Our Story
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.
The Story Behind Black Origin
Tillyfour Farm has been our family’s home for over 140 years. More than a farm, it’s a legacy. In 1866, our great-great-grandfather left Scotland in search of new opportunity. By 1877, he had laid down roots in New Zealand, purchasing the land that would become Tillyfour. Since then, every generation has worked this land with the same hands-on dedication—raising livestock, growing crops, and building a future. That spirit of stewardship still runs through everything we do.
Today, Black Origin Wagyu is the next chapter in that story. By combining time-honoured farming values with modern expertise, we’re producing some of the finest Wagyu beef in the world—right here in New Zealand.Our cattle are raised on pure grass, clean water, and a grain program honed by tradition. The result is beef that’s not just premium—it’s deeply personal.
Taste the Legacy
When you cook Black Origin Wagyu, you're not just serving a steak—you're sharing the story of a family, a farm, and a tradition that spans generations. We’re proud to bring you Wagyu that honours where we’ve come from, and where we’re going.
One bite at a time.
