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Quarter, Half, or Whole? Everything You Need to Know About Wilders Beef Shares
Looking to fill your freezer with premium, locally raised beef? Our 100% Wagyu Beef Shares are the easiest way to stock up on a variety of cuts, all at a great value. Whether you're choosing a quarter, half, or whole cow, you’ll receive a thoughtfully packed selection of steaks, roasts, ground beef, and more. It’s a smarter, more delicious way to buy beef. A great option for families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants to keep delicious meat on hand! Let’s explore what each option has in store!
Quarter Cow
Our 100% fullblood Wagyu quarter cow yields approximately 125 pounds of beef. With a quarter Wagyu cow beef share, you can expect approximately:
75 - ground beef packs
20 - burger packs
4 - boneless ribeye steaks
4 - NY strip steaks
2 - tenderloin filets
6 - chuck eye steaks
6 - chuck ranch steaks
6 - boneless sirloin steaks
6 - sirloin tip steaks
2 - roasts
Half Cow
Interested in a half cow beef share? We've got you covered! Our half cow yields approximately 250 pounds of beef. With a half Wagyu cow beef share, you can expect approximately:
135 - ground beef packs
50 - burger packs
8 - boneless ribeye steaks
8 - NY strip steaks
4 - tenderloin filets
12 - chuck eye steaks
12 - chuck ranch steaks
12 - boneless sirloin steaks
12 - sirloin tip steaks
4 - roasts
Whole Cow
By investing in a whole cow, enjoy a variety of cuts to cook throughout the year, or share with your friends and family! Our whole cow yields approximately 500 pounds of beef, where you can expect approximately:
250 - ground beef packs
130 - burger packs
16 - boneless ribeye steaks
16 - NY strip steaks
8 - tenderloin filets
24 - chuck eye steaks
24 - chuck ranch steaks
24 - boneless sirloin steaks
24 - sirloin tip steaks
8 - roasts
No matter which share size you choose, you’re getting a freezer full of premium, delicious Wagyu beef! Each share is priced based on an average of $15 per pound, giving you incredible value across a wide range of cuts. While the exact selection may vary depending on availability, these lists of cuts tell you what to expect! Contact us with any questions, and our team will be happy to help you find the right share for your freezer and your family!
Meat Madness: Wilders’ Top Fan-Favorite Cuts
Over the past two weeks, Wilders followers have been casting their votes on social media to crown the ultimate cuts of Wilders. After some tough matchups and plenty of fierce competition, two fan favorites came out on top. Let’s take a look at the winning Wagyu and Berkshire cuts—and what makes them worth the hype.
Wagyu Winner: The New York Strip
The NY Strip took the Wagyu crown... and for good reason! It’s a classic prime cut with rich marbling, deep flavor, and a tender bite that never disappoints. Whether you're grilling it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it center stage for a special occasion, this fan favorite brings big-time steakhouse energy straight to your kitchen.
Berkshire Champion: Bacon
No surprises here- Bacon stole the show and sizzled its way to the top spot. It’s thick-cut, full of rich flavor, and cooks up crispy every time. And let’s be honest—bacon makes everything better. From breakfast plates to burgers, salads to snacks, this versatile cut adds a savory punch to just about anything. Choose from Regular, Hickory, or Black Pepper!
Honorable Mentions:
While NY Strip and Bacon took the top spots, a few other cuts gave them a run for their money. These honorable mentions brought the flavor and definitely earned a shoutout.
Brisket: Slow-cooked or smoked, this cut is all about rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Denver Steak: A hidden gem with great marbling, perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
Picanha: A favorite for fans of bold flavor and that signature fat cap.
Pork Tenderloin: Lean, tender, and easy to cook- this one’s great for weeknight meals or dinner parties.
Sausage Links: Packed with flavor and perfect for any breakfast!
Bratwurst: Full of flavor and ready for game day, tailgates, or any backyard cookout.
Whether your favorite cut took the win or landed in the honorable mentions, one thing’s for sure- there’s no wrong choice when it comes to Wilders! Browse all our cuts and keep fueling your March Madness with bold, flavorful meals!
What Makes Berkshire Pork So Special?
We often talk about what makes our Wagyu beef stand out, but what about our Berkshire pork? It is also a standout in its own right, prized for its rich flavors and tender textures that have earned it a revered status in the culinary world. Let's explore exactly what makes Berkshire Pork so special!
