| 41 Making Wagyu more available in NZ Dan Jeffries and Casey Inverarity (inset) operate Oak Range Wagyu. Karen Phelps Dan Jefferies and wife Casey Inverarity had always known about legendary Wagyu beef but found it difficult to buy any real Wagyu to try. When they finally got the opportunity to test it out seven years ago, it led to the birth of Oak Range Wagyu: “We were like ‘oh my god this stuff is amazing’,” says Casey. “Then we started thinking about how we could make it more accessible and available in New Zealand.” Dan, a fourth generation dairy farmer, and Casey’s background in genetics where she had worked for New Zealand’s largest herd improvement company, improving the quality and productivity of millions of animals, has proved the perfect combination to produce tasty Wagyu beef. The business is based on the family farm in Horsham Downs overlooking the Hakarimata ranges, where Dan and Casey also sharemilk 250 dairy cows along with raising their herd of 80-100 pure bred and full blood wagyu. The genetics of their Japanese Black Wagyu were purchased from Australia in 2016. Casey clearly remembers the event: “On New Year’s that year we were saying what our highlight of the year was and I was expecting Dan to say the fact we got engaged. But it was the Wagyu,” she remembers with a laugh. How they were going to raise the animals was important to the couple and their Wagyu are free range their entire life. “We hand feed them a specialised grain mix in the paddock. It’s the whole farm to table story that’s really important to us,” says Casey. “There is no stress on the animals,” says Dan. “They mainly deal with me their whole life and when we send them to the abattoir they get to rest for several days after their journey in a paddock because we know happy cows create tasty meat.” They started selling the meat in September 2022, both direct to the hospitality industry, and to the public through their website www.oakrangewagyu. co.nz Deliveries are made to Auckland, Hamilton, Cambridge and Tauranga. While Dan takes the lead on the farm day to day Casey manages the sales and marketing side of RURAL PEOPLE » Oak Range Wagyu Hunters drawn to station • from page 40 1400 hoggets and 78 rams – and 3040su beef (256 mixed age cows, 90 R2 heifers, 100 heifer calves and 10 sire bulls). Plus trading stock wintered totalled 2795 SU. On the farm team at Ora Station are shepherd and 2IC Angus Bennett and general hand Nick Middleton. Tim Armstrong, who with his wife Fecks opened Glenora Hunting in 2008, grew up on the station and lends a hand with agricultural work as well as managing the family’s beekeeping activities. Dave says keen hunters are drawn to the station in the hunting season, with opportunities to hunt red deer and fallow bucks, red stags and wild Arapawa rams. “We’re only 10 minutes’ drive from the coast too, where you can fish and dive. It’s a pretty special part of the country.” their business. They are proud their meat heads to some of the countries finest restaurants including Paris Butter in Auckland and The Green in Hamilton. “The fact we breed the animals and take care of the product from start to end result means we know what the meat looks like, taste and marbling, the weights of the meat from different parts of the animals etc. That really helps us breed the best beef we can,” says Dan. In addition the couple has two young children and Casey works part time off farm as well for LIC as a genetic product specialist meaning life is busy. “Oak Range Wagyu is not just our business; it’s a labour of love and a journey of dedication, and a commitment to excellence,” says Casey. “From our humble beginnings to where we are today our story is woven with threads of passion, hard work and a deep appreciation for quality Wagyu beef. “We look forward to delivering the very best in New Zealand Wagyu for years to come.” Simon Curran Principal, Dip. AG, B.B.S, C.A. ( HELPING GROW YOUR CLOVER AND CASH ) Talk to us today or visit us at: www.mcia.co.nz Dannevirke: (06) 374 7059 Pahiatua: (06) 376 7476 we know farming at its grass roots at MCI & Associates, Proudly supporting Oak RangeWagyu Account Enquiries: 021 124 2237 Waikato's Leading Farm Accountants & Proud Supporters of Oak Range Wagyu Limited – Daniel Jefferies and Casey Inverarity Need a reliable accountant who understands farming? Our team understands the numbers behind profitable farms. We have a passion for helping farms progress and grow. 07 823 4980 INFO@EVANSDOYLE .CO.NZ BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY MEETING
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