Zach Miller grew up on his grandfather’s farm in Charlottesville, Virginia when it was still a “gentleman’s farm” for racehorses. But Zach and his parents wanted to take the family legacy in a new direction. Zach wanted to see the farm—his childhood home—preserved as a profitable model of an alternative to industrial agriculture. That meant great-tasting steaks, healthy grasses, and a land stewardship that could continue long into the future.

For more than 40 years, the Bruce family has raised grass-finished beef on a long stretch of peninsula in Northwest Tasmania. John and Angela Bruce, along with their veterinarian daughter Dr. Emma, son Lain, and his wife Jane, are firmly committed to land welfare and sustainability that produces all-natural and deliciously rich beef.

Nestled within the 1826 Royal Charter land grant to the Van Diemans Land Company, Western Plains has a longstanding history of fresh pastures and clean sea air. Known for the Circular Head or “Nut,” this peninsula preserves perennial grasses including ryegrass, fescue, and clovers.

It was 30 years ago when Gary and Beverly Yamamoto saw a dream come to life. After years of visiting and developing a strong bond with Shogo Takeda, a longtime Wagyu legend in Japan, the American Takeda cattle herd, in its entirety, became the Yamamoto’s very own. With a ranch in Texas, the Yamamotos could now care for these beloved Wagyu in the rolling hills of Palestine. The Yamamotos also sell their herd’s prized genetics to other Wagyu ranchers across the country.

Fifth-generation Texan Weldon Mahan and his wife Jennifer are the heart and soul of Mahan Wagyu in Silverton, Texas, near the Palo Duro Canyon. A member of The Texas Wagyu Association and American Wagyu Association (AWA) where he’s served as President-CEO and Chairman, Weldon Mahan comes from a long line of ranchers, beginning with Moses Mahan in the 1800s.