Why We Raise Local Grass-Fed Wagyu Beef on Our Small Family Farm

From Lisa & Glen at Oostema Wagyu

Here on our small family farm at Oostema Wagyu, our days start and end out on the pasture, checking on the cattle, walking the fields, and caring for the land that sustains us. We’re a husband-and-wife team: Glen is out there as the farmer, and (me) Lisa keeps everything (and everyone) connected.

Over the years, we’ve learned one simple truth: when you raise animals the right way, you can taste the difference in every bite.

That’s why we’re dedicated to raising local grass-fed Wagyu beef. It’s more than just premium meat to us, it’s the story of our farm, our family, and the care that goes into every animal.

In this post, we’d love to share what makes Oostema Wagyu special, why we chose a grass-fed program for our Wagyu cattle, and what it means when you bring our local Wagyu to your table.

What Wagyu Means to Us at Oostema Wagyu

“Wagyu” means “Japanese cow,” but here on our farm it means commitment, patience, and quality.

Wagyu cattle are known for:

• Beautiful marbling – fine streaks of intramuscular fat
• Exceptional tenderness – a naturally soft, delicate texture
• Rich, buttery flavor – a depth of taste you don’t get from ordinary beef

At Oostema Wagyu, we combine this remarkable Wagyu genetics with a grass-fed, pasture-based approach. We’re not focused on industrial-scale production. Our goal as a small family farm is simple: raise healthy animals and produce local Wagyu beef that we’re proud to put our name on and serve to our own family.

Why We Chose Grass-Fed for Our Wagyu Cattle

Many Wagyu operations rely on grain finishing in feedlots to push marbling as far as possible. We chose a different path and committed to grass-fed Wagyu raised on pasture.

A Natural Life on Pasture

We believe cattle belong on grass.

• Our Wagyu cattle graze on open pasture, not in crowded feedlots
• They move freely, express natural herd behaviors, and live in a low-stress environment
• Their diet is centered around forage and pasture, not heavy grain rations

When Glen looks out across the fields and sees our Wagyu calmly grazing, we know they’re living the way cattle were meant to live—and that shows up in the quality of our grass-fed Wagyu beef.

The Unique Flavor of Grass-Fed Wagyu Beef

Grass-fed Wagyu has a distinctive flavor profile. With Oostema Wagyu, you still enjoy the legendary Wagyu tenderness and marbling, but the taste is:

• Rich and clean, without being overly heavy
• Beefy and complex, with subtle notes that reflect our pasture and soil
• Deeply satisfying, so a smaller portion often feels just right

To us, every bite of our local grass-fed Wagyu tells the story of our small family farm our grass, our seasons, and the way we care for our cattle.

A More Balanced Way to Enjoy Premium Beef

While every farm is different, grass-fed beef is often known for:

• A more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid profile
• Naturally higher levels of certain nutrients like CLA and vitamins
• A leaner, yet still tender and flavorful eating experience—especially with Wagyu’s unique fat

We love that the Wagyu beef we raise is not only incredibly delicious, but also fits into a more balanced, thoughtful way of eating.

Why Buying Local Wagyu from Our Family Farm Matters

When you choose Oostema Wagyu, you’re not just buying a steak—you’re connecting directly with a small family farm and the farmer who raised your local grass-fed Wagyu beef.

Traceable, Transparent Local Wagyu

We want you to know exactly where your beef comes from.

You can ask us:

• How our Wagyu cattle are raised
• What they eat throughout the year
• How we handle pasture rotation, animal health, and processing

At Oostema Wagyu, we believe in full transparency. We’re proud of how we raise our animals, and we’re always happy to share the story behind your local Wagyu—from our pasture to your plate.

Supporting a Small, Sustainable Family Farm

When you purchase local grass-fed Wagyu from our farm:

• You support a small, family-run Wagyu farm, not a distant corporation
• You help us continue to care for our soil, improve our pastures, and steward our land
• You keep your food dollars in the community, strengthening local agriculture and rural life

It’s truly a partnership: we raise the cattle with care, and you give that work meaning by choosing Oostema Wagyu for your family.

How We Recommend Cooking Oostema Grass-Fed Wagyu

We want you to enjoy every cut of Oostema Wagyu beef at its best. Here’s how we cook our grass-fed Wagyu at home.

Aim for Medium-Rare to Medium

Because of the fine marbling and delicate fat in Wagyu:

• We recommend cooking steaks to medium-rare or medium
• Start with a hot sear on the grill or in a cast-iron pan, then finish more gently
• Let the meat rest for several minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute

If you’re unsure, it’s better to undercook slightly than overcook Wagyu can always go back on the heat for a moment, but you can’t undo overcooking.

Keep the Seasoning Simple

Our local Wagyu beef has plenty of flavor all on its own.

• We usually keep it to sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Sometimes we’ll add a small knob of butter, a clove of garlic, or a sprig of rosemary

You don’t need heavy sauces or complicated marinades. We encourage you to let the taste of Oostema grass-fed Wagyu really shine.

Smaller Portions, Big Satisfaction

Wagyu is rich and deeply satisfying, so you often don’t need a huge steak.

• A smaller steak per person is usually enough
• Thinly sliced Wagyu works beautifully in bowls, stir-fries, tacos, or shared platters

Our hope is that you enjoy a memorable meal and leave the table feeling nourished, not weighed down.

Our Favorite Oostema Wagyu Cuts from Our Herd

Every cut from our Wagyu cattle has its place in the kitchen. Some of the Oostema Wagyu cuts we’re especially proud to offer are:

• Wagyu Ribeye – Incredibly marbled and perfect for a special occasion
• Wagyu New York – A great balance of tenderness and bold beef flavor
• Wagyu Sirloin & Bavette – Versatile, full of flavor, and fantastic on the grill
• Ground Wagyu Beef – Transforms burgers, meatballs, and sauces into something unforgettable
• Wagyu Short Ribs & Chuck Roast – Ideal for slow cooking until they’re fall-apart tender and rich

If you’re new to Wagyu beef or not sure which cut to try first, we’re always happy to help you choose based on how you like to cook.

What You Can Expect from Oostema Wagyu

When you bring Oostema Wagyu into your kitchen, you’re getting both premium grass-fed Wagyu beef and our personal promise as a small family farm.

Here’s what we stand behind:

• Pasture-focused, grass-based raising of our Wagyu cattle
• Respectful, humane animal care every day
• Honest, transparent communication about how your local Wagyu is produced
• Consistent quality that reflects the pride we take in our farm and our herd

We raise this beef for our own family, and we’re honored to share it with yours.

Bring Local Grass-Fed Oostema Wagyu to Your Table

If you’re ready to taste the difference that local grass-fed Wagyu beef can make, we invite you to try Oostema Wagyu from our small family farm.

When you choose our beef, you’re:

• Enjoying premium, pasture-raised Wagyu beef
• Supporting a local, family-run Wagyu farm
• Serving your family beef with a clear story and farmers who stand behind it

From our pasture to your plate, thank you for being part of the Oostema Wagyu story.

From our house to yours, “eet smakelijk” is Dutch for “enjoying your meal.” 

Glen and Lisa