Question: How is Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef different from other beef?

Answer: SNAKE RIVER FARMS Wagyu Beef results from a combination of a superior breed of cattle and special attention placed on care and feed management. The cattle breed that makes SNAKE RIVER FARMS beef special originates from Japan and is called Wagyu (Wa-Gu). This particular breed of cattle was developed for its flavor and tenderness. The combination of special care and feeding, along with a unique breed of cattle, make SNAKE RIVER FARMS beef the best steak that you will ever taste. This delicious beef offers positive nutritional benefits as well. Wagyu cattle are genetically predisposed to a higher percentage of unsaturated fat – more than any other breed and it is completely free of both added hormones and antibiotic residues.

Question: What quality grade is Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef?

Answer: While "Prime" is the highest USDA grade for beef, it does not clearly represent the premium quality level of SNAKE RIVER FARMS. To accurately rate our product, we must use a combination of Japanese and U.S. grading systems. The Japanese system uses several marbling scores higher than USDA Prime and incorporates more stringent regulations on lean color. Marbling is achieved when finely textured flecks of fat punctuate the lean red muscle. Exceptional marbling creates the unmatched flavor and tenderness of SNAKE RIVER FARMS American Wagyu Beef and the use of our grading standards ensure a consistently marbled product to our customers.

Question: What is special about the feeding program of Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef?

Answer: SNAKE RIVER FARMS uses a feeding program that adheres to the heritage-steeped Japanese long-feeding program. We feed our cattle four times longer than average cattle in order to develop the superior flavor and tenderness of this succulent beef. SNAKE RIVER FARMS feeds only the finest ingredients, including Idaho potatoes, soft white wheat, corn and alfalfa hay. Animal by-products are not used in our feeding program and our beef is completely free from added hormones and antibiotic residue.

Question: Why is Snake River Farms American Wagyu Beef more expensive than commodity beef?

Answer: SNAKE RIVER FARMS may be more expensive than the beef in your local market, but is only a fraction of the cost of comparable product in Japan. The expense of developing the finest quality genetics and feeding our cattle for an extended length of time results in a higher cost, but SNAKE RIVER FARMS American Wagyu is unmatched in its value for the quality of product.

Question: What is the history of Snake River Farms?

Answer: SNAKE RIVER FARMS was started by Robert Rebholtz, the founder of Agri Beef Co., a family owned cattle company located in Boise, Idaho. While traveling to Japan, Rebholtz became intrigued with the possibility of raising the world famous Kobe beef (Wagyu) cattle in the United States. SNAKE RIVER FARMS was established in the early 90's and through hard work and dedication, successfully innovated the American Wagyu Beef market both domestically and internationally. In 2003, Agri Beef Co. purchased its own beef processing plant and completed the founder's vision for total quality control in every step of beef production. The addition of the processing facility led the Rebholtz family to create AB Foods and SNAKE RIVER FARMS now proudly sits as the company's flagship brand, epitomizing the highest-quality beef available in the marketplace.

Question: When were Japanese Wagyu cattle first brought to the United States?

Answer: In 1976, four Wagyu bulls were given as a gift to a Hawaiian from the Emperor of Japan. At that time, these were the only Wagyu cattle to leave Japan. The Japanese people consider Wagyu national treasures and it was considered the smuggling of defense secrets to export these cattle. In 1993 a few Japanese farmers exported Wagyu cattle from Japan, even though their compatriots held them in great disdain. SNAKE RIVER FARMS understands the importance of the Wagyu breed's legendary origins and firmly respects the quality of these special animals.

Question: What does the name Wagyu mean?

Answer: The name Wagyu refers to all Japanese beef cattle ("Wa" meaning Japanese-style and "gyu" meaning cattle,) while Kobe indicates the area in Japan where these cattle originate.