Washington State University Wagyus

With the WSU beef cow/calf production system, we treat Wagyu, Angus and crossbred cattle the same. This allows for the best cows of any breed type to rise to the top and illustrate a breed’s potential under common environmental pressures. The two dams highlighted in the photos are two of WSU’s best cows and both are fullblood Wagyus currently in production. One is 13 and the other is 15. We expect our beef cattle to winter graze in steep, inaccessible river breaks terrain, pasture calve with little oversight, and breed up again without trouble. Such pressure results in a herd that is low maintenance, trouble free and lasting. To put it another way, the design of the WSU production system reduces costs and promotes health.

The bulls listed for sale are products of this system.

We develop all bulls slowly on a high-forage ration, one that ensures sensible growth and sound structure that lends to a customer confidence that a WSU bull will thrive if given simple, adequate nutrition and care once he arrives to his new home. Also, this type of development gives the WSU staff time to experience their behavior. We castrate or harvest any bulls that display a disappointment, be it a high birth weight, little growth, lack of docility, a structural problem, or a fertility issue. All WSU bulls go through a breeding-soundness exam by 15 months old. They never see a foot trim, or a haircut. We do dehorn.

These bulls are designed to work anywhere, meanwhile being easygoing and fertile. Past customers of WSU Wagyu bulls report using their bulls many breeding seasons beyond what is traditionally expected out of a beef bull. Just lately, David Schuerman, who ranches near Colville, WA, called and said the purebred Wagyu bull he bought from WSU in 2014 is still breeding his heifers. WSU 370 will be 10 soon. (See picture taken January 31, 2023.)

Of course, fertility and longevity are only part of what folks seek in beef cattle, especially when buying Wagyu genetics.

What about the beef?

WSU also sells beef direct to customers. This part of our business model helps greatly in our selection and culling.

We routinely harvest purebred and fullblood Wagyu cattle at around 2 years old, and often harvest percentage Wagyus, ranging from 50% to 75%, at around 18 months of age.

Like the WSU cow/calf system, the feeding system is designed with simplicity and practicality in mind. Our feeder rations usually consist of beef-cattle-quality chopped hay and steam-rolled corn. The feeders see one meal a day, drink clean water, and have a place to loaf and get out of the weather. We practice simple cattle care with basic facilities and equipment. We strive to keep the cattle comfortable and in good nutrition, and our costs low.

The pictures of rib-eye areas featured are representative of what you can expect from the progeny of WSU Wagyu bulls, assuming similar nutrition, care, and age at harvest.

Please note that some of the WSU bulls are carriers of IARS (noted IARSC) and F11 (noted F11C); defect status is given in each bull’s details. Commercial cattle folks wanting to create F1s need not worry about defect carriers when crossbreeding with a terminal purpose. All bulls in this offering are parent-verified virgins that have recently passed BSEs and proved free of Trichomoniasis. They are also vaccinated for the breeding season ahead.