When people talk about superior Wagyu genetics in Texas, Landgraf Ranch is never far from the conversation. Kenny and Dacia Landgraf are the owners of Landgraf Ranch at Walnut Creek and they have built a reputation for combining disciplined business experience with an uncompromising focus on elite Wagyu breeding.
Landgraf Ranch began in the spring of 2015 with the purchase of approximately 200 acres in Red Rock, Texas—about 30 miles from downtown Austin in Bastrop County. What started as a vision rooted in family, faith, and Texas heritage has grown into a respected Wagyu program known across North America and beyond.
From Finance to Fullbloods
Before stepping into ranch life full time, Kenny spent more than 25 years as a financial advisor. He founded Kenjol Capital Management in 2001. Throughout his career, he appeared on CNBC and Fox Business News and was interviewed by national outlets including The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Radio.
His academic credentials are equally strong. Kenny attended the University of Arkansas on an athletic swimming scholarship, graduating with High Honors in Business Administration. While there, he qualified for the 1984 Olympics trials in the backstroke.
But cattle were never far from his life. He recalls that his brother “always had property with a few cows on it”—a quiet seed that eventually grew into something much larger.
In 2016, Kenny purchased his first Wagyu animals at the Passion for Prime sale. That decision marked the true beginning of his Wagyu journey. By 2021, he retired from the finance world and moved to the ranch full time, dedicating himself fully to genetic excellence.
Building a Genetics-Driven Program
Landgraf Ranch focuses primarily on Black Wagyu and markets animals at all levels—fullbloods, purebloods, and percentage cattle. The program emphasizes fullblood and pureblood breeding stock, top-quality bulls for commercial cattlemen, and frozen genetics including semen and embryos.
Kenny’s finance background shows clearly in his approach. He studies data, Expected Breeding Values (EBVs), and international performance metrics. In 2020, he was introduced to Australian Wagyu genetics and quickly recognized the value of elite sires such as Mayura L10 and Sumo F154. Understanding the growing demand for proven, data-backed genetics in the United States, he initially sourced semen for his own program. As interest from other breeders increased, he began supplying select genetics to fellow producers. What started as a way to offset his own breeding investments soon evolved into a specialized niche business, where he represented international Wagyu genetics programs, connecting foreign producers with U.S. breeders seeking elite bloodlines supported by strong performance data.
He has since sold genetics to operations across North America, England, and Australia, becoming a consistent consignor at industry events such as The Stud Wagyu Sale. His participation has helped bring liquidity and broader distribution to the U.S. Wagyu genetics market.
A Leader in Polled Wagyu
One of Landgraf Ranch’s most distinctive contributions is its emphasis on polled Wagyu genetics. The ranch added polled lines through Bar R Cattle Company and introduced a DNA-verified homozygous polled bull born in spring 2018.
Their program highlights LRX 30F semen—DNA verified, homozygous polled, free of genetic defects, and certified for export. The practical advantages are clear: reduced labor, improved safety, and elimination of dehorning stress. For commercial producers looking at efficiency and animal welfare, polled genetics represent a meaningful advancement.
Through LRX Elite Wagyu Genetics, Landgraf Ranch also markets and distributes international Wagyu genetics, strengthening ties between U.S. and global programs.
Family, Faith, and the Future
Landgraf Ranch at Walnut Creek is more than a breeding operation—it is a family endeavor. The ranch identity reflects Texas heritage, symbolized by a Texas star and cross in the logo, representing faith, family, and stewardship.
In addition to breeding stock and frozen genetics, the ranch sells beef direct-to-consumer and connects with the community through “Wagyu on Wheels,” a family food trailer branded as the creator of Austin’s Best Burger. It’s a fitting extension of a program built around quality from pasture to plate.
Looking ahead, Landgraf Ranch continues to push forward with genomically elite offerings and industry engagement. Kenny’s data-driven mindset, international perspective, and commitment to polled, performance-focused Wagyu have positioned him as one of Texas’ most respected Wagyu breeders.
For the Texas Wagyu Association, Kenny Landgraf represents the modern Wagyu producer: rooted in Texas values, guided by disciplined analysis, and committed to elevating genetics for the next generation.