1. Distinct Marbling and Flavor
Often referred to as the "Wagyu of pork," Berkshire pork is renowned for its distinct marbling. This results in a richness and complexity of flavor that makes it stand out from other pork varieties. The texture of Berkshire pork is also notably tender. Its marbling not only enhances its juiciness and tenderness but also ensures that the meat remains flavorful and moist during cooking, making it a premium choice for any culinary setting!
2. Heritage Breed Authenticity
Berkshire pork comes from one of the oldest pig breeds, originally from the English county of Berkshire. This heritage breed has been maintained over centuries with strict breeding practices to preserve its distinctive qualities. This ensures a consistent product that's superior in taste and quality.
3. Versatility in Cooking
The meat's natural tenderness and flavor profile make Berkshire pork highly versatile in the kitchen. It performs exceptionally well across a variety of cooking methods, from slow roasting to quick grilling. Chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how it enhances both simple and complex dishes!
Berkshire pork truly stands apart for all the right reasons. But don’t just take our word for it—try our collection of Berkshire products and see for yourself why it stands out.
A Guide to Cooking the Perfect Steak
Cooking the perfect steak is about care, patience, and precision. Whether you’re grilling a casual dinner or indulging in a premium cut like Wagyu, these tips will help you deliver a meal that’s sure to impress. So grab your favorite steak, follow these steps, and enjoy the delicious results!
1. Choose the Right Cut
The first step to a great steak is picking the right cut for you! If you’re unsure which one suits your needs, check out our website for detailed descriptions of the cuts we offer.
For Higher-End Steaks: Choose premium cuts like Ribeye, New York Strip, or Tenderloin Filet. These are richly marbled and perfect for a special meal or when you want to impress.
For Everyday Options: Try Chuck Eye, Sirloin, or Flat Iron. These cuts are versatile, flavorful, and great for weeknight dinners.
For Unique Flavors: Consider Denver Steak, Tri-Tip, or Bavette. These cuts are budget-friendly yet deliver bold, beefy flavors when cooked properly.
2. Preparing Your Steak
Preparation is so important when cooking steak! These two simple steps will make a big difference in the end result!
Bring to Room Temperature: Allow your steak to sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents the center from being underdone while the exterior overcooks.
Season Simply: Great steak doesn’t need much. Sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you’re cooking Wagyu, its rich flavor is best without additional marinades or heavy rubs.
3. Selecting a Cooking Method
Your cooking method depends on the steak cut and thickness, but pan-searing and reverse searing are two great options:
Pan-Searing (Best for Most Steaks)
Preheat the Pan: Use a heavy skillet, such as cast iron, and heat it on medium-high until very hot.
Add Butter or Oil: Use a small amount of butter or high-smoke-point oil
Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak. Avoid flipping too often to retain its natural fat and tenderness.
Reverse Sear (Perfect for Thick Steaks)
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Place the steak on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Bake until the internal temperature reaches about 110–115°F.
Finish in a hot skillet, searing each side for 1–2 minutes for a golden crust.
4. Nailing the Doneness
Everyone has their own preference when it comes to steak doneness! The key to getting it right is using a meat thermometer and timing it properly. Here’s a quick guide to doneness levels:
Rare (120–125°F): Cool red center. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
Medium-rare (130–135°F): Warm red center. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side.
Medium (140–145°F): Warm pink center. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side.
Medium-well (150–155°F): Slightly pink center. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side.
Well-done (155°F+): No pink, fully cooked. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side.
5. Resting and Slicing
Let your steak rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite more flavorful. Cover the steak loosely with foil while it rests.When slicing, cut against the grain to ensure each piece is tender. For thicker steaks like Ribeye or Wagyu, serve in thin slices to highlight the rich marbling.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Your steak is ready—now it’s time to dig in! We’d love to hear how your steak turned out! Let us know your favorite cut and your favorite way to cook it. Enjoy!
Savor Fall with These Must-Have Cuts!
As the crisp fall air settles in, it’s the perfect time to elevate your seasonal cooking with a few standout cuts that are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re planning cozy meals for the family or hosting a gathering, these three cuts from Wilders are ones that you want to keep stocked.
Wagyu Brisket
An all-season favorite, the Wagyu Brisket is perfect for low-and-slow cooking. With its intense marbling, this brisket delivers incredible flavor and tenderness whether you’re smoking it, braising it, or roasting it. Ideal for game days, family meals, or any fall celebration, this cut is sure to impress.
Wagyu Tenderloin Filet Steak
With its buttery texture and rich flavor, the Wagyu Tenderloin Filet Steak is a must for your fall menu. Perfect for a special occasion or just because, it's a top-tier choice to sear or grill for a fall night in.
