Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, is raising wagyu and angus cattle on his $300 million Ko’olau Ranch in Hawaii, aiming to create the highest-quality beef in the world. The project, which began around 2024, involves feeding the cattle roasted macadamia nuts and beer to enhance their growth and meat quality, Zuckerberg revealed in a recent episode of the "Idea Generation" podcast.
Zuckerberg started acquiring land on Kauai island in 2014, eventually assembling a 23,000-acre estate that includes two mansions, guest houses, a gym, tennis court, and an underground shelter. The ranch has attracted attention due to its location on a native burial site. The cattle are fed nutrient-dense macadamia nuts grown on the property to accelerate weight gain, while beer is used to stimulate their appetite, according to fortune.com.
This venture aligns with a trend among billionaires investing in large, private estates with unique agricultural projects. Zuckerberg’s focus on genetics and diet to engineer premium beef mirrors other luxury food production efforts. The use of macadamia nuts and beer as feed supplements is an unconventional approach aimed at enhancing the cattle’s mass and meat quality, setting this project apart from traditional cattle farming.
Ko’olau Ranch remains a private and closely guarded property, but Zuckerberg’s disclosures on the podcast provide insight into his ambitions beyond technology. The ranch spans 23,000 acres and includes extensive facilities, reflecting a significant personal investment in cattle farming and land stewardship.