Charming Wagyu delivers 100% pure Japanese beef experience from Holmes and Coshocton farms

Many years ago in a quiet valley in Japan, a small herd of cattle was raised unlike any other. These Japanese cows, Wagyu, were renowned across the world for producing the most exquisite beef.

You don’t have to go to Japan to purchase this renowned favorite.

In the rolling hills of Coshocton and Holmes counties, Charming Wagyu, whose largest operation is located outside of Coshocton, has made a commitment to providing the purest Wagyu, raising 100% full-blood Wagyu on its farm.

The cattle are raised carefully by Amish farmers for more than three years, free-range and fed a specially formulated grain mix to achieve unrivaled marbling.

“We raise all 100% full-blood Wagyu,” said co-owner Mahlon Raber, who partnered with Reuben Miller in 2021 to create Charming Wagyu. “There’s a lot of confusion in the U.S. about what Wagyu really is.”

According to Raber, because any percentage of Wagyu in an animal can be called Wagyu, the beef ranges anywhere from chain store burgers that promote their burgers as Wagyu but have very little in them to the full-blood Wagyu raised at their farms and everything in between.

Raber said many farms cross Wagyu with Angus steer so they can produce more meat quickly. However, he said the quality there can vary.

He said they opted to produce 100% Wagyu because they wanted to present the purest, most delicious beef possible.

Charming Wagyu is DNA verified to be 100% full blood, which Raber said promotes a much more consistent flavor, texture and marbling.

However, because they chose to only provide pure Wagyu, the process to raise the animals takes longer to get the proper weight and marbling.

“You simply can’t rush great taste,” Raber said. “The one thing we don’t want to do is sacrifice any quality just to get out more product. If someone wants genuine, local Wagyu that is 100% Wagyu, this is it.”

He said they use a special blend of feed of non-GMO grains featuring a corn and soybean mixture.

While his initial thoughts centered around raising Angus beef, once Raber learned more about Wagyu, the more intrigued he became. The animals are raised on farms throughout Holmes and Coshocton counties.

What makes Wagyu beef so special?

Wagyu is known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. And while there are many different farms raising Wagyu cattle, one local source has gone out of its way to make sure each steer is purebred Wagyu.

The secret of Wagyu lies in the marbling, those delicate veins of fat webbing their way through each cut of meat that makes each bite a mouthwatering treat.

According to Raber, they leave nothing to chance in raising their beef.

He said every bull and cow is individually scored based on specific traits like milk production, marbling potential, birth size and meat yield. Once that is established, they then intentionally pair mates to bring out the best in every calf, a procedure that eventually results in superior genetics throughout each herd.

Unlike other beef, Wagyu fat has a lower melting point, which means that once seared, it dissolves into buttery richness. But it isn’t just about taste; Wagyu contains more monounsaturated fats and omega-3s than typical beef, making it both indulgent and surprisingly healthy.

“With the awesome taste of what Wagyu offers, we were excited to share it with the rest of the people in the area,” Miller said. “Sharing that incredible product is part of the joy of what we provide.”

Miller said while the cost of Wagyu may turn some people away from purchasing it, once people try it, they are more than likely to find its taste and texture so inviting they will find the extra cost acceptable.

He said their care for the animals comes first, and their herders are highly qualified at making sure each animal receives the best possible care.

“Our focus is always on honoring the animals, the land, and we work hard to do everything the right way,” Miller said. “It’s a very low-stress environment where they can free-range.”

Raber said while they have explored getting into restaurants, currently they focus on selling to individuals with a taste for something special.

One guy well-known for his grilling technique and passion for all things grilled is Roy Weaver, general manager at Weaver’s Fine Furniture in Sugarcreek. It didn’t take long for the grill master to become sold on the quality, taste and grilling ease of Wagyu meat.

“It’s just a more buttery, tender texture,” Weaver said. “The quality of this meat is exceptional, and it’s well worth the price.”

Charming Wagyu produces all types of steaks, brisket, ribs, ground beef, hot dogs and beef sticks among its products.

To place an order, call 330-600-5872 or email info@charmingwagyu.com. Orders may be picked up or delivered. To learn more, visit www.charmingwagyu.com.