Boneless Smoked Ham
Fall gatherings wouldn’t be complete without the savory, smoky flavor of our Boneless Smoked Ham. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or as a flavorful addition to your fall charcuterie board, this ham offers a balance of smoky sweetness and juicy tenderness, making it a crowd favorite.
These fall must-haves from Wilders are perfect for any meal- casual dinners and formal gatherings alike. Stock up on these cuts and let the flavors of fall take center stage in your kitchen!
Soak Up the Sun with These Wilders Snacks Perfect for Summer
Whether you're lounging by the pool, enjoying a beach day, or hosting a backyard BBQ, having the perfect snacks on hand can make all the difference. We have 3 delicious snacks in a variety of flavors that are perfect for your summer fun!! Dive into our summer snack guide and discover which one is your favorite!
WAGYU BEEF JERKY
Our 100% Wagyu Beef Jerky is available in three delicious flavors- Original, Sweet & Spicy, and Buttery Prime Rib. The Original flavor offers a classic jerky experience with a perfect balance of savory and smoky notes. Our Sweet and Spicy variety has a dynamic taste with a blend of sweetness and a little kick of heat. For a more rich taste, try our Buttery Prime Rib flavor!
WAGYU SNACK STICKS
Our 100% Wagyu Snack Sticks are fully cooked and ready to enjoy, and are also available in three flavors- Original, Honey BBQ, and Jalapeño Cheddar. The Original is a perfect choice for those who appreciate the pure, buttery taste of Wagyu beef with a perfect blend of spice. Honey BBQ brings a sweet and smoky barbecue flavor that's both rich and satisfying. For those wanting a bit of heat and cheesy goodness, the Jalapeño Cheddar is the perfect choice!
WAGYU SUMMER SAUSAGE
Our 100% Wagyu Summer Sausage is the perfect go-to for any occasion. It comes in two flavors- Original and Jalapeño Cheddar! The Original offers a classic, subtly spiced profile with a smooth flavor. The Jalapeño Cheddar is perfect for anyone looking for a more bold flavor!
ULTIMATE SNACK BUNDLE
Can't decide which snack to try? We have a bundle that will give you the perfect variety so you don't have to choose! With this bundle, you will receive all three of our Wagyu beef jerky flavors, both our Original and Jalapeño Cheddar Wagyu Summer Sausage, and two packs of Original Snack Sticks.
Top off your summer plans with the best snacks, and let us know which one is your favorite!
How to Cook a Wagyu Porterhouse Steak
What is a Wagyu Porterhouse Steak? This match made in heaven is found where the tenderloin and top loin meet. Find out how to properly cook a Wagyu porterhouse and why you should buy one today.
Is Wagyu Beef Healthy?
We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” But if your new year’s resolutions have you a little less than enthused about what food is considered “healthy”, we have great news: Wagyu has numerous health benefits! These prime cuts are more than just a pretty face (although the marbling can’t be beat!) - they bring in some major nutritional advantages when compared to grocery store beef. Here’s what Wilders Wagyu can do for you:
1. Wagyu Beef Fat Content
News flash: not all fat is bad! The “good” stuff is in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which lower the risk of disease. “Bad fats” are found in trans fats, which get the bad rap for disease risk, weight gain, etc. While Wagyu beef contains more intramuscular fat, it does not contain the unhealthy fatty acids. The ratio of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids are lower in Wagyu. These fatty acids found in conventional beef are associated with inflammation, as opposed to the healthier fats found in Wagyu beef.
2. CLA Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Wagyu is also known for being a great source of conjugated linoleic acid, or “CLA.” This omega-6 fatty acid is known for numerous health benefits, such as reduced body fat, improved muscle mass, and lowered disease risk"CLA may lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of certain cancer and reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease, although more research is needed in this area," says Andrew Akhaphong, RD, LD, a dietitian for Mackenthun's Fine Foods. A review in Public Health Nutrition also noted that eating foods with CLA can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels, often referred to as "bad cholesterol" for heart health.
3. Oleic Acid
But wait, there’s more! Wagyu is also a good source of oleic acid, which the FDA stated, “may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” This fatty acid is found in olive oil, and is one of the major contributors to the health benefits associated with using olive oil, such as benefits to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is also known to reduce cholesterol, increase healthy blood vessel function, and assist with the immune system.
4. Sustainable Practices
In addition to the naturally occurring nutritional properties of Fullblood Wagyu, Wilders takes it a step further. We are committed to offering a product as close to nature as possible. We raise our cattle with no added growth hormones or steroids.
