The American Akauishi Association hosted their fifth annual ‘Akauishi’ convention at the Overton Hotel. The Japanese beef has become more popular with ranchers throughout the nation and even internationally. The executive director of the association, Bubba Bain, said they are looking to get more Lubbock ranchers to make the transformation.
“It’s a great opportunity to come to a place where we have a lot of breeders,” said Bain. “We have a great slate of speakers so hopefully some of these ranchers will take home the information and utilize it in their operation.”
Various meat packing companies spoke out at the convention, like CEO of HeartBrand Beef, Bill Fielding. He said that a group of one hundred scientists collaborated and studied cattle genetics for years, breaking down desirable characteristics to create Akaushi.
“I’ve never seen anything around the world that was as good as what these cattle are,” said Fielding. “For the rancher, for the feedlot, the consumer.. you can do it at the same cost as regular cattle but with the best quality I’ve ever seen.”
On the first day of the convention, buses were taken to local ranches where attendees could see the Akauishi first hand. The Association said they are feeding the ranchers with nothing but Akauishi throughout the convention, allowing them to get a first hand taste of the quality. The convention is from October 28-30.
