SUMMER NEWSLETTER OUT NOW!

Members should recently have received a copy of the Summer 2026 British Wagyu Newsletter along with their annual membership certificate and subscription invoice for the year. Please click HERE to read the newsletter. If you are thinking about joining the BWA, please get in touch with Company Secretary Richard Saunders E: info@britishwagyu.co.uk. Wishing you a good read of this bumper 36-page edition!

BRITISH WAGYU TO THE FORE AT BEEF EXPO

Held every two years, the most recent Beef Expo event, organized by the National Beef Association, saw a joint British Wagyu and Warrendale presence at Melton Mowbray Livestock Market on Saturday 30th May 2026. With two display pens and two pens of cattle, the Wagyu stand was busy throughout.

 There were a lot of admirers of the stock on show kindly loaned by Warrendale Wagyu partner farmers, Anthony & Charlotte Holmes of TR Holmes Farms Ltd, Manor Farm, Skellingthorpe, Lincs which included 3 F1 (Wagyu x Holstein) yearlings and 3 finishing cattle comprising two steers and a heifer weighing 700-720kgs.

A similar batch of 16 head of 22-month-old finishers were consigned earlier in the week to Dovecote Park averaging 391dwkg with a killing-out percentage of 52-52.5% and with a marble score of MS6-7. A typical finishing ration comprises silage, maize, barley, bread plus additional product from KW Feeds with the youngstock ration generally having a higher grass but lower barley content.

L-R Anthony & Charlotte Holmes (TR Holmes) with Melissa Donaldson & Clare Price (Warrendale Wagyu)

 A thought-provoking seminar programme at NBA’s flagship event provided insight into subjects including Food Security, Government Ag Policy, Beefing up the UK Diet as well as debating the Value of Domestic Beef Production with panellists drawn from politics, industry and education.

Seminar ‘Beefing Up The UK Diet’ L-R Ben Harman (NBA Chair), Kate Arthur (Lead Nutritionist, AHDB), Kate Hilton (Dietician), Roz Reynolds (Head of Education & Nutrition, AHDB) and Elaine Smith (Dairy Farmer)

Overall, the UK beef industry is in a good position to not only grow more grass and produce more quality beef but also well-placed to optimise carcase return and farmer revenue whilst also being part of the solution to carbon sequestration.

Grateful thanks are extended to Anthony & Charlotte Holmes and the British Wagyu and Warrendale Wagyu staff present on the day for their warm hospitality!


 

WORLD WAGYU CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 2026, SOUTH AFRICA

We invite you to join us for the World Wagyu Council (WWC) Conference in October 2026 hosted by the Wagyu Society of South Africa under the theme ‘One Breed - One Vision’. Dates are 13-14 October for the core two-day conference at the Cavalli Estate situated near Stellenbosch in the beautiful Western Cape region - all around the theme of Wagyu! The venue combines modern facilities with an inspiring natural setting surrounded by vineyards and panoramic mountain views - and only 45 minutes from Cape Town.

Please join us 11-17 October for the wrap-around programme of excursions, social tours, farm visits and wine tastings with the main conference taking place 13-14 October. Click HERE for the preliminary programme. A number of hotels have been reserved in Stellenbosch through the conference organiser which are within 8-12km of the Cavalli Estate.

You will find full information including timings, costings and programme are now available - please click HERE to find out more and to register. Please note, the early bird booking rate closes on 31st May! A number of Wagyu enthusiasts from the UK are expected to attend as part of an organised tour. You can also visit www.worldwagyucouncil.com for information on the World Wagyu Council or www.wagyu.org.za to find out about the Wagyu Society of South Africa.

https://www.worldwagyu2026.com/

WARRENDALE WAGYU CONFERENCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRITISH WAGYU ASSOCIATION

Join us in Kelso, just an hour south of Edinburgh, on 13 & 14 May for two days celebrating the ‘bright horizons’ of Wagyu farming as we explore an exciting future for the industry. We are planning a packed itinerary for the two days with some huge speaker announcements coming soon!

Open to British Wagyu members and Warrendale farmers, Day One and Day Two are free to attend with the Gala Dinner (evening of Day One) priced at the early bird rate of £60pp - the price increases on 1st March.

