PRESS BRIEFING

Wagyu cattle originate from Japan and the first exports began in the 1970s to the United States, followed by Australia in the 1990s and more recently to the UK where a core group of breeders, commercial producers, butchers and restaurateurs specialise in what is widely held to be the world’s finest-tasting beef.

The fledgling Wagyu Breeders Association, thought to be the first new UK Breed Society in over 20 years, aims to promote Wagyu cattle breeding and its premium beef to add value to all parts of the supply chain. Since its successful launch which took place in Tetbury, Glocs 11-12 November 2014, the WBA has built upon the support of Wagyu pedigree and commercial breeders to put in place the foundation stones upon which to grow a successful Breed Society.

WBA Chairman is well-known agricultural and equestrian commentator Mike Tucker who is part of a team of Directors comprising: Jonathan Shepherd of Wold Beef Solutions; Jim Bloom of the Yorkshire Wagyu Company together with Martine Chapman of Highland Wagyu, the UK’s largest producer of Wagyu livestock. WBA Company Secretary is Richard Saunders who has over 10 years’ experience in the UK pedigree livestock industry.

Three major new contracts announced at the WBA’s Spring Conference in May 2015 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. 

To find out more about the WBA or Wagyu cattle, please visit www.britishwagyu.co.uk.

For any further information, please contact WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders on 07901-768904 or by emailing info@britishwagyu.co.uk