Meet Jim and Danelle Skartvedt – the owners of Renew Livestock Company in Azle. Texas. They have become a trusted partner to Wagyu producers, helping them navigate a complex supply chain while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and beef quality. Their story is a testament to what happens when agricultural expertise meets heartfelt dedication.
When it comes to raising exceptional Wagyu cattle, they have built a business that goes far beyond the ordinary. The Skartvedts’ have developed a comprehensive, value-added approach to the Wagyu supply chain, supporting producers from genetics all the way through feeder placement and marketing.
From the Classroom to the Cattle Industry
Jim and Danelle’s journey began over 20 years ago at Iowa State University, where they met through the Block & Bridle Club. Jim was a laid-back senior and teaching assistant; Danelle was the enthusiastic freshman who wasn’t afraid to ask questions. Their shared passion for livestock eventually led them back to rural Iowa to raise their growing family and build a future in agriculture.
In 2005, the couple launched Iowa Gold, a nutrition service company founded on integrity, effectiveness, and the belief that “people buy from people, not companies.” With little more than a cell phone, a Chevy Impala, and a commitment to service, Iowa Gold quickly became a trusted name in livestock nutrition across the Midwest.
Renew Ag Supply: Meeting Local Needs
By 2013, a growing need for local access to high-quality animal health products and supplements inspired the launch of Renew Ag Supply in Atlantic, Iowa. What began as a small storefront evolved into a national operation headquartered on their family farm. Their focus remained the same: helping producers improve animal health, performance, and profitability through sound products and personal relationships.
The Birth of Renew Livestock Company
In 2019, now living living in Azle, Texas, Jim and Danelle expanded once again with Renew Livestock Company, combining Jim’s decades of experience in value-added livestock marketing with Danelle’s background in agricultural communications and customer care. This new branch allowed them to offer a truly end-to-end solution for Wagyu producers:
- Top-tier genetics and breeding strategies
- Tailored nutrition programs based on decades of field expertise
- Feeder placement
- Trucking logistics
- Comprehensive vaccination programs
- Detailed affidavits and documentation
- Precision fat measurements for optimal carcass quality
- By combining science, logistics, and hands-on care, Renew Livestock ensures that each animal reaches its full potential — delivering the kind of flavor and quality Wagyu is famous for.
Creating A Family Legacy
The Skartvedt family’s dedication doesn’t end at the ranch gate. Their children have embraced the industry as well, launching 5 Bar 1 Meat Company, a direct-to-consumer meat business offering Wagyu and Angus beef (as well as pork) through subscription boxes, wholesale, and retail. They deliver to areas including Weatherford, Azle, Boyd, Springtown, Austin, Round Rock, and surrounding communities — bringing the family’s commitment to quality directly to Texas dinner tables.
Key Takeaways
For Jim and Danelle, their work is driven by faith, family, and service. Their journey proves that when deep agricultural knowledge is combined with true passion, remarkable things happen.
Renew Livestock Company represents the kind of innovative, relationship-driven leadership that strengthens the Wagyu industry. Their work not only supports individual producers but also elevates the reputation of American Wagyu beef as a whole.