Ranch-to-table model for American-raised beef

Patrick Montgomery doesn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite cut of beef. “Oh man, I have quite a few, but I’ve got to go with Picanha or the sirloin cap,” he said. “Cutting that roast into steaks and cooking it on a fire is a ton of fun and delicious.”

As the CEO and founder of Valor Provisions and a former U.S. Army Ranger, Montgomery has a passion for beef that is evident even through a casual conversation. But behind this passion lies a deeper mission — one honed by values formed during his military service and now channeled into reshaping the American beef industry. Through Valor Provisions, a direct-to-consumer online store specializing in high-quality beef and pork, Montgomery removes the middleman — offering premium cuts of meat from trusted veteran-owned American ranches directly to consumer tables.

Montgomery’s journey into ranching was anything but typical. Following the 9/11 attacks, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a Ranger in Afghanistan. After his military service, he pursued a degree in animal science from the University of Missouri, determined to go down a new path as a first-generation rancher. Settling near Weston, Missouri, just north of Kansas City, he began raising Wagyu beef, building his herd to around 200 pairs and fine-tuning his approach to the business.

His dedication and attention to detail paid off when his Kansas City Cattle Company’s Wagyu hot dogs were named Best Beef Hot Dog by Food & Wine magazine in 2020. That recognition sent online sales skyrocketing and provided the momentum needed to grow his brand during the pandemic when consumers were struggling to find high-quality protein in grocery stores.

“The biggest thing I missed since the military was the purpose and the camaraderie, and Valor Provisions really kind of replaced that,” said Montgomery.

Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to support fellow veterans, Montgomery launched Valor Provisions. This venture aimed to create a co-op model that allows consumers to shop for meat from multiple veteran-owned producers on a single platform, promoting economic sustainability for small ranchers.

“Adaptability is the best carry over to business,” Montgomery explained, referring to his military values. “In a world of common practice over common sense, it leaves room to maneuver against slow-moving large corporations.”

His commitment to camaraderie, purpose, and looking out for others — particularly veterans and those within the agricultural community — is central to his mission. He often speaks about the importance of mental health, recognizing its impact on both military and farming communities.

Supporting farmers and consumers

Through Valor Provisions, Montgomery’s direct-to-consumer model promotes sustainability, transparency, and fair pricing. It’s a straightforward process: You shop online for beef or pork, pay a fair price, and a box with premium cuts of meat arrives at your door. With offerings like Wagyu ground beef, the now-iconic Wagyu gourmet hot dogs, Black Angus sirloin, and Black Angus briskets, there’s a variety to choose from.

Valor Provisions collaborates with smaller producers who raise cattle on pasture in natural environments. Montgomery emphasizes that buying from smaller producers can be more sustainable, but he’s careful not to disparage large-scale operations outright. “Just by sourcing your food from smaller producers, it’s exponentially more sustainable,” he said, noting how much he appreciates small producers who raise cattle on pasture in symbiotic and natural environments, allowing consumers to know exactly where their meat comes from.

Unlike large-scale Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) that might raise thousands of animals efficiently but in tighter spaces, Valor Provisions aims to partner with smaller-scale operations where cattle are raised more traditionally.

Transparency and fair pricing

Transparency is a key component of Valor Provisions’ mission. While some companies may take advantage of U.S. Department of Agriculture labeling loopholes, Montgomery is committed to keeping the process as open as possible.

“Our Wagyu cattle are raised on pasture for a portion of their life, but then sent to a high-end feed yard to be fed in the traditional Japanese way. I could put ‘pasture raised’ on our products, but that would be a lie,” he said.

Producing high-quality Wagyu beef requires a specialized grain-fed diet, a stress-free environment, and meticulous care. Unlike regular cattle, Wagyu cows are fed high-quality grains like rice bran, barley, and corn for up to 600 days to develop the rich marbling and tenderness they are known for. Maintaining calm, comfortable conditions and providing high-quality water are part of this patient process that results in beef with a unique flavor and texture.

Valor Provisions takes a careful approach to vendor selection, ensuring fair pricing for consumers without compromising quality.

“We are providing protein directly from U.S. producers that we have visited and have a vast knowledge of how they operate,” Montgomery explained. His company’s partnerships include Mac’s Farms in Missouri, and Little Belt Cattle Company in Montana, while continuing business through his own Kansas City Cattle Company.

Historically, the American beef market, especially on the processing side, has been dominated by a few multinational corporations, many of which are controlled by foreign entities. According to Montgomery, this has driven small cattle producers to the brink of extinction.

“We have the lowest cattle inventory in the U.S. since the 1950s. It’s not that the market isn’t there — it’s that the economics don’t add up for most small producers,” he said.

According to the USDA, U.S. cattle inventory fell to its lowest level in decades in 2024, with the total cattle and calves inventory at 87.2 million head, marking a 2 percent decrease from 2023. The number of beef cows was 28.2 million head, also down 2 percent from 2023 — the lowest cattle inventory since 1951.

Several factors contribute to this reduction in cattle numbers, including persistent drought conditions, rising feed costs and competition from imported beef.

“Input costs for cattle producers and beef processors have skyrocketed in the United States as well — land, fuel, fertilizer, labor, metal, corn, beans, wheat, etc.,” added Montgomery.

Buying locally raised beef

For consumers, Montgomery argues that purchasing locally raised beef offers multiple benefits — including quality, health, and price.

“If you are willing to get away from buying the ‘common’ cuts of protein that are still delicious and probably more nutritious, we are beating Walmart on a per-pound price,” Montgomery said.

Nutritionally, grass-fed beef is sometimes promoted as having higher levels of beneficial fats and vitamins, though some of the recent research suggests that grass-fed and grain-fed beef are nutritionally similar. While the science may not be settled, the emphasis for Montgomery remains on providing consumers with options that reflect their values.

Purchasing directly from small producers means consumers gain more control over knowing how the animals are raised, fed, and cared for. This connection to the source is increasingly appealing to those concerned about both quality and ethical farming practices.

When ordering cuts of beef from Valor Provisions, like Wagyu ground beef, pre-made Wagyu beef patties or a Wagyu skirt steak, consumers will receive fresh cuts on dry ice. The packaging is simple yet effective, preserving the meat’s freshness for grilling. The cuts will display rich, tender textures and distinct marbling with the grilling process enhancing the high-quality beef’s flavor.

The road ahead for Valor Provisions

Montgomery’s motivation for launching Valor Provisions comes from frustration with the current state of the food industry.

“I think often about my friends who died in Afghanistan and how I am honoring their sacrifice with how I live my life,” he reflected.

Looking forward, Montgomery hopes to establish a path for American farms and ranches that provides both economic sustainability and a reliable source of nutritious food.

“We can spend the entirety of our GDP on defense, but if you can’t feed your populace or your Army because America doesn’t produce whole food groups, we lose every time.”

For consumers who value quality, sustainability, and supporting American producers, Montgomery’s message is clear: “If you care about quality, sustainability, and supporting American producers, the best thing you can do is buy locally raised beef. Not only are you getting a better product, but you’re helping to preserve a way of life that’s becoming increasingly rare.”

Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.