New Zealand Wagyu - The Black Origin Story, now 100% farmer owned.

About Black Origin Wagyu

What Is Wagyu?
Wagyu (和牛) literally means "Japanese beef"—with ‘wa’ meaning Japanese and ‘gyu’
meaning cow. This heritage breed is world-renowned for its exceptional marbling, rich umami
flavour, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Unlike ordinary beef, Wagyu is raised with meticulous care to ensure every cut delivers an
elevated eating experience. The marbling—the fine veins of fat within the muscle—is what
sets Wagyu apart, creating a juicy, buttery texture that’s unmatched in the world of beef.

How Our Wagyu Is Raised

At Black Origin, quality starts from the ground up. Our Wagyu cattle begin their lives grazing
freely on nutrient-rich pastures in Rakaia, New Zealand. For the first two years, they roam
and graze as nature intended—building strong, healthy foundations.
After this initial grazing period, our cattle are carefully transitioned onto a specially
formulated grain diet for 420 days. This finishing phase takes place in our state-of-the-art barn in Rakaia, where conditions are meticulously monitored to ensure animal comfort and wellbeing.
The grain mix is designed by Japanese Wagyu experts and tailored to encourage optimal
marbling and deep, complex flavour. Every step of the process—from pasture to plate—is
built on craftsmanship, care, and a relentless focus on quality.