On this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Cooper, an expert in the beef cattle industry and founder of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi. With over a decade of experience breeding and marketing premium red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle, Aaron offers rare insights into both the commodity and specialty beef markets. We discuss why many ranchers are still hesitant to rebuild herds despite record-high prices, how input costs and land access impact profitability, and the surprising truth behind imported beef in the U.S.

We also dive deep into Aaron’s transition from academia to ranching, his role in international Wagyu consulting, and what truly differentiates commodity cattle from premium Wagyu. You’ll learn how his values around sustainability, genetics, and craftsmanship are helping redefine the future of beef production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the complexities of the modern beef supply chain—and where it’s headed next.

Host and Guest Social Media Links: Include the following:

• David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
  
  
  
• Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/ 
• Aaron’s Website: https://cooperakaushi.com/ 
  
  
  Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Why Ranchers Aren’t Rebuilding Herds Yet
  
  
  
• 01:13 – Meet Aaron Cooper & Cooper Family Akaushi
  
  
  
• 03:05 – What Makes Wagyu (Akaushi) Different?
  
  
  
• 06:25 – How Aaron Got Into the Cattle Business
  
  
  
• 10:06 – From Academia to Ranch Life
  
  
  
• 13:06 – How Commodity Beef Moves from Calf to Shelf
  
  
  
• 15:12 – Why the U.S. Imports So Much Beef
  
  
  
• 17:23 – Economics of Ranching Today
  
  
  
• 22:16 – How COVID & Droughts Shaped the Industry
  
  
  
• 25:30 – Why Heifer Prices Are Stalling Herd Expansion
  
  
  
• 29:36 – High Prices Threaten Niche Wagyu Markets
  
  
  
• 32:23 – Centralization vs. Local Cattle Production
  
  
  
• 36:08 – What Sets Akaushi Apart in Flavor & Nutrition
  
  
  
• 45:30 – How Fat Composition Affects Health & Taste
  
  
  
• 49:32 – Why Aaron Focuses on Craft Beef
  
  
  
• 50:39 – Traceability & Storytelling in Premium Beef
  
  
  
• 52:17 – Questioning Cattle Vaccine Norms
  
  
  
• 53:52 – How to Buy from Cooper Akaushi

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