Address: 6998 N. US Hwy 27, Ocala FL 34482 / (352) 615-3448
Farm Type:
Farmer
About Us / Artisan Cattle History:
Produces Animal Welfare Approved beef \n\nGreg Mullen and his business partner Mary Maverick Gary have put their personal and family histories to work at Artisan Cattle, where they raise Wagyu beef cattle in Florida’s horse country. Before becoming a rancher, Greg received a degree in animal science from Sul Ross University in Texas and studied culinary science throughout Asia. Mary, a Texan from the famous Maverick family, brought experience with horses and a love for all animals to their cattle operation, established in 2005. \n\nArtisan Cattle sells meat from both purebred Wagyu and American Wagyu cattle that get 25% of their genetics from Hereford and Angus cattle. Greg became familiar with Wagyu beef cattle, the same breed that produces the famed Kobe beef, when living and cooking in Japan. He learned that its meat has improved ratios of monounsaturated to saturated fats and intense marbling, producing meat with superior flavor and texture. In addition, the animal’s easy temperament and smaller calf size, which prevents birthing problems, make the cattle “a pleasure to work with.” \n\nAs a chef, Greg believes that better animal welfare leads to better food. “The way the animal was raised affects the quality and flavor of the meat,” he says. “The better you treat your animals, the better your product will be.” Raising cattle according to Animal Welfare Approved’s rigorous standards on pasture improves the health of the animal and produces healthier meat. The meat’s superior flavor and texture is greatly affected by Artisan Cattle’s high-welfare practices that keep their animals from being stressed. \n\nArtisan Cattle’s animal husbandry practices, which are constantly being refined for optimum animal welfare and quality, allow Mary and Greg to work with their cattle, not against them. Their practices also produce meat that Greg proudly states, “melts in your mouth.” It can be purchased through their website or in their fine grocer and deli-style retail location, Artisinal Dish, which features prepared food, cooking classes and high-quality organic and all-natural grocery items. \n