The Mission Valley has long been thought of as Western Montana’s bread basket. Farming and ranching historically have been a backbone of the local economy. More and more products are finding their way from local producers to a growing base of customers nationally and internationally and high quality, locally produced, products are finding their way to local farmers’ markets and retailers.
Locally raised Wagyu Beef is now available at Super One in Polson. Marchi Ranches was one of the first in the country to bring Wagyu cattle to the United States. Working with Washington State University, Jon Marchi began a seed stock production program in the late 1980’s. He was one of the founders of the American Wagyu Association which now boasts over 2,000 members worldwide and includes top tier chefs, ranchers and restaurateurs. Wagyu raised in the America and founded on authentic Japanese genetics is the same breed of cattle that produces the legendary Kobe Beef in Japan. Wagyu has the distinction of being the number one marbling breed in the world. This extraordinary ability to create superior marbling makes Wagyu one of the healthiest beef choices available. This marbling is monounsaturated fats, is high in omega fatty acids and is the secret behind the tenderness and exquisite taste.
The Marchi Ranch is certified as a Sustainable Ranching operation by the Western Sustainability Exchange. Marchi cattle are hormone and antibiotic free and forage fed on hay grown on our ranch in Valley View. Liz Marchi has been selling beef for several years to local chefs and restaurants including Tamarack Grill, Spur and the Raven and custom butchered whole and half steers to individual clients. Retailing is a new endeavor for the ranch. “It’s really rewarding to offer this product in our home town” says Liz. She has been working with Greg Hertz at Super One for some time to see if we could make this work.
In addition to Super One, Great Northern Pasta in Whitefish retails Marchi Ranch raised Wagyu Beef and honey.
