Couple emigrates to raise Belgium Blue Cattle

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Garnavillo Mini-Mart owners Didier Vanderbiest (left) and Anne Body emigrated to Iowa in 2017 to pursue Didier's life long dream of raising Belgium Blue Cattle and selling the meat in the United States. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)

By Caroline Rosacker

In 2017, Didier Vanderbiest and Anne Body made the decision to pack up their lives and move from Belgium to the USA, so Didier could pursue his lifelong dream of raising Belgian Blue Cattle in order to sell the meat in the United States. The former veterinarian grew up on a farm that raised Belgium Blue cattle, well-known for extra lean, tender meat. 

From Belgium to Clayton County 

The couple traveled to the United States on many occasions seeking out a business partner without success. The Covid-19 pandemic limited Didier's search to online only.  He found a Facebook page with 40,000 contributors and posted a video with animals and a comment in order to find a farmer to raise Belgium Blue Cattle. "Brian Schumann of rural Garber private messaged me on Facebook, intrigued by the idea," Didier told The Press. 

The American cattleman and the Belgian veterinarian joined forces. In June 2021 embryos from pure breed Belgian Blue cows, fertilized by purebred Belgium Blue bulls, were placed in nitrogen tanks and flown to Chicago. 

Schumann inserted the embryos in his purebred Angus cows impregnating 17 cattle.  "It was very exciting seeing the first generation of Belgium Blue Cattle in America," Didier commented. "At that time I knew Anne and I needed to move to the United States so we could pursue my dream, understanding that it would take many years before we would see a profit." 

Garnavillo Mini-Mart

Didier and Anne closed the door on their former life in Belgium and looked forward to their future in Clayton County. "We needed to find a way to make a living in the United States," he noted. "We considered making and selling Belgium waffles and fries out of a food truck, or to invest directly into a restaurant, but I was veterinarian and my spouse secretary." 

In mid-July Brian reached out to his business partner and discussed an opportunity to re-open a convenience store in Garnavillo. Brian's brother, Brad, had purchased the building for his automotive repair shop that included the former community mini-mart. "We own all the equipment in the mini-mart and rent the space from Brad," explained Anne. "Now we needed to learn how to cook hamburgers!" 

The couple recently earned the 2024 "Customer Service of the Year award from the Clayton County Development Group. "We are grateful for, and enjoy meeting all the friendly people that stop at the Garnavillo Mini-Mart," they said with gratitude. 

Belgium Blue meat products 

After eight years of hard work and dedication Didier and Brian are honored to offer Belgian Blue Beef to the public. "We asked to a Belgian butcher to supervise our American team because the cutting of the carcass is very difficult to explain," said Didier.  "We have sold some meat to a restaurant in LaCrosse, Wis. and we are canvassing others. We also sell meat directly to consumers and in the Mini Mart. We received excellent feedback from the chefs and customers. 

Didier and Anne feel very blessed to be in business with the Schumann family. "We are very happy to find such a great family," they concluded. "We are also very grateful for our wonderful employees at the Garnavillo Mini-Mart." 

Belgian Blue Beef is available at the Garnavillo Mini-Mart located on Highway 52 in Garnavillo. For additional information, the website belgianbluebeef.com will be available soon.

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