Nagi Beef

What is Nagi Beef?

Nagi Beef is a premium brand of beef raised in designated farms in Nagi Town, Okayama Prefecture. This beef is produced by feeding cattle a special diet of custom-mixed feed and Sakushu Black, a local black soybean. The beef is graded by the Japan Meat Grading Association, ensuring only the finest quality reaches consumers.

Key Features of Nagi Beef

1. Grown in Rich Natural Surroundings

• Raised in Nagi Town, nestled among the Nagi Mountain Range, where clean air, lush nature, and clear water provide an ideal environment for healthy cattle.

2. Specialized Feed

• The cattle are fed a specially formulated diet designed by JA West Japan Cooperative Feed. Locally sourced rice straw is used as roughage, and during the finishing stage, black soybeans (Sakushu Black), known for their antioxidant properties, are added to enhance flavor.

3. Stress-Free Farming

• During the final fattening period, the diet includes black soybeans, which help reduce stress and improve overall cattle health. This contributes to tender, flavorful beef.

4. Preservation of Historical Bloodlines

• Nagi Beef maintains the lineage of Takenotani Tsuru, a traditional strain of cattle known for its large size, longevity, and ease of rearing. This heritage ensures high-quality meat with a balance of red meat and fat.

5. Shortened Fattening Period

• Unlike conventional wagyu, which takes 28–30 months to fatten, Nagi Beef achieves peak quality in 26–28 months without compromising flavor or tenderness, thanks to a specialized fattening manual and feed.

6. Rigorous Health Checks

• Every cow undergoes two blood tests during the fattening period (at 17 and 22 months old) to monitor vitamin A levels, cholesterol, and liver function, ensuring only healthy cattle are delivered to market.

7. Exceptional Flavor Profile

• Nagi Beef features high levels of glutamic acid and low levels of inosinic acid, creating a unique umami-rich taste. Its balance of richness and mild flavor makes it stand out among other beef.

Awards and Recognition

• 2nd Place in the 7th Division at the 10th National Wagyu Competitive Exhibition (“Wagyu Olympics”): A testament to the quality and craftsmanship behind Nagi Beef.

• Consistent recognition over the past two decades as a representative of Okayama Prefecture in national competitions.

Where It Comes From

Nagi Town, located in northern Okayama near the Tottori border, is surrounded by the Nagi Mountain Range and pristine natural landscapes. The town’s dedication to sustainable farming and premium cattle care makes Nagi Beef a true regional treasure.

Why Choose Nagi Beef?

• Balanced Flavor and Tenderness: Enjoy the perfect harmony of lean red meat and delicate marbling.

• Locally Sourced and Sustainable: Produced using local resources and eco-friendly farming practices.

• Award-Winning Quality: A history of accolades ensures the highest standards of taste and safety.

Experience the unique flavor of Nagi Beef, carefully raised in harmony with nature and local tradition.