The Wilders Wagyu team welcomed breeders, producers, and friends from across the country to Turkey, North Carolina, for our StayWILD’25 Production Sale weekend – a true celebration of community, craftsmanship, and connection within the Wagyu breed. From international collaboration to local impact, the two-day event showcased what defines Wilders: relationships first and a relentless commitment to progress of the breed.

Friday, October 31 – Community, Collaboration & Connection

Guests arrived to a packed afternoon of learning, reflection, and fellowship. The afternoon began with a carcass data panel featuring global industry leaders from HP Wagyu (Cam Hewiett), Macquarie Wagyu (Anthony Winter), and Wright Pastoral (Glen Wright), who shared valuable insights on carcass performance and genetic progress across herds worldwide.

Following the panel, founder of Wilders Wagyu, Reid Smith, led a thoughtful core value discussion, encouraging attendees to reflect on culture, values, and people – the foundation of the WILD family of brands. His message set the tone for a weekend centered on relationships and long-term impact.

That spirit of generosity continued as the crowd gathered for the Farm to Need donation lot, which raised $8,000 for OneCompassion through generous bids from Alsobrook Ranch and Santos Patronos Ranch. Reid and Jaclyn Smith pledged to match the total, doubling the impact to support families in Johnston County, NC this holiday season.

The evening closed on a high note with a Wagyu beef and Berkshire pork taco bar, live acoustic music

Saturday, November 1 — Sale Day at the Farm

A crisp fall morning welcomed guests for a light breakfast, farm tours, and a Wilders Wagyu brisket lunch catered by Mat Griner of Southern Q Catering. Before bidding began, Jake Newbold opened the sale with a blessing. In the crowd was NC Cattlemen’s Association Director Milo Lewis, who attended for sale day festivities.

Auctioneer Chisum Peterson, alongside the Wagyu365 Sale Management team, led a professional, energetic event from the block while Whitney with LiveAg streamed the sale live to viewers worldwide. The result: robust participation from both in-person and online buyers across more than ten states.

Randall O. Ratliff, with Wagyu365 Sale Management, praised the collaboration: “Wilders Wagyu continues to set the bar for what a modern Wagyu seedstock program can look like. Their combination of professionalism, hospitality, and high-quality genetics made StayWILD’25 a standout event.”

Sale Highlights & Results

The StayWILD’25 Production Sale drew strong national interest, validating the Wilders’ program for balance, quality, and genetic advancement. More than 100 lots offered across every category, from foundation females to herd bulls.

Top Sellers:

Lot 2a – WILD BOOKKEEPER 199M (Bull) – $72,000 – Genesis Enterprises, OK
Lot 2b – WILD ACCOUNTANT 165M (Bull) – $62,500 – Glen DePiero, NC
Lot 7 – WILD NAVIGATOR 28M (Bull) – $59,000 – Genesis Enterprises, OK
Lot 1b – WILD MS QUANTUM 166M (Open Donor) – $55,000 – Genesis Enterprises, OK
Lot 24 – WILD MS NOTORIOUS 249L (Open Donor) – $49,000 – Daugherty Ranches LLC, TX
Lot 29 – WILD MS Q291 146M (Open Donor) – $36,000 – Harrington Farms, NC

Category Averages

Bulls
- $33,400
- High demand for balanced sires like WILD Bookkeeper & WILD Navigator.
Open Donors
- $25,000
- Strongest female group with confidence in Mayura Quantum, Macquarie Q0291 & HP Triumph bloodlines.
Open Heifers
- $9,700
- Consistent value; diverse buyer participation.
Bred Heifers
- $10,800
- Steady results with repeat buyers across multiple states.
Pregnancies
- $13,500
- Top selling TBR 3025Z pregnancy.
Embryos
- $830 ea
- Broad engagement in domestic IVF lots.
Semen
- $4,000 ea
- Continued demand for exportable & domestic units.
High Percentages
- $2,900
- Healthy traction among new Wagyu programs.

A Weekend of Relationships & Results

Beyond numbers, StayWILD’25 was a testament to what makes this industry thrive: relationships. From the educational panel to the auction block, breeders connected over shared goals of progress, quality, and purpose for the Wagyu breed.

With attendees from across the world, record averages across top categories, and thousands raised for local families, StayWILD’25 reflected a brand built on heart as much as herd.

“StayWILD’25 was about more than selling cattle. It was about building relationships and advancing the breed together,” said Reid Smith, founder of Wilders Wagyu. “Seeing breeders from across the world connect here at our farm, and knowing those conversations will ripple out to strengthen the Wagyu industry, that’s what success looks like to us.”

Jake Newbold, Wilders Wagyu’s Director of Agriculture, reflected on the event’s momentum: “This sale represented years of disciplined breeding, data collection, and faith in our team. The results validated the direction we’re heading.”

Wilders Wagyu extends heartfelt thanks to every guest, bidder, and partner, and to Wagyu365, Chisum Peterson, and LiveAg for their professional partnership in making the weekend a success.

Until next time, StayWILD.