418: You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Eat Wagyu with The Meat Dude's Evan Carter

Wagyu beef has a reputation for being expensive, intimidating and only meant for special occasions but Evan Carter of The Meat Dudes is here to challenge that idea. After discovering Wagyu through his Seattle restaurants, Evan and his team have built a platform around making Wagyu more approachable and helping consumers understand where it comes from, how it is produced and how to cook it. He also shares what The Meat Dudes are doing to connect ranchers and consumers through education, cooking and their developing Wagyu Map.Links:The Meat Dudes: https://themeatdudes.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themeatdudes/The Meat Dudes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/61UsaxCkLX4a222nvBuV04CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/Key Takeaways:Wagyu is a spectrum that includes full-blood, F1 and other genetic combinationsNot every Wagyu cut is an expensive $70–$200 steakLesser-known cuts can offer an affordable way for consumers to experience WagyuEducation can help consumers understand the differences between Wagyu productsAmerican-raised Wagyu is a legitimate part of the growing U.S. Wagyu industryConsumers increasingly want to know where their beef comes from and who raised itUsing more of the whole animal can create additional value for Wagyu producersChefs and consumers have an opportunity to discover cuts beyond ribeyes and tenderloinsThe Meat Dudes are working to connect ranchers, chefs and consumers through educationGrowing Wagyu demand could create new opportunities throughout the beef industryChapters:01:24 How the Meat Dudes Discovered Wagyu03:45 Why Consumers Are Buying Wagyu05:00 Wagyu Is More Than a $200 Steak07:32 Making Wagyu More Approachable10:00 The Cuts Consumers Are Missing12:23 Creating a Premium Beef Experience15:31 Connecting Ranchers and Consumers18:00 The Wagyu Map and Consumer Education19:37 Where the Wagyu Industry Is Headed24:35 Why Consumers Should Eat More BeefEvan Carter, The Meat Dudes, Wagyu, Wagyu beef, American Wagyu, full blood Wagyu, F1 Wagyu, Wagyu genetics, Wagyu cattle, Wagyu production, Wagyu industry, Wagyu beef prices, affordable Wagyu, Wagyu cuts, Denver steak, Bavette steak, skirt steak, Wagyu ribeye, premium beef, specialty beef, beef industry, cattle industry, beef producers, cattle producers, consumer beef demand, beef consumers, meat education, Wagyu education, meat education, beef marketing, beef branding, beef quality, premium beef market, niche beef market, Wagyu Map, ranch to consumer, beef traceability, American beef, specialty cattle, beef cuts, meat industry, The Meat Dudes podcast