MR. ITO’S SECRET TO PRODUCING
THE HIGHEST QUALITY MATSUSAKA BEEF
CATTLE COMES DOWN TO 4 KEY ELEMENTS,
WHICH HE HAS LEARNED THROUGH
A LIFETIME OF RANCHING.
KEY ELEMENTS
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We provide individualized loving care for each head of cattle at Ito Ranch. This helps to ensure the remarkable A-5 grade. The environment is of the utmost important to ensure their quality. Therefore, hygienic private stalls for each cow enable staff members to observe the condition of each cow on an individualized basis. Bred with human compassion, Matsusaka cattle are truly unique. This gives way to superior quality found nowhere else in the world.
We ship heifers at over 36 months of the fatting period, 10 months longer than regular counterparts. Through this period, fatty acids turn unsaturated. This improves the quality of the fat which comes up with a long lingering scent, unique taste, and rich aroma.
![](https://www.ito-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-second-element-1024x576.png)
![](https://www.ito-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-third-element-1024x576.png)
In addition, a carefully designated diet of rice, bran, wheat, beancake, and corn is used to maintain cattle that are healthy and produce quality beef. This formula has been developed over generation to generation as a family secret in order to maintain the quality of the breed.
The pedigree is the most influential factor. We purchase calves largely in Kagoshima. Meanwhile, it is getting more difficult to purchase them. We once purchased Tajima cattle, but lately A-5 grade beef has not materialized from Tajima cattle. However, we are constantly seeking all over Japan for better pedigree to offer the highest quality beef.
![](https://www.ito-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-fourth-element-1024x576.png)
![](https://www.ito-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/スクリーンショット-2023-01-10-19.08.02-201x300.png)
CEO Ito Hiroki
![](https://www.ito-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/fYswNA2c-2.gif)
Cattle Prize 3 years
Ito ranch to win consecutive 3 years (2017, 2018, 2019), the Grand Champion Cattle Prize in the prestigious annual Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest.
70
Year of Experience
Ito ranch has been raising Matsusaka beef for about 70 years since its establishment in 1953. We have about 700 heads of Matsusaka beef registered in the “Matsusaka Beef Individual Identification Management System” in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, and we raise them under strict management control.
![](https://www.ito-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2-1.png)
HACCP Certified
We have established a hygiene control and management system in accordance with the certification standards to fulfill our mission to deliver safe and secure livestock products.
![](https://www.ito-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1.png)
JGAP Certified
We have established a hygiene control and management system in accordance with the certification standards to fulfill our mission to deliver safe and secure livestock products.
Matsusaka beef Awards-winning Records
- 1989 32nd Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 1990 33rd Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 1993 36th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 1994 37th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (3 Heads)
- 1995 38th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (3 Heads)
- 1996 39th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (2 Heads)
- 1997 40th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 1998 41st Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (2 Heads)
- 1999 42nd Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2000 43rd Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (2 Heads)
- 2001 44th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2002 45th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2003 46th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2004 47th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (2 Heads)
- 2005 48th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (2 Heads)
- 2009 52nd Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2010 53rd Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2011 54th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize (2 Heads)
- 2016 59th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2017 60th Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2017 56th Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Excellence Award
- Festival 12th All Japan Beef Carcass Contest
- 2018 61st Matsusaka Beef Carcass Contest First Prize
- 2018 All Japan Beef Carcass Union Contest Third Prize