These North Carolina farmers are tapping into the Wagyu beef market!

One North Carolina family farm knows the importance of keeping the herd healthy, as they are one of the few Wagyu producers in the nation!

They say it has allowed them to create a unique product while enjoying the science behind it.

“We felt like it was a very niche market. It was a really cool, fun beef angle, just this high-end product, a very neat palette experience for the consumer, different than what you know, most people are used to, and just, you know, a fun spin on that, while also my husband loves the genetic side,” said Jaclyn Smith.

Wagyu beef came to the U.S. back in the 1970s. Right now, there is around 40,000 head across the country.

Related Stories
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
Producers across the country spent the week balancing spring planning with tight margins and uneven moisture outlooks. Input purchasing stayed cautious, while marketing and cash-flow decisions remained front and center for many operations.
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
RanchHERs Lyn & Sherrie Ray breed horses and raise cattle in New Mexico, while also helping to mentor the next generation of ag leaders
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
How one firm’s numbers compare to USDA data as farmers prepare for a massive corn and soybean harvest, and the significant issue brewing for beans if the U.S.'s longstanding bulk export to China falls through as they switch to offense on President Trump’s tariffs.
This Week in Louisiana Agriculture shows us why breaking even is going to be a challenge for corn producers across the state.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.