The Shaw Family and some of their herd. Ben Shaw is the rancher who runs Texas Craft Wagyu. A “craft beef” operation in his own words. Ben met his wife, Grace, while working as a publisher in Beijing. In 2017 they moved back to his home near Blue Ridge, Texas. Weighing their options to get office work in Dallas, the couple decided to turn to cattle ranching instead.
Ben tells me who normally only processes one cow a month. That is all he can feasibly do himself. However, he does rarely take two cows to the processor, as in this case the two heffers he is taking on the morrow.
Ben shows me the software and database he uses to track his herd’s genetics. He is connected to Wagyu herds all over the world. He said the tools allow him to manage his herd like a fantasy football team.
Their son, H, was an excellent guide for us around the farm. He kept my wife informed and entertained while Ben and I talked cattle.
Being that Lunar New Year just happened, their house is decorated and full of fun props for my wife to get jealous over.