That also means sourcing local, sustainable goods that fuel not only our animals, but the planet. We grow and harvest the hay and silage that we use to feed our animals. And if we choose to feed other grain and commodities, they are sourced from local NC farmers. The nutrition program that our beef animals are on is a total mixed ration that is very highly studied and is an exact science of the protein and nutrients that those animals need, no more no less.
Buy some Wagyu today!
Curious where all this data came from? Check out our sources:
Composition of Wagyu Fat and its Health Benefits
Wagyu Beef Nutrition: Health Benefits, Risks, and How to Cook It
National Library of Medicine: Association of Foods Enriched in CLA
FDA Review of Oleic Acid and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Impact of Beef Consumption on Saturated Fat
How to Cook A Beef Roast for the Holidays
Featured Meat: Pasture-Raised Beef Roast
A classic for the holidays! Our pasture-raised beef roasts are mouth-watering and fork-tender. They're best cooked low and slow, accompanied by some carrots, potatoes, and herbs. Enjoy!
Click here to shop our beef roasts.
Cooking Tips
If you're making that special holiday meal with Wilders pasture-raised beef, you're already off to a great start! Take your mouth-watering, flavor-packed roast to the next level with some simple best practices from our favorite local chefs:
1. Seasoning
There's a reason for the saying "goes together like salt and pepper" - this classic combination is all you need for a perfect Wilders roast! Season generously to pull out all that juicy marbling.
2. Searing
Now that you've got all of those flavors popping, lock them in! Whether you're roasting in a pan, dutch oven, or crock pot, always sear the meat. You don't want to lose any of those mouth watering juices in the cooking process.
3. Roasting
It's choose your own adventure here, as long as you do it low and slow! Crock pot, instant pot, dutch oven, roasting pan - they all work and it's mostly a matter of preference. Don't forget to add in some onion, garlic, and your favorite roasting veggies.
Check out our shop for all of your Wagyu and Angus beef, Berkshire pork, and pasture-raised chicken!
What Makes Meat Marble?
Do you want to know a secret? The key to a good steak is meat marbling.
Wagyu vs. Angus Beef: What's the Difference
What’s the difference between Wagyu and Angus beef? You might notice the price difference, but there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to steak quality.
Wagyu beef is Wagyu (translated “Japanese cow”) is a Japanese cattle breed. Larger and stronger than other American cattle breeds, they are known for having more fat marbling woven throughout their muscle. This fat-to-meat balance produces a highly sought-after steak that is more tender, juicy, and rich compared to other steaks.
Angus originates in Scotland, and is highly popular in the U.S. They can be found in either Black Angus or Red Angus varieties, and are ranked in quality tiers, the highest of which are Prime or Choice Certified Angus.
The biggest difference between the two is the marbling, which is the little white flecks of fat throughout the meat. The ratio, volume, and placement of those fat strands determines the texture, taste, and over all quality experience of the steak. Wagyu will produce a richer, more buttery, highly marbled cut with flavorful fat strands throughout. This marbling results in a much higher quality and taste.
Another significant difference is how they are often raised. Commercial angus cattle are typically raised in high quantities for high volume production. Wagyu, on the other hand, are typically raised in smaller quantities, prioritizing a low to no-stress environment to produce a higher quality product.
Check out our shop for all of your Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork needs!
What is Wagyu Beef?
So you've stumbled upon Wagyu steaks and want to know what makes them so good (and so expensive!) If there's anything to know about this highly sought-after prime cut, it's quality over quantity.
Wagyu (translated “Japanese cow”) is a Japanese cattle breed. Larger and stronger than other American cattle breeds, they are known for having more fat marbling woven throughout their muscle. This fat-to-meat balance produces a highly sought-after steak that is more tender, juicy, and rich than other steak.
100% Full-blood Wagyu
Wilders serves only 100% Full-blood Japanese Wagyu. This pure-bred variety means our Wagyu beef is not mixed with any other varieties, unlike American Wagyu Beef, which combines purebred wagyu with traditional cattle.
Pasture-Raised Wagyu Marbling
You’ll notice that 100% Full-blood Wagyu has a richness that is unmatched in any other steak. This is due to the exceptionally high distribution of fat, or marbling, throughout the steak. Most people note a buttery, or even sweet taste, compared to commercial beef.
Check out our shop for all of your Wagyu and Angus beef, Berkshire pork, and pasture-raised chicken!