To find out more or to register, please click HERE.



2026 HERALDS NEW ERA OF WAGYU GENETIC EVALUATION

A NEW ERA OF GENETIC EVALUATION

The British Wagyu Association’s partner, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), is preparing to deliver the most significant upgrade to Wagyu genetic evaluation since the introduction of genomics, transitioning from BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs).

Thanks to the reciprocal overseas membership arrangement with the AWA, British Wagyu Fullblood breeders will also have access to this new technology.

Beginning February 2026, WBVs will become the sole breeding values published by AWA. This transition reflects how far the Wagyu industry has progressed and ensures our genetic evaluation systems align with modern Wagyu production, data scale, and economic realities.

WBVs are not simply a rebrand. They represent a Wagyu‑controlled, Wagyu‑specific evaluation built on the industry’s rapidly expanding phenotypic and genomic datasets. This ensures breeders continue to benefit from the most accurate, relevant and future‑ready genetic information available.

Why the Move to WBVs?

Wagyu production operates differently from other breeds: crossbred performance underpins profitability, genomics is used at scale, and high‑resolution carcase and eating‑quality traits drive selection. A multi‑breed model limited how effectively Wagyu specific data could be used. Moving to an independent, Wagyu designed system unlocks the full value of AWA’s dataset and enables faster, Wagyu relevant updates.

Read the Why - by clicking HERE

BRITISH WAGYU CONFERENCE 13-14 MAY 2026

We are pleased to announce the highly anticipated third edition of the British Wagyu Conference, in partnership with Warrendale Wagyu, which will be held 13-14 May 2026 at the Border Union Agricultural Showground, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 8LS. Open to British Wagyu members and Warrendale partner farmers, come and celebrate the ‘bright horizons’ of Wagyu farming with us as we explore an exciting future for the industry.

The Venue

This time, we are heading to the Border Union Agricultural Showground in Kelso, home of the world-renowned Kelso Ram Sales. Instead of a conventional hotel venue, we have chosen a setting rooted in agricultural heritage. The showground gives us space to transform the site into a Wagyu showcase, complete with an exhibitor hub and indoor seminar stage. Overlooking the River Tweed, the showground is a short walk from the cobbled streets of Kelso, with plenty of eateries and pubs, and the magnificent Floors Castle.

The Itinerary

Day One of the conference will feature expert panel sessions and speakers from across the supply chain, offering insight and inspiration. And, of course, a chance to hear what the future holds for Warrendale Wagyu and British Wagyu. End the day with an evening of good-old Scottish hospitality at our Gala Dinner (early bird price at £60 per head). Expect great food, live music, and a special auction to raise money for our chosen charities, RABI and RSABI. Please note, Day One is expected to be a 9am for 9.30am start.

 On Day Two, we will be heading to Kelloe Mains Farm (approximately 30-min drive) for a packed itinerary of workshops and masterclasses. Please note, Day Two will run 10am to 4pm approximately.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

Day One – Weds 13th May

9 Arrival & Registration

9.30 Welcome

9.45 The British Wagyu Story

10.30 Sustainable Growth

11 Sponsor Slot

11.15 Break / Visit Exhibitor Booths

12.15 The Future of Premium Beef

1.30 Wagyu BBQ & Lunch Experience

3 Feeding the Future – Human Health, Nutrition and the Role of Premium Protein

4 Bright Horizons

4.30 Sponsor Slot

4.40 Closing Remarks

5 Conference Closes

7 Drinks Reception

8 Gala Dinner & Entertainment

12 Carriages

      

Day Two – Thurs 14th May

10 Opening Remarks

10.15 Enhancing Wagyu Genetics

11 Masterclass: Advanced Wagyu Nutrition & Feed Strategies

12 Workshops

1 Lunch

2 Panel Discussion: Assurance – Market Opportunity & Farm Resilience

2.30 Farm Tour Session

4 Closing Remarks

4.30 Close

More details will be announced soon, including profiles of our industry-leading domestic and international speakers along with sponsorship opportunities and final programme and timings. The conference itself is free of charge to paid-up members - you will just need to pay for your accommodation and dinner tickets. Please click HERE to book your place.

