Prime vs. Prime Plus: What’s the Difference, and Which One Should You Choose?

When most people shop for beef, they look for the word “premium.” But at Six 9 Ranch, we don’t offer premium beef—we offer better. Our Wagyu Angus Cross program consistently produces Prime and Prime Plus, the two highest levels of quality you can buy in Canada. These grades sit above anything labelled “premium” in typical retail environments.

Here’s what the differences mean, and how to choose the box that’s right for your home.

What Is “Premium Beef,” and Why Ours Is Higher

“Premium” isn’t an official grade. It’s a term used by grocery stores or meat counters to signal quality without actually guaranteeing marbling or tenderness.

Prime and Prime Plus, however, are true upper-tier classifications. They reflect actual marbling content, tenderness, and overall eating experience. Because our cattle are Wagyu Angus Cross—naturally higher in marbling—our beef exceeds the standards consumers associate with “premium.”

In simple terms: Premium = marketing term

Prime + Prime Plus = verified quality

Now here’s the difference between the two grades we offer

What Is Prime Beef?

Prime is the highest official grade in the Canadian system. It represents excellent marbling, tenderness, and flavour.

Six 9 Ranch Prime includes:

• High, consistent marbling

• Tender, juicy cuts

• A richer flavour than typical Angus or grocery-store beef

• Restaurant-quality results at home

Because our cattle carry Wagyu genetics, our Prime often looks and tastes better than traditional Prime beef anywhere else. This is the best choice for households wanting top-tier quality and value.

Choose Prime if you want:

• Reliable steakhouse-level beef

• The best balance of price and marbling

• A step far above anything labelled “premium” in a store

What Is Prime Plus?

Prime Plus is the elite tier—above Prime. Only a very small percentage of cattle grade this high.

Prime Plus features:

• Exceptional, Wagyu-level marbling

• A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture

• Ultra-tender steaks ideal for special occasions

• Deep, complex flavour from intricate fat marbling

Prime Plus is rare, even in Wagyu cross programs. It represents the highest marbling our herd produces and is comparable to what you’d find in high-end steakhouses.

Choose Prime Plus if you want:

• The richest, most indulgent eating experience

• The absolute best our ranch offers

• A rare, luxurious product for gourmet cooking, gifting, or celebrations

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Prime if you want:

• Incredible marbling at the best value

• Steaks that outperform anything at a butcher shop

• A versatile box for everyday and weekend meals

Choose Prime Plus if you want:

• A luxury eating experience

• High-art marbling similar to Wagyu A3–A4

• The rarest, most tender steaks in the herd

Why Our Prime and Prime Plus Stand Above the Rest

All of our beef comes from Wagyu Angus Cross cattle raised in the foothills west of Nanton. Clean mountain water, a precise feed program, and slow finishing produce exceptional marbling and authentic flavour. This is beef raised intentionally—no shortcuts, no hormones, no guesswork.

Our grading isn’t marketing. It’s verified quality backed by genetics, care, and craft.

Order Your Box Before They’re Gone

Our Prime and Prime Plus Beef Boxes are available now in limited quantities. Once these boxes sell out, the next availability won’t be until late December.

Purchase your beef here!