Daniel Venter, owner of Venterknoll Wagyu Farms, is not your conventional farmer. Growing up in Romania, Daniel’s introduction to farming was limited to tending to the few animals his family was allotted. At nineteen, he and his family immigrated to America and spent the next several years in Chicago, Illinois. It wasn’t until he married his wife, Laura, that they decided to build a second home in the beautiful hills of Southwest Wisconsin. This is where their appreciation for nature’s provision and simplicity blossomed.
In 2017, as empty nesters, they moved to Wisconsin permanently, and Daniel decided to raise beef and pork for his family.
“I was looking for the best meat that you can consume, taste-wise and health-wise, and that’s when Wagyu beef and Mangalitsa pork landed on my plate.”
From there, he began an in-depth study of the history of the breeds, their health benefits, and care practices.
In his research, he discovered that Wagyu, which translates to “Japanese cow,” often has a much higher concentration of monounsaturated fats compared to other common red meats. Studies have linked its high amount of fatty acids to improved heart health, cholesterol levels, brain function, lean muscle mass, overall wellness, and have found anti-inflammatory properties.
Of the four types of Wagyu cattle, Daniel decided to primarily raise Kuroge, purchasing cattle whose “bloodlines date back three or four generations to some of the original cattle brought from Japan. Kuroge are known for their exceptional marbling.”
Any meat lover will tell you, the more detailed the marbling, the more tender and flavorful the beef. Fat carries flavor, and as the meat cooks, the fine layers of marbling break down, filling the whole with tender, juicy, umami flavor.
Beyond being a specific breed, to be true Wagyu beef, a specialized care routine is required throughout the life of the cow. Daniel focuses on four main factors when raising his cattle: genetics, management, feed, and environment. With the help of veterinary specialists and by tracking his cattle’s bloodlines, Daniel creates customized breeding plans for each of his cows. In that way, their intentional care begins before they’re even born. Once born, they start a four-stage feeding plan that carries them through their lives to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
And, Daniel is always striving to give his cows the very best. “I research, compare notes with other Wagyu farmers throughout the country and internationally, watch how my calves are growing, and pay attention to details like the color of their poop. That can tell me a lot.”
Managing the recipe of their feed, feed plan, and feed schedule throughout the day all play a role in the marbling of the meat. Still, Daniel especially emphasizes providing the right environment for his herd.
“Wagyu have to be raised in a very low-stress environment. You have to be able to walk with them and pet them.” For example, while some farmers separate calves from their mothers during weaning, Daniel uses methods that keep them together. “I want to be very friendly and not put too much stress on the babies and the mamas.” Each of his cattle interacts with him and Laura daily.
The specificity of their care makes Wagyu cattle a more involved breed to raise. Reflecting on why there are so few Wagyu cattle farms in the United States compared to other breeds of cattle, Daniel notes that “it is time-consuming, takes research, and is expensive. The animal itself is very expensive, the feed is not your typical feed, and you have to be more hands-on. It’s unconventional and difficult to scale for those who want to do this for a living.” Venterknoll Farms is one of the very few Wagyu farms in Wisconsin, and one of the only farms that breeds 100% pure Wagyu without growth hormones or antibiotics.
When asked why he began raising Wagyu, Daniel answered, “It started with having meat for our family, and my herd grew more than I expected. I figured I could share with other people who don’t have a place to raise them but would like to have access to pure, healthy, good meat too. I saw people buying American Wagyu without realizing that it is often less than 50% Wagyu meat. I wanted to provide 100% pure Wagyu, nothing else.” Now, that is exactly what Venterknoll Wagyu Farms does.
People can purchase Daniel’s Wagyu beef through their website, venterknollfarms.com.
"I was looking for the best meat, taste-wise and health-wise."
I provide 100% pure Wagyu, nothing else.