Wagyu or Kobe?

The word Wagyu simply translates as Japanese cattle – ‘Wa’ meaning Japanese or Japanese-style, while ‘gyu’ means cattle. With their introduction to the American market, restaurants found that customers had trouble either spelling or pronouncing the word. Consequently, many started substituting the name of the Japanese Prefecture most recognized as having the highest quality Wagyu beef – Kobe. And the name stuck.

Simply put, our difference is this: we put our family name on our product.

If we wouldn’t be proud to serve it to our families, we’d never want you to serve it to yours. And our promise is kept by putting our family name on every package of beef that leaves our ranch. That is the strongest assurance we can think of, to put our family name, our four generations of tradition and trust, on every piece of beef we produce. We maintain ownership and complete quality control of our product from our field to your fork. And we give you our word, we give you our name.

The Morgan Ranch

Ranch Life Couldn't Be Better.

Located in Burwell, Nebraska, the Morgan Ranch sits in the Sandhills. Nebraska's Sandhills are known for abundant grasses, perfect climate, and spring-fed streams. The region is among the best cattle-producing areas in the world.

The Sandhills were formed by blowing sand and are stabilized by a layer of vegetation consisting mainly of grasses. They are the largest sand dune formation in the western hemisphere. The plentiful lakes, streams, and wetlands fed by springs from the Ogallala Aquifer provide fresh, clean drinking water to the people and animals that call the Sandhills home.

This diverse eco-region provides abundant cattle grazing and a habitat for birds and wildlife. Along with two neighboring ranches, Morgan Ranch is a Gracie Creek Landowners association member. The ranches recognize that we live in an excellent habitat and work to conserve that habitat. Our ranching practices focus on the conservation and sustainability of the land, carbon sequestration, and support of native species. The area is a migratory highway for birds and home to several at-risk or endangered species, including the American Burying Beetle, Blowout Penstemon, Blandings Turtle, Swift Fox, and Northern Long-eared Bat. The sustainability of this ecosystem is at the front of our minds when making ranching decisions. The bottom line is that if we don't take care of the land and wildlife, they won't be around for future generations.

Our conservation efforts are recognized by the National Audubon Society.  Along with our neighboring ranches, we belong to the Greater Gracie Creek Landscape Important Bird Area. Sharp Tail Grouse and the Greater Prairie Chicken live on the land with us.

In 2013 we were awarded an environmental stewardship award by the National Cattleman's Beef Association. Watch the video here.  "The Gracie Creek Landowners Association is a leader and innovator in the beef industry because of its multi-faceted view of sustainability. Sustainability to these landowners focuses on the environment, economics and education," said Nebraska Cattlemen President Dale Spencer. "By utilizing cattle as a management tool, the Gracie Creek Landowners Association can accomplish conservation goals while maintaining the family ranching operations."

Recently we were featured in a commercial for Google Gemini in Gmail that aired during the Super Bowl. We had a great time showcasing life at the Morgan Ranch.