Accommodation

We have reserved a limited number of hotel rooms near the venue for the conference. These are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Rooms are booked for 12th and 13th May 2026. You may, of course, choose your own accommodation options. 

EDNAM HOUSE (approx. 3 min drive or 12 min walk)
Bridge Street, Kelso, TD5 7HT
ednamhouse.com
TO BOOK: Please email conference@warrendale-wagyu.co.uk to book 

CROSS KEYS HOTEL (approx. 3 min drive or 12 min walk)
The Square, Kelso, TD5 7HL
cross-keys-hotel.co.uk
TO BOOK: Call 01573 223303 and mention “British Wagyu/Warrendale Conference”

THE QUEEN’S HEAD HOTEL (approx. 4 min drive or 14 min walk)
24 Bridge Street, Kelso, TD5 7JD
queensheadhotelkelso.com
TO BOOK: Call 01573 228899 and mention “British Wagyu/Warrendale Conference”

 COLLINGWOOD ARMS (approx. 20 min drive)
Main Street, Cornhill-on-Tweed, TD12 4UH
collingwoodarms.com
TO BOOK: Call 01890 882424 and mention “British Wagyu/Warrendale Conference”

For more information about the conference, please email BWA Company Secretary Richard Saunders info@britishwagyu.co.uk or get in touch with Warrendale Wagyu conference@warrendale-wagyu.co.uk

BRITISH WAGYU - BRITAIN'S LEADING BEEF BRAND

British Wagyu – Britain’s leading beef brand

Renowned as the world’s luxury beef - and famed for its exceptional marbling, tenderness and eating quality - British Wagyu is now a star attraction in farm shops, butchers and online – brought to you by our ever-growing number of British Wagyu members - many with their own branding and USPs.

In what is the third part of our promotional campaign in The Grocer, we give you an insight into what lies behind its quality and traceability.

Wagyu beef is naturally marbled

What is British Wagyu Assured?

In order to display the British Wagyu Assured logo (below) on product packaging, you have to be not only part of the British Wagyu Association (BWA) but have adopted a set of standards which include protocols around animal health and welfare as well as quality and traceability with all farms Red Tractor farm assured or equivalent.

British Wagyu Assured logo

What are its Key Aims?

-       To lead the industry in terms of traceability, animal welfare and consumer trust

-       To enhance the integrity and value of premium Wagyu beef

 Red Tractor

Many consumers are familiar with the Red Tractor logo displayed on food packaging in the UK. Indeed, Red Tractor has just celebrated 25 years of certified standards such as traceability, animal health and welfare on English farms.

The Red Tractor logo tells you that the product you’re about to buy has been assured from farm to pack and is traceable, safe and farmed with care. In Scotland, it is QMS (Quality Meat Scotland) that promotes the red meat sector to ensures high standards of quality and welfare; whilst in Wales it is FAWL (Farm Assured Welsh Livestock) which provides assurance of farm standards.

On-farm Assessment

Certified beef (and sheep) farms are assessed by qualified assessors to ensure that they conform to the standards of Red Tractor, QMS and FAWL respectively. These standards are independently audited. In order to maintain high standards of quality and animal welfare, assessments are carried out by leading certification bodies in the farming and food sector.

British Wagyu Branding

A huge part of Wagyu’s success lies in the integrity of the product, its traceability and its branding with many customers now familiar with the British Wagyu Assured logo used in marketing and on retail packaging.  Aldi & Waitrose offer British Wagyu Assured products in the retail space through their long-term contracts with the UK’s leading producer, Warrendale Wagyu.

British Wagyu-branded sirloin steak in Aldi

Waitrose No.1 Range with British Wagyu branding

 But isn’t Japanese Wagyu the real deal?!

Ours is definitely Wagyu but with a British twist – slow grown by UK farmers and predominantly pasture-raised, all with the UK’s reputation for world-leading animal health and welfare. And with just the perfect amount of marbling to suit the British palate!

What’s Next?

In the next instalment, we will focus on the ‘Health Benefits of Wagyu Beef’ with a deep delve into the science behind its healthy fats - but in a consumer-friendly, easy-to-understand format!

For further information, please contact Richard Saunders, British Wagyu Association Company Secretary

E: info@britishwagyu.co.uk