Our Story

Our journey with Suwannee River Wagyu unfolds in the serene landscape of Old Town, Florida. For us, this venture isn't just a business; it's a testament to our family's heritage, our deep commitment to raising the finest American Wagyu beef, and a profound connection to the history of this land.


Our story is woven into the very fabric of this property. The Seminole Indians were here over 200 years ago, walking the same land that we now call home. In fact, it's where Chief Billy Bowlegs and Chief Cowkeeper spent their years. The Seminole Indian tribe was running cattle here long before us, and that history is something we carry with us every day and intend to honor.


Nestled in the serene heart of the Suwannee River Valley, our farm benefits from an environment that's truly unique, where the echoes of the past blend with the tranquil charm of the present. The lush landscape and fertile grounds have contributed to the exceptional quality of our American Wagyu beef.


Our cattle live a life of contentment, much like the cattle the Seminole Indians tended to all those years ago. They graze freely on the land, enjoying a stress-free existence and a diet that ensures the remarkable marbling and flavor that defines Suwannee River Wagyu. This commitment to ethical farming practices ensures a diet free from GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics, allowing for remarkable marbling and flavor that defines Suwannee River Wagyu.


But our commitment doesn't stop at exceptional beef. Sustainability and ethical farming practices are at the core of what we do. We are passionate about responsible land stewardship, ensuring that our farm remains a sustainable resource for the community and future generations, much like it was for the Seminole Indians.


Our journey is fueled by our love for what we do. Raising Wagyu isn't just a business endeavor; it's a labor of love. From the meticulous breeding of our cattle to the precise care we provide, Suwannee River Wagyu is a true passion project.


We invite you to join us on a culinary adventure that celebrates excellence and history. Whether you're an experienced chef or a devoted food enthusiast, our Wagyu beef opens up a world of flavors and possibilities. Every cut, every bite, is a reflection of our heritage and the legacy we've built in Old Town, Florida.


With open hearts and a shared love for exceptional beef, we welcome you to explore the world of Suwannee River Wagyu, a journey that encompasses not only the flavors of today but also the rich history of the past. Come savor the excellence that can only be found here, in the Suwannee River Valley, where the echoes of Bowlegs and the Seminole Indians still resonate.

Sydney Valentine & Dale Herring

Culinary Excellence

We blend generations of heritage with a commitment to top-quality beef.

Crafting Culinary Dreams

Elevate your dining experience with our premium American Wagyu beef, meticulously raised for the most discerning palates.

Rooted in Heritage

We embrace the legacy of the land while leading the way in sustainable farming for generations to come.

Responsibly Raised

Suwannee River Wagyu ensures a diet free from GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics.

The Suwannee River Wagyu Difference

The unique fats in Wagyu beef contribute to a harmonious symphony of well-being.


Renowned for its exceptional marbling, Wagyu beef contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, offering a nutritional profile distinct from conventional beef.


These fats are known to elevate good cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health.


Additionally, Wagyu beef is a source of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, enhancing the overall nutritional value.


Suwannee River Wagyu ensures a commitment to ethical farming practices, providing a diet free from GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics, allowing you to savor not only exquisite flavors but also a health-conscious culinary experience.

Common Questions

See some common questions and answers below, or call us at 352-356-1099

  • Why is the deposit non-refundable?

    The deposit is non-refundable. Remember, when your animal is reserved, we make an appointment with our USDA processor, deliver the reserved animal for processing and return it to the processor to pick up your beef. We then store your beef in our freezers as we prepare to deliver it to your door. We only have so many animals to offer our valued customers, so we need to ensure all our steers reach one of our valued customers in a timely fashion. Customers do not buy their beef at the same time, so we only process an animal when a 

    request is made to buy our beef. 

  • What does the price include?

    The price includes the product, processing, packing, and shipping fees.

  • What breed of cattle do you raise?

    We raise American Wagyu.

  • Is your beef grass fed or grass finished?

    We are grass fed and grain-finished.

  • What finishing methods do you use?

    We feed a high-quality Purina finisher. It is high in protein and minerals. High-quality peanut hay is also used. 

  • Do you use any antibiotics on your cattle?

    NEVER!

  • Do you use cattle growth hormones?

    NEVER!

  • How is my meat packaged?

