Introducing Pursuit Farms Tajima Wagyu

At Pursuit Farms, we recently completed our first harvest of Tajima Wagyu beef — a moment we’ve been working toward for years. This blog post is meant to share a closer look at what makes this harvest meaningful, how our cattle are raised, and what goes into producing beef that blends Japanese heritage with American craftsmanship.

What is Tajima Wagyu?

Tajima is one of the most prized bloodlines of Japanese Black Wagyu cattle, known for its ability to develop intense marbling and tender meat. In Japan, Tajima cattle are raised under incredibly meticulous standards, often in smaller-scale operations, with a strong focus on quality over quantity.

Our goal at Pursuit Farms was to honor that heritage while adapting our practices to the natural rhythms and resources of our California ranch.

Rethinking the Flavor Profile

One observation we’ve heard from American chefs and home cooks is that Japanese Wagyu, while beautifully marbled, can be too mild or fatty for certain palates. With that in mind, we’ve developed a feeding program and ranching approach that’s designed to create a more balanced flavor experience — still rich and buttery, but with a heartier beef flavor.

The Feeding Program

Our feeding regimen is a reflection of our philosophy: simple ingredients, thoughtfully chosen. Here's a snapshot of what our cattle are fed:

• Barley and organic corn for a strong nutritional base
  
• Molasses, which lends a soft sweetness to the fat
  
• Organic roasted soy to support lean muscle development
  
• Sweet potatoes and estate-grown grasses, which add depth and earthiness to the beef
  
• A variety of herbs, grown on-site, contributing a subtle complexity to the flavor

This approach not only enhances the taste and texture of the beef but also supports the overall health of the animal.

Raised with Space, Sunlight, and Care

Our cattle have daily access to fresh pasture and sunlight, which we believe contributes not just to their wellbeing, but also to the integrity of the final product. By raising them in a low-stress, open environment, we’re continuing a tradition of respectful, transparent agriculture — something we think is increasingly important in today’s food landscape.

What Comes in a Beef Share?

For those unfamiliar, a beef share is a portion of an animal — typically a quarter or half — that is processed and packaged for individual use. It’s a way to connect more directly with your food and the people who produce it. Each share from our harvest includes a variety of cuts, flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed for longevity.

Here’s a quick look at what’s included in a half share (see full list below):

• Ribeye, NY Strip, Filet Mignon, and Sirloin steaks
  
• Flat Iron, Chuck Eye, Denver, Skirt, and Flank steaks
  
• Brisket, Short Ribs, and roasts
  
• Ground beef, stew meat, and marrow bones
  
• Osso Bucco-style shank pieces
  

We’ve opted for more steaks and fewer roasts, based on feedback from past customers and a growing interest in versatile, everyday-friendly cuts.

Why This Matters

For us, this harvest represents more than just meat — it’s the result of years of breeding, planning, and refining our methods. It’s also part of a larger conversation about how food is grown, where it comes from, and what “quality” really means.

Whether or not you purchase a share, we hope this kind of transparency helps bring people closer to the source of their food and sparks curiosity about the farming methods behind the meals we enjoy.

If you’d like to learn more or reserve available shares (see full list below), please email us at beef@pursuitfarms.com. We’re always happy to answer questions.