph showing the average birth weights by sire.
Currently, the PT1 calves are growing well. They have access to creep feed and are demonstrating strong growth potential. In June 2025, we will record their 200-day weights, an important metric that will further inform our evaluation of genetic performance. Additionally, the cow-calf pairs will enter their next breeding cycle in January 2025, kicking off PT3. This continuity allows us to build on our findings and set the stage for the next generation of high-performing Wagyu cattle.
PT2 UPDATE:
As we look forward to spring, our team is eagerly anticipating the arrival of 61 PT2 calves, due in March 2025. These pregnancies were carefully planned to align with our broader program goals, and we’re excited to observe how this group develops in comparison to PT1. Spring calving is ahead, and we can’t wait to share initial data and observations from this group in our next update, anticipated in Q2 of this year.
PT3 PLANNING:
Preparations for PT3 are well underway, with breeding set to begin in January 2025. Similar to prior rounds, we will continue using fullblood Wagyu cows and adhere to the same program structure that has guided our previous efforts. PT3 calves are expected in the fall of 2025, and we are optimistic about the potential for this group to further enhance the quality and performance benchmarks established by PT1 and PT2.
We remain deeply committed to advancing the advancement of Wagyu breeding and genetics, embracing every challenge and opportunity as a step toward a more prosperous future for the Wagyu industry. The journey requires patience, persistence, and the ability to adapt to the insights we uncover along the way.
Thank you for your continued interest in our program and for joining us as we work to elevate the standard for Wagyu genetics in the United States. We look forward to sharing more findings and progress in the months ahead.
Until next time, StayWILD,
Jake Newbold
Director of Agriculture
WILDERS WAGYU ACQUIRES LEGENDARY TRIANGLE B RANCH HERD
Wilders Wagyu is thrilled to announce the complete acquisition of the renowned Triangle B Ranch (TBR) herd. This monumental transaction solidifies Wilders Wagyu’s position as one of the largest Fullblood Wagyu producers in the United States and marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to produce the best Wagyu beef and genetics in the industry.
Triangle B Ranch has been a cornerstone of the Wagyu industry for over 22 years, producing high-functioning cattle with exceptional foundational genetics.
Don Brown Shares His Confidence in Wilders: Don Brown, Owner of Triangle B Ranch, expressed his enthusiasm for the transition: “I’ve been following Wilders’ growth in our industry for some time. I could not think of a better program to carry on our legacy than them. I am excited to see what they do with it. They are the future of our industry. Their passion, knowledge, and strong team is something rare. The sky is the limit for what they can accomplish.”
This acquisition not only allows Wilders Wagyu to build on TBR’s achievements and continue shaping the future of the Wagyu industry, but it also serves as a pivotal step toward establishing a comprehensive Fullblood Wagyu supply chain, reinforcing the company’s standing as a "beef company first."
Founder Reid Smith Reflects on the Acquisition: “Don Brown is a legend inour industry. We have learned so much from him over the years, and even theopportunity to do this deal with him is a huge blessing,” said Reid Smith,Founder and Owner of Wilders Wagyu. “With this acquisition, we feel thepotential is endless. Adding this herd to what we have been building will trulybe special, and we are excited to produce the best genetics and beef in theWagyu industry.”
Carrying Forward a Legacy: For Wilders Wagyu’s Director of Agriculture, JakeNewbold, this acquisition is deeply personal: “Don has been such a mentor tome. Working with him on this deal has been an honor. I cannot wait to continuehis legacy and build on what he created at Triangle B.”
Andrew Coates, Herd Manager at Wilders Wagyu, emphasized the geneticvalue of the herd: “The genetics in the Triangle B herd are some of the mostproven in the U.S. This acquisition strengthens the genetic diversity of our herdand allows us to produce the best beef possible from the most functional cowsavailable.”
“The addition of the Triangle B herd not only brings foundational genetics toWilders but also accelerates our ability to build out a Fullblood Wagyu beefsupply chain at scale,” added Newbold.
“This acquisition helps us make up ground quickly and reinforces ourleadership in this growing market.”
