Latest news with #ValorProvisions
Forbes
26-03-2025
- General
- Forbes
Why The Price Of Wagyu May Surprise You, According To A Rancher
When most people hear "Wagyu," they immediately think of decadent images of ultra-marbled steaks with triple-digit price tags at high-end steakhouses. But what if premium Wagyu beef is more accessible than you think? According to rancher and Valor Provisions founder Patrick Montgomery, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the good stuff without breaking the bank. Before we dive into affordability, let's clear up a common misconception: Wagyu and Kobe are not the same. "All Kobe beef is Wagyu, but not all Wagyu is Kobe," Montgomery explains. 'Kobe is a specific regional designation for Wagyu raised in Hyogo, Japan." Think of it like Champagne versus sparkling wine; both can be incredible, but one has a protected name and certain quality standards. The term Wagyu simply refers to Japanese cattle breeds known for their pronounced marbling and rich flavor. While authentic Japanese Wagyu comes with a high price tag, American Wagyu, raised domestically with similar breeding practices, can offer a comparable experience at a fraction of the cost. If the idea of a $200 ribeye makes you hesitant, you're not alone. However, lesser-known cuts of Wagyu can provide the same melt-in-your-mouth experience without the hefty price tag. 'Only thirty percent of the animal is composed of primal cuts—sought-after portions like loin and rib—leaving seventy percent as 'trim' that is used for ground beef, summer sausage, and stew meat,' Montgomery advises. 'There are some incredible cuts that cost far less but still deliver amazing flavor and tenderness.' Often overshadowed by flank or skirt steak, the bavette is a butcher's secret weapon. It's a loose-textured, well-marbled cut that soaks up marinades beautifully and is perfect for high-heat grilling or pan-searing. Cut from the chuck, the Denver steak is another overlooked gem. "It's one of the most marbled cuts outside of ribeye, yet it's way more affordable," Montgomery notes. "Cook it hot and fast, and you'll get that buttery Wagyu texture without spending a fortune." For slow-cooked decadence, Montgomery suggests trying Thor's Hammer, a dramatic-looking bone-in beef shank. "It's a showstopper for braising or smoking. When cooked low and slow, the connective tissue melts into an insanely rich, fall-off-the-bone experience," he says. And because it's not a traditional steak cut, it's much more budget-friendly. One of the easiest ways to enjoy high-quality Wagyu at home is by sourcing directly from ranchers or specialty meat suppliers. "Buying Wagyu online from trusted producers like Valor Provisions allows you to access incredible cuts at a reasonable price," Montgomery suggests. "You can get restaurant-quality beef delivered straight to your door without the markup of a steakhouse." Additionally, cooking Wagyu at home lets you control the preparation and serving size. A little goes a long way with Wagyu. Because of the rich marbling, even a smaller portion is incredibly satisfying. So, instead of dropping hundreds at a steakhouse, you can treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home for a fraction of the cost. While Wagyu prices have a reputation for being high, it doesn't have to be out of reach. By exploring alternative cuts and purchasing from reputable sources, you can enjoy the indulgence of Wagyu without emptying your wallet. "It's all about knowing what to look for," Montgomery says. "If you're looking to eat clean and are open to trying different cuts, you can have an amazing Wagyu experience at home—without the luxury price tag."
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Where's The Beef? Tariffs Create Complexity For Protein Providers
It's no secret that tariffs directly affect the price of imported goods, which can lead to higher consumer prices and alter trade dynamics and international relations. What may not be so apparent is how the protein industry would be hit particularly hard by the escalating tariff wars. The dwindling number of cattle – and small farms – in the U.S., as well as the consolidation of the protein production under four major corporations, is forcing smaller protein providers to think outside the box to remain competitive. Valor Provisions is no stranger to this adversity and is committed to supporting American farmers and ranchers who are dedicated to regenerative and ethical practices, ensuring a resilient food system. Thankfully, founder Patrick Montgomery is also no stranger to adversity and his special operations background has helped him tackle pressing supply chain issues that directly impact his business. Patrick Montgomery, Founder of Valor Provisions Valor Provisions 'Being a member of special operations means you must be able to outthink the adversary on the battlefield,' said Montgomery. 'This is the best carry over to business. In a world of common practice over common sense, it leaves room to maneuver against slow moving large corporations.' The inherent risk and the sobering perspective of special ops is also not lost on Montgomery. 'Those willing to try out and deploy with special operations have come to terms with the fact they might fail and at worst die. They also are taught what a bad day looks like. It's not a bad day of sales. It is a flag draped casket containing one of your brothers. These are great lessons to apply in business. How to take weighed risk without paralysis from analysis. And how to not be overcome by the stress and emotion associated with a start-up.' Is a trade war the right approach to ensure the U.S. remains competitive on the global stage? Is there a more balanced approach to consider? Montgomery believes a better place to start would have been with the SEC and FTC sharpening their teeth to break up duopolies and oligopolies in the U.S. 'I can't name a single industry in the United States where more than five businesses don't control 60% of the market share. In my opinion, the food industry is the best example of how a consolidated market can negatively impact the consumer.' Montgomery believes ironclad legislation needs to be passed barring foreign entities from controlling critical infrastructure through ownership of business in America such as food. As a result, a free market for good ideas to flourish into thriving businesses might be restored. If passed, tariffs will create short term turmoil for independent protein providers like valor, however, there might be long term benefits if market dynamics play out the right way. It's important to remember the U.S. has the lowest cattle inventory in the United States since 1951. American ranches exiting the business due to bankruptcy, no replacement for the elderly rancher, drought, natural disasters, or land prices creating a higher ROI than farming or ranching are the main culprits. 'If these tariffs are passed, and now meat companies start looking for domestic cattle inventory, it is going to continue to drive up beef prices to new record highs,' said Montgomery. 'In addition, you are going to see cow/calf producers sell off their herds because of the increased incentive of record high cattle prices, reducing cattle inventory further.' However, Montgomery believes domestic farmers, ranchers, and investors will get back into cattle as prices reach new record highs and in a few years, inventory of fat cattle increases, driving down the price of beef to a more moderate level. 'I set up Valor Provisions model to thrive in a turbulent protein market,' said Montgomery. 'The goal of the company is constantly reducing the gross margin needed for Valor Provisions by selling protein to pass those savings on to the consumer and the producer.' One tactic Valor is utilizing to ride out these turbulent times is a 'one-time, lifetime fee' (currently $100) that goes up as demand for Valor Provisions goes up. It's a way for early adapters of Valor Provisions to look back on their purchase of their membership 'as an investment they are proud of,' according to Montgomery. When Valor has influxes in demand and cannot serve the customer adequately, availability is shut down. When the membership returns for purchase, it will be more expensive. 'I set up Valor Provisions model to thrive in a turbulent protein market,' said Montgomery. 'The goal of the company is constantly reducing the gross margin needed for Valor Provisions by selling protein to pass those savings on to the consumer and the producer.'
Bloomberg
03-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Cattle Farmers Face Bird Flu Fears
A second variant of bird flu has been discovered in US dairy cows. The USDA found the new strain in the milk of two cows in Nevada. An older strain was linked to over 900 herds of cattle across 16 states. Patrick Montgomery, chief executive officer of Valor Provisions, a direct-to-consumer sales platform, discusses the bird flu concerns, pending tariffs and other issues facing American farmers. He speaks on "Bloomberg Open Interest." (Source: Bloomberg)
