Nice to Meat You: Verlinde Farms

Verlinde Farms has always been a family farm that values itself on a strong work ethic and taking pride in all things produced on the farm. Verlinde Farms was founded in the early 1940s. Firmin Verlinde pioneered the farm with a diversified group of livestock, even dabbling with some buffalo.

Dick took over the farm in 1990 focusing on swine production. When Ryan came home from college to farm in 1998, he knew he needed to diversify from the hog operation. He began by growing the cow herd his parents helped him start during his years in 4-H.

He began raising show cattle and even had an embryo business where he would calve out show cattle for producers across fourteen states. Ryan says their customers would flush their best cows and basically Ryan’s cows served as surrogate mothers or ‘recipient cows’ as they are commonly called.

Raising and showing high quality cattle has always been something the Verlinde family has been passionate about. Marla and Ryan actually met while showing cattle at major shows across the country.

Passion runs in the family:

Lauren, Lawton, and Nolan Verlinde enjoy showing cattle at various fairs and shows.

Today, they’ve passed this passion onto their children who have enjoyed following in their footsteps. Their three children, Lauren, Lawton, and Nolan have enjoyed showing cattle for the last 12 years.

The families favorite show has always been the Minnesota State Fair which they have attended and done successful at for several years. It has been a family tradition to attend the state fair for years. Ryan and his sisters even won the state fair a few times decades ago.

Ryan and Dick first began raising American Wagyu cattle 12 years ago. They worked closely with Jordan and Ronald Beeman from Heartbrand Beef out of Texas to start this new endeavor.

At first, Ryan was critical about the idea of introducing this breed to the brutal winters ofMinnesota. Wagyu are thinner hided and do not carry the thick haircoat you see in most cattle native to North America.

Wagyu are originally from Japan and then were brought to Texas in 1994, so they are extremely accustomed to temperate weather conditions. Ryan points out the hardiness of these cattle and their ability to adapt.

These cattle were originally used as draft animals for agricultural purposes which demanded they produce an abundance of intra-muscular fat cells called ‘marbling’. This marbling provided a readily available energy source which allowed them to excel in physical work.

Today, Verlinde Farms feeds 100% Wagyu influenced cattle. All the feedlot cattle are American Wagyu which means they are bred half Purebred Wagyu and half British-bred. An example of a British breed would be Angus or Hereford. Breeding in this way gives these cattle a variety of high-quality traits. Ryan finds this to be the most efficient way to raise highly palatable beef.

Verlinde Farms have about 250 cows of their own that they breed to Purebred bulls. But they do not own enough cows to keep feedlots to full capacity. Since there is not an abundance of Wagyu cattle in the northern states, Ryan goes to the south to purchase the rest of his cattle. The cattle purchased here will be fed in Kansas at his nephew’s place (Marla’s family farms in KS) to acclimate them.

Ryan’s pens are open lots which means bedding is not needed in the summer. By putting cattle in these types of lots, Ryan has seen very few feet problems as they are not standing on cement at all. He feeds his cattle a mixed ration of primarily corn-based products and does not implant his cattle.

Verlinde’s value themselves on being a family-run farm. The farm has 3 full-time employees, but Ryan’s children play a large role in maintaining operations as well.

Lawton and Nolan are currently in school at Tracy Area High School, but they help whenever time allows. Between school, showing cattle, sports, and a lawn mowing business these two boys have their hands full. Marla cooks, cleans, and everything in between to keep the household running.

Lauren, the oldest of the three children is a senior attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. She is majoring in Agricultural Communications and prides herself on being an advocate for agriculture. Lauren finds time on the weekends or during school breaks to come back and help on the family operation.

Ryan’s parents Lynn and Dick often stop by and help when and where they can. But these days they find pleasure in supporting their grandchildren in their current endeavors.

Verlinde Farms performs practices that put the livestock’s well-being as the highest priority. The family incorporated a brand-new state of the art system for handling cattle in a way low-stress manner. The new system ensures both cattle and people are safe when working or sorting them.

A semi load of conventional bred cattle will often grade only 5-10% prime. Whereas Wagyu will often be 100% prime if fed correctly. Wagyu cattle take two and a half to three years to reach finishing weight. This is around a year longer than it takes conventional cattle to finish. Ryan ensures only the top-quality cattle are ready to be harvested by hand picking them.