• Marjolein and Mario grew up in neighboring small towns outside of Amsterdam. Both fond of the tranquility and the freeing life on a farm, the newly-weds came to the Midwest in 2001 to pursue their American Dream. In the next few years, they welcomed their boys, Luc & Roy, to their family, started their dairy farm, all while building a tight-knit community for themselves in Sturgis, Michigan.

  • In 2016, Marjolein set out on a mission to find the best wagyu beef for Mario as a Christmas gift. After weeks of searching, it became apparent to Marjolein that, like her, many meat connoisseurs in the Midwest are not able to source high quality wagyu in the region. She told Mario about her unfulfilled mission and, he replied, “Well, I guess we’ll just have to raise it ourselves.” Thus Vander Farmers was born.

HOW IT STARTED

The journey started small: a handful of cattle, a growing interest with the art of Wagyu, studying genetics, feed, and the science behind achieving remarkable flavor. As the herd grew, so did the mission—to create a farming and distribution model that supports small family farms while delivering world-class Wagyu directly to the people who appreciate it most.

What began as a passion project is now a thriving network of farmers and partners who share the same commitment to excellence. Vander Farmers has become the brand and operational backbone behind a collective of independent farmers, all working together to raise extraordinary American Wagyu Beef.

WHO ARE WE

Vander Farmers is more than a farm.

We are a vertically integrated Wagyu company built on craftsmanship, quality, and connection. We manage every step of the process—raising cattle, harvesting, custom processing, and distributing premium Wagyu beef across retail, restaurants, and consumer experiences.

At our core, we believe in doing things the right way: slow-raised cattle, thoughtful sourcing, humane practices, and hospitality that feels like family.

Today, Vander Farmers operates through four distinct pillars—each created to share our Wagyu in a unique and meaningful way.

WHAT WE'VE BUILT

The Wagyu Barn Dinner Experience

An immersive, farm-to-table dining experience.

Our Barn Dinners are where the story comes to life. Guests gather inside our rustic barn for a chef-curated multi-course Wagyu feast paired with seasonal produce, live fire cooking, and genuine hospitality. It’s more than a dinner—it’s a connection to the land, the animals, and the people behind every bite.

Here, you don’t just taste Wagyu. You experience it. Learn More.

The Wagyu Shack

Handcrafted burgers, street-style creations & everyday Wagyu favorites.

The Wagyu Shack brings the luxury of Wagyu to the casual food scene. From smash burgers to loaded fries, it’s approachable, fun, and outrageously delicious. Whether it’s parked at the farm or popping up at events, the Shack helps us introduce new people to Vander Wagyu—one unforgettable bite at a time.

Specialty Market

Premium cuts, curated local goods, and farm hospitality.

Our Specialty Market is where customers can shop our full line of American Wagyu—from classic steaks to specialty cuts, smoked items, and prepared foods. We’ve paired our beef with hand-selected artisan products, pantry goods, and gifts from local makers.

It’s a retail experience rooted in quality and community.

A place to learn, taste, and bring the Vander Farmers experience home.

Wholesale For Restaurants & Partners

Supplying chefs with world-class American Wagyu.

We work closely with restaurants, butcher shops, and distributors who value consistency, traceability, and exceptional flavor. Through vertically managed supply, we offer chefs a dependable source of premium Wagyu—from everyday menu staples to limited specialty programs.

Our B2B arm isn’t just about selling beef.

It’s about building relationships, supporting culinary creativity, and elevating the standard of American Wagyu nationwide.