An American Wagyu Beef Farm in Harleysville, PA

Considered to be the epitome of indulgence and one of the world’s most highly prized gastronomic delights, Wagyu beef can now be found at Quarry Hill Farm, a 93-acre sustainable farmstead in Harleysville, PA — thanks to the vision and generosity of one family.

David Perlman of Quarry Hill Farm, an American Wagyu farm in Harleysville, PA.Photo byQuarry Hill Farm

When 68-year-old real estate developer David Perlman and his family purchased the century-old family farm located 30 miles outside of Philadelphia in 2021 and decided to get into the cattle-raising business, they had a dual mission: to provide ethically raised, high-quality beef, pork, poultry, and eggs to the region and use the profits to feed the hungry in the community.

“We decided to lead with American Wagyu because it was different, and we wanted to introduce this wonderful product to local families and restaurants,” said Perlman. We hope our premium product line will attract a lot of consumers and help us achieve our goal of using our proceeds to feed those in our community who could use a helping hand, and so far, it seems that everything we’re doing is resonating.”

Over the past two and a half years, the Perlmans meticulously researched and purchased only the high-quality breeding stock to begin their Wagyu operations. Cattle at Quarry Hill Farm have pedigrees from some of the best Wagyu bloodlines across the country, but what sets them apart from other farms?

“We are a pasture-raised farm that follows organic practices, and we use genetics to produce the best quality American Wagyu, all while employing sustainable farming measures,” said Perlman.

American Wagyu beef comes from descendants of the highly coveted, premium Japanese Wagyu breed (which literally translates to “Japanese Cow”) known for its marbling effect — that’s what creates the smooth, buttery texture and unparalleled flavor.

Perlman said Quarry Hill’s 150 cows are both full-blood Wagyu and crossbreeds (a mixture of Holstein and Wagyu) and produce the highest quality beef.

“The unique taste and tenderness of highly marbled Wagyu makes for an unrivaled consumption experience, and that’s why it’s finding its way onto the menus of top chefs, fine restaurants, and in discerning home kitchens across the U.S.,” added Perlman.

Quarry Hill Farm offers various premium Wagyu in various cuts, including ribeye, filet mignon, NY Strip, flank steak, Picanha, short ribs, brisket, and ground beef. “We offer burger patties and ground beef, and it’s the quality of the animal that makes our beef unrivaled,” said David. “It not only tastes great, but it’s better for you. Numerous studies have shown that Wagyu is healthier due to the higher mono-unsaturated to saturated fat ratio than other breeds and that the stearic acid found in the fat has minimal impact on cholesterol levels,” he noted.

In addition to purveying Wagyu beef, Quarry Hill Farm provides the Philadelphia region with additional locally and sustainably raised farm products, including Berkshire pork from pigs born and raised right on the farm, pasture-raised chicken, turkey, and farm-fresh eggs.

“Being blessed with acquiring this historical, sustainably managed farm has allowed us to establish a non-profit that provides Quarry Hill Farm the ability to donate the profits from sales to help people in our community,” Perlman explained.

Last year, Quarry Hill donated 100% of its profits to Manna on Main Street, a local agency committed to ending hunger in the North Penn region by providing food and social services through a community food pantry, soup kitchen, and emergency financial aid.

“Every year we will donate to a Philadelphia area food bank or shelter to fulfill our mission to help feed local families in need. We want the farm to really be there to give back to the community. Being able to do this and provide our region with the freshest, locally and sustainably grown products and some of the most sought-after beef in the world truly gratifies us. This is really hard work, but it’s absolutely worth all that it entails when we think about the people that we’re helping. I thoroughly enjoyed the real estate business for several decades, but I’ve come to realize that this is my true passion.”

Customers can order online, in person or by phone. There is free local delivery with a $100 minimum order. The farm ships nationwide and is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Marilyn Johnson is a freelance food and travel news reporter covering the food and drink scenes of the greater Mid-Atlantic region and occasionally beyond. Email Marilyn at phillygrub@gmail.com with food and travel news.