Episode Details

While attending the recent Texas Wagyu Association event in Fort Worth, Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Cade Nichols, President of the American Wagyu Association and owner of Nichols Ranching. We covered a lot of ground during our conversation, from commercial cattle production and Wagyu genetics to the future of the breed and the opportunities available for cattle producers looking to add value to their operations. 

One thing I appreciate about Cade is that he comes at the business from a commercial cattleman’s perspective. His family background is rooted in commercial cattle production, and even though Wagyu has become a major part of their operation, he still views many opportunities through the lens of what works for commercial producers.

Today, Nichols Ranching remains heavily involved in the cattle business through seedstock production, bull sales, and cattle marketing programs designed to help commercial producers capture additional value.

Nichols explained that while his family once fed a significant number of cattle annually, their operation has evolved over time.

Today, much of their focus revolves around genetics and working with commercial producers through bull sales and marketing programs. They sell and lease bulls to commercial cattlemen, particularly those looking for calving ease and added carcass value.

Many of those calves eventually come back through Nichols’ marketing channels, allowing him to maintain relationships with producers while helping them access premium markets.

That commercial focus has also expanded into special cattle sales.

After launching a successful event last year, Nichols Ranching is preparing for another commercial female sale in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The offering will feature primarily Angus-based females from operations known for producing high-quality cattle.

In addition, Nichols plans to offer select groups of fullblood Wagyu females for producers interested in entering the breed.

In addition to running a ranching operation, Nichols serves as President of the American Wagyu Association, a position he admits he never expected to hold.

After serving on the Texas Wagyu Association board and later becoming involved with the national organization, he now finds himself helping guide one of the fastest-growing sectors of the beef industry.

Nichols spoke highly of American Wagyu Association Executive Director Jerry Reeves and credited Reeves and the association’s board with helping move the organization forward.

Their focus remains centered on supporting members, improving services, and growing opportunities for Wagyu producers across the country.

One topic that generated considerable discussion during last year’s American Wagyu Association Convention was the role commercial cattle producers will play in the future growth of the breed.

Nichols doesn’t hesitate when discussing that subject.

As he pointed out, nearly all cattle producers operate within the commercial sector. Ignoring that market would limit growth opportunities for the breed.

From his perspective, Wagyu bulls have earned a place in commercial production systems.

While some producers still remember early-generation Wagyu crosses as smaller-framed cattle with lower weaning weights, today’s genetics tell a different story.

Nichols shared that comparison within his own operation show Wagyu-influenced calves typically wean only 20 to 25 pounds lighter than their Angus counterparts. When premiums for Wagyu-cross calves are factored into the equation, those numbers become very attractive.

For many producers, especially those breeding heifers, Wagyu bulls offer another important advantage—calving ease.

As Nichols explained, producers can turn Wagyu bulls out wit