This acquisition includes some of the few original, direct Takeda-bred cows leftin the U.S.—a rarity in the Wagyu industry. Wilders Wagyu is honored topreserve and protect these foundational genetics.
I have worked my life to advance and steward the original Takeda genetics inmy herd,” said Don Brown. “Working with Wilders, I am confident they will takethese original Takeda-bred cows and steward them in a bright way to advanceour industry.”
Highlighting Proven Excellence: TBR’s legacy and its impact on Wagyugenetics have set the bar for producers across the nation. The program hasbeen responsible for record-setting sales, including:
TBR HIKOKURA 035 3025Z, sold for $200,000 with ½ interest to Dr. CurtisSmith, Tulsa OK (2022).
TBR HIKOKURA 035 7702K, sold for $400,000 to Eden Valley Wagyu,Eden Valley, MN (2023).
TBR SHOGUN 7704K, sold for $325,000 to Flying A Wagyu, La Salle, CO(2023).
Along with the herd acquisition, Wilders Wagyu becomes a partner in two influential bulls, SHOGUN and SHOGUN 2, alongside Dean Ackerman of Flying A Wagyu. These bulls are foundational to the Wagyu industry, and their genetics represent a unique opportunity to enhance and promote Wilders’ breeding program. “I am excited to use, prove out, and help market these exceptional genetics,” said Jake Newbold.
Looking Ahead: With this complete acquisition, Wilders Wagyu is poised to expand its impact in the Wagyu industry by combining the unparalleled genetics and expertise of Triangle B Ranch with Wilders’ innovative breeding and production strategies.
"This acquisition isn’t just a milestone for Wilders Wagyu—it’s a pivotal moment for the entire Wagyu industry," said Brown. "I believe this acquisition strengthens what Wilders has built and firmly establishes them as the Leader in our Wagyu industry.
This strategic move sets the stage for long-term industry leadership forWilders Wagyu while reflecting its commitment to producing the bestpremium Fullblood Wagyu genetics and beef.
For more information about Wilders Wagyu and this exciting acquisition, please visit wilderswagyu.com or contact marketing@wilders.com.
WILD TO our CORE
For those unfamiliar with the foundation of Wilders, our namesake is literally made of our core values. Like all the companies in our StayWILD family of brands, Wilders is built upon the shared principles of WILD, an acronym that reflects who we are and what we strive to achieve.
Each of these values is supported by four defining principles, giving us 16 values in total. These aren’t just words on a wall – they’re the heart of how we live and do business every day. Unlike traditional performance metrics focused solely on numbers, our evaluations prioritize alignment with these values, ensuring every individual is helping to drive our mission forward.
Let’s dive deeper into the first and most significant value: Will to Win.
THE W: COMPETE IS A CORE VALUE
The Will to Win is more than just a mindset. It’s the grit, drive, and passion that propel us to achieve success – to compete.
Competing isn’t just about celebrating the thrill of victory; it’s about harnessing the fear of failure. At Wilders, we’re made of grit, determination, and tenacity. It’s also more than natural talent – it’s about using every resource, every skill, and every ounce of effort to ensure success.
WHAT DOES “COMPETE” MEAN TO US?
Scrappy: Winning isn’t just about gifts; it’s about resourcefulness and doing somethingmeaningful with what we have. For example, when faced with tight deadlines, our teamsdig deep, innovate, and find new ways to deliver exceptional results. No is not an option!
Team Wins: Success as an individual translates into victories for the team, department, and company as a whole. Whether it’s a project completed ahead of schedule or a campaign exceeding expectations, individual effort fuels collective success.
Leverage Losses: We acknowledge losses, learn from them, and use them as steppingstones for future growth. For instance, when a project falls short, we analyze what wentwrong, adapt, and come back stronger.
Knowing What’s at Stake: We understand the cost of every effort. This mindset drives us to go above and beyond, pushing us to meet client expectations and honor our commitments.
The Will to Win is a value that’s hard to teach. It’s innate, a part of who you are. That’s why our team is filled with individuals who embody this drive – high-W employees who push themselves and each other to see every job through.
This core value is the foundation of our success at Wilders, and it’s what sets us apart. It’s not just about having the desire to win, it’s about having the will to do whatever it takes to get there.
