BRITISH WAGYU SPRING CONFERENCE 21-22 MAY

Three major new contracts underpin unique registration, tagging and branding facility

The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) is holding its Spring Conference 21st-22nd May 2015 in and around York where details of three major contracts will be unveiled. Ensuring complete product integrity and lifetime traceability backed by a ‘British Wagyu’ branded ear tag, these new agreements will provide pedigree and commercial Wagyu producers with a unique package of animal registration and DNA authentication all at a single ‘click of a button’ via a bespoke database interface.

The two-day event starts with a joint WBA and Yorkshire Wagyu Company stand at the National Beef Association's Beef Expo at York Market on Thursday 21st May followed by a Farm Walk and practical demonstration of its branded tags and website interface to be held  at Field House Farm, Huggate Road, Tibthorpe, Driffield 10am – 3pm on Friday 22nd May. On view will also be the 500-head crossbred and purebred cattle under Jonathan Shepherd’s management as well as opportunities to taste the best of Wagyu beef! 

Three major new contracts will underpin the work of the WBA going forward. Firstly, the WBA is to work together with the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) to provide membership, registration and performance recording facilities. The AWA is regarded as a world leader in respect of the Wagyu breed and WBA Members will gain automatic membership of the AWA at no additional cost, representing excellent value-for-money.

Secondly, Caisley Tags are to provide a unique 'British Wagyu' branded tissue punch tag which will allow DNA parentage testing to be carried out to assure traceability and meat integrity. Doubling as a management tag, this enables WBA Members to not only market Wagyu beef under the 'British Wagyu' logo, but also stands up to scientific scrutiny through DNA testing at any point between birth and slaughter. All animals will be DNA sire verified thus enabling producers to demand a premium price for the unique Wagyu product.

Thirdly, an exciting new UK company, TL Biolabs, has constructed a custom-built online portal to allow Members to submit animal details through to Australia, order branded tags and carry out DNA parentage work all in one single click. Users may also opt to link with BCMS to allow the statutory passport applications to go ahead within the same visit. 

In making these announcements, WBA Chairman Mike Tucker said: “Exciting times lie ahead for Wagyu pedigree and crossbred producers. We are building a strong, high-value brand which all links in the supply chain - from breeders to consumers – can have confidence in. Wagyu beef is renowned the world over as the finest-tasting and most tender but ensuring 100% food provenance is key to maintaining a premium product. This, however, needs to tie in with making sure that the breeding and marketing of Wagyu beef and genetics is as simple, straightforward and cost-effective as it can be for farmers.”

To find out more or to register your interest in attending the WBA Spring Conference, please click here.