Additional Coverage:
- I’m a former Army Ranger who started a wagyu company — and ended up ahead of the market’s $3.5 billion boom (businessinsider.com)
From Ranger to Rancher: How a Veteran Built a Wagyu Empire
Patrick Montgomery, a former Army Ranger, never envisioned a career in agriculture. Yet, after transitioning from military service in 2014, he unexpectedly found himself at the helm of KC Cattle Company, a rapidly growing American Wagyu farm. His journey from Special Operations to a successful entrepreneur in the premium beef market is a testament to adaptability and unwavering determination.
Montgomery’s initial post-military plan involved becoming a large-animal veterinarian. However, the daunting prospect of significant student debt for a modest salary led him to reconsider.
Entrepreneurship classes ignited a new passion, shifting his focus from anatomy charts to balance sheets. In 2016, a pivotal phone call with his wife cemented the decision to start a company, leading to the birth of KC Cattle Company.
Learning the Ropes and Raising the Bar
Despite a lack of prior ranching experience, Montgomery immersed himself in learning the intricacies of cattle farming. He interned at veterinary clinics, worked on research farms, and sought knowledge from anyone willing to share. This hands-on education, which he dubbed “tuition payments at the school of hard knocks,” eventually led him to acquire 420 acres northwest of Kansas City.
KC Cattle Company quickly specialized in American Wagyu, a premium beef renowned for its exceptional marbling. While American “prime” beef typically scores around a 4 on the Japanese grading scale, KC Cattle Company’s Wagyu consistently ranks around a 7, with some cuts reaching as high as 10.
This commitment to quality, coupled with ethical animal treatment, became a cornerstone of his operation. Montgomery emphasizes that a “happy cow makes better beef,” leading to practices that prioritize animal welfare, such as avoiding stress-inducing methods.
The Viral Surge and Strategic Shifts
In 2018, Montgomery strategically pivoted from restaurant sales to e-commerce, a move that would prove prescient. The company’s fortunes changed dramatically in 2019 when Food & Wine magazine declared their Wagyu hot dog the “best in the world.” Overnight, weekly orders surged from 20 to 12,000, presenting an immediate challenge of scaling operations.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated KC Cattle Company’s growth. With major meatpackers facing shutdowns and grocery shelves emptying, Montgomery’s direct-to-consumer model became a vital resource for consumers seeking high-quality beef. The boom, however, was followed by new hurdles as the pandemic subsided and inflation began to impact feed and fuel costs, leading to a decline in premium purchases.
It was during this period of adversity that Montgomery’s “Ranger mindset” kicked in. Rather than quitting, he adapted, leading to the creation of his second company, Valor Provisions. This venture aims to support small farmers by connecting them directly to consumers nationwide, fostering resilience within the domestic food supply chain.
Riding the Wagyu Boom and Future Vision
The American Wagyu market, once considered a niche, is now projected to exceed $3.5 billion by 2026. KC Cattle Company is strategically positioned to capitalize on this surging demand for premium, traceable, and ethically raised beef. While KC Cattle Company focuses on high-end Wagyu for special occasions and loyal customers, Valor Provisions is rapidly expanding its reach, empowering American producers to access this growing market.
Montgomery views his work through the lens of service, drawing parallels between military service and the vital role of agriculture. “Food security is a matter of national security,” he states, emphasizing the critical importance of a robust domestic food supply.
His journey from an Army Ranger to a successful Wagyu rancher underscores a powerful message: passion and perseverance, even in the face of inexperience, can lead to the creation of something truly impactful – supporting veterans, strengthening American agriculture, and ensuring the nation’s food future.