    Most farms offer paper-wrapped, shrink-wrapped, or vacuum-sealed Packaging. We only offer vacuum sealed because it keeps your Beef fresh longer in your freezer. Your meat will arrive hard frozen.


    The processor puts all of your frozen cuts into boxes with your name on them that are easy to handle. All of our beef is vacuum-sealed for the freshest flavor! These packages can last up to 18 months in a freezer. We've eaten beef that's been frozen longer than 18 months and it's still been good.

  • What freezer space will I need?

    You want to make sure you have the freezer space to hold your beef. 


    1/4 Beef Share: requires approx. 3.5 - 4.0 cubic ft. of freezer space. This will fit in a small chest/upright freezer. 


    1/2 Beef Share: requires a deep freezer approx. 8-10 cubic ft of freezer space.


    1/8 Beef Share: requires approx. 1.5 - 2 cubic ft. of freezer space. 

  • When and where will I pick up my meats?

    When you place your order, you will have the option to choose if you would rather have it picked up or shipped.


    We will send you a confirmation email when we receive your order in which we will give you a specific date and location for pickup or shipping. 


    We will send out a reminder/ confirmation email the week of your delivery or pickup. This email will also include the remaining balance for your beef. We ask that you please respond to the email so that we know to load your beef onto the truck.

  • What if I miss my scheduled pickup day?

    If you can get a friend to pick up your beef, that would be best. Otherwise we can store your beef at the ranch in Old Town (for a $30 restocking fee) and either deliver it to you on our next delivery day. or have you pickup at the ranch.

  • Where do you ship?

    We are a Florida grown ranch so to ensure the freshest quality beef, we ship to Florida and surrounding states. 

  • Is this beef raised locally?

    Yes! Our cattle are raised on our Old Town, FL ranch on open pastures with rotational grazing.

  • Can I visit the ranch?

    Of course! We encourage folks to visit and bring their children. We have a winery on site and we take great pride in the Christmas Festival we throw each year! 

  • What sort of ranching practices do you use?

    Our breeding season is November 15th - February 15th. Calving season is August 15th - November 15th. 

  • What type of grazing practices do you use?

    We supplement our cows with high-protein liquid feeds out on the pastures as they graze. We employ rotational grazing so as to not stress pastures or cattle. In the winter months, we grow rye and oats for feed.

  • Are the cattle treated humanely?

    Absolutely. Our animals are out on spacious, clean, organic, fresh pastures their entire lives. They have space to roam as they please. They remain under our care their entire extended lives, spending their lives with their families, eating a diet of fresh greens, exercising at will, getting plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and living a low-stress and natural life. 

  • Is your beef processed at a local USDA processing facility?

    Yes! We have an awesome USDA Inspected processor

  • Can you split up our beef into groups if we are sharing with another family?

    We do not open boxes from our butcher. Every cut is individually wrapped and clearly. labeled, making it very easy for you and your friends to separate evenly when you get home to your own kitchen.

  • When do I get my beef?

    Order fulfillment depends on the butcher date or if we have your specific order in stock. You will receive an email or phone call with your shipping info after your order.

  • Do I get to customize my own cut sheet?

    We have a custom cut sheet that we've been using for years, let us take the burden of 50 decisions off your shoulders with our custom cut sheet. 

  • Can you ship a whole beef?

    Yes, we can ship a whole beef! It will arrive in multiple boxes that weigh around 70 lbs each. 


    Depending on the temperatures, we will use dry ice or large ice packs (and possibly both) when shipping your beef. We work with a company called Periship who specializes in shipping perishable items across the country. 

  • Can I track my order?

    Yes. We keep you updated while your box is in transit to your home. You will also get a last-minute notice when it's about to arrive. 

     

  • What if I'm not home when my box arrives?

    No signature is required for delivery. Your box will always be packed with extra dry ice in case you can't unbox it right away.

  • How do you ship your beef frozen?

    We ship with an insulated box liner and cold packs to keep your beef frozen. We guarantee your order to arrive fully frozen, no matter where you live, or your money back. Even if your order ships in 100-degree weather, it will still arrive solid-frozen.

  • How many pounds of meat can we expect?

    1/8 Beef Share is approximately 65 LBS.


    1/4 Beef Share is approximately 125 LBS. 


    1/2 Beef Share is approximately 250 LBS.