HEALTH BENEFITS OF WAGYU BEEF

Health Benefits of Wagyu Beef - please click HERE for an excellent consumer-friendly summary of Wagyu beef and fat written in a popular science format. Brought to you by members of the World Wagyu Council working in collaboration, it dispels many of the myths around fat and instead espouses the importance of ‘good’ fats as part of a healthy and balanced diet - all backed up by a plethora of scientific research papers, recommendations for further reading, glossary of terms as well as acknowledgements

SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER OUT NOW!

Please click HERE to read the bumper 24-page edition of the latest British Wagyu Newsletter for Spring 2025. Full of news and views about the domestic and international Wagyu market, it also features our Full & Associate Members on a double-page spread. All members should have received a copy in the post during the first week of January - please get in touch if you would like a hard copy. Wishing you a good read!

GET INVOLVED WITH THE WORLD WAGYU COUNCIL

The British Wagyu Association is a founding member of the World Wagyu Council (WWC) which was established in 2015. Now numbering 11 associations from 10 countries over 5 continents, the WWC is dedicated to cooperative efforts and initiatives to promote and develop the integrity of the Wagyu breed and brand internationally. If you are a Wagyu breeder or involved in any associated livestock business such as equipment, nutrition, animal health, machinery, genetics or technology then why not support the WWC through sponsorship? There are a number of packages available to help you to get your products and services out to Wagyu breeders globally. Click HERE to read the sponsorship prospectus or visit www.worldwagyucouncil.com to find out more.

BRITISH WAGYU REGISTRATION & DNA PRESENTATION NOW AVAILABLE

BRITISH WAGYU REGISTRATION & DNA PRESENTATION NOW AVAILABLE

The British Wagyu Association (BWA) held a seminar/webinar on the registration and DNA process for Wagyu calves on 6th November. We were delighted to welcome Hannah Kirkwood, International Office & Data Systems Manager for the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), who ran through the Fullblood registration process. Kindly hosted in Ayr, Scotland by our DNA partner Neogen, there were over a dozen participants joining online or in person. For the full presentation, please click HERE.

Open to current and prospective BWA Members, this webinar/seminar was held to familiarise breeders with the AWA registration portal and the process of sending DNA samples, getting results and ultimately registering animals successfully. It was a very useful opportunity to ask any questions and get to know all of the partners involved. We hope to hold another one in Spring 2025 - please get in touch with BWA Co Sec Richard Saunders to reserve your place E: info@britishwagyu.co.uk

REGISTRATION & DNA SEMINAR 6TH NOVEMBER

BRITISH WAGYU REGISTRATION & DNA SEMINAR/WEBINAR

On Wednesday 6th November 2024, the British Wagyu Association (BWA) will be holding a seminar/webinar focusing on the registration and DNA process for Wagyu calves. We are delighted to welcome Hannah Kirkwood, International Office & Data Systems Manager for the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), who will run through the Fullblood registration process. Kindly hosted in Ayr, Scotland by our DNA partner Neogen, there will also be a facility to join online for those not able to join in person. Open to current and prospective BWA Members, this webinar/seminar aims to familiarise breeders with the AWA registration portal and the process of sending DNA samples, getting results and ultimately registering animals successfully. There will also be the opportunity to ask any questions and, of course, get to know all of the partners involved.

Fullblood Wagyu cattle

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME/TIMINGS

12-12.30pm Arrival, Welcome, Refreshments

12.30-1.30pm  Introductions (Neogen, BWA, AWA, Members, Warrendale, other guests) followed by tour of Neogen lab to see the DNA process first hand

1.30 BWA Company Secretary Richard Saunders introduces Hannah Kirkwood of AWA; explanation of reciprocal BWA/AWA membership/services agreement

1.40 AWA’s Hannah Kirkwood - Fullblood registration process

2pm Sharon Watkinson, Business Development Executive, Neogen - DNA process for a) Fullblood animals; and b) sire verification for crossbred animals within BWA assurance scheme/Warrendale integrated supply chain

2.30 Q&A

3pm - Conclusion

Venue: Neogen, Auchincruive House, Auchincruive, Ayr, KA6 5HN. Please note that the above information is PROVISIONAL. Full details and timings including joining details for those attending online will be sent out a few days before the meeting. RSVP by Friday 1st November to Richard Saunders info@britishwagyu.co.uk. Please email or call Richard (07901768904) if you have any questions

F1 Wagyus (first generation cross) with Caisley British Wagyu-branded DNA tags

BRITISH WAGYU HEADS TO EUROTIER 12-15 NOVEMBER

British Wagyu Heads to EuroTier 2024

  • Part of the British Livestock Stand in Hall 11 (Stand 11F12)

  • A Must-Attend Event for UK Farmers

 EuroTier 2024, taking place from November 12-15 in Hanover, Germany, is set to be a key event for UK livestock farmers. Known as the world’s leading trade fair for animal farming and livestock technology, EuroTier offers unparalleled opportunities for those involved in the beef, dairy, pig, poultry, sheep, and on-farm renewable energy sectors. UK farmers are highly regarded by exhibitors for their openness to new technologies and innovative solutions.

British Wagyu will join other UK breeders, genetics companies and associated businesses on the joint British Livestock stand in Hall 11

Comprehensive Offerings Across 13 Halls. With over 2,100 exhibitors spread across 13 halls and 54 acres of exhibition space, EuroTier covers a wide array of essential topics. Key focus areas include housing and feeding technology, animal welfare, sustainability, automation, robotics, and digitalization. This breadth ensures that there is something valuable for every UK farmer attending the event.

Ticketing and Special Offers. The ticket shop for EuroTier 2024 is open, with significant savings available for those who purchase tickets online. Early buyers can save around 10 euros per ticket compared to on-site prices. Visitors can choose between day tickets and season tickets. Additionally, EuroTier is offering 25 free tickets to the first UK visitors who correctly answer how many hectares the exhibition covers. Entries should be sent to visitor@dlg.org with the participant’s name and occupation.

Innovations and World Premieres. EuroTier is renowned for showcasing world premieres and award-winning technologies. The event is a major draw for UK farmers looking to discover the latest trends and innovations in livestock farming. Past editions have seen ground-breaking products like a teat cup liner for dairy cattle, a previous gold medal winner. The upcoming pre-press conference on September 24 will unveil the winners of the EuroTier Innovation Award 2024, a highlight for this year's event.

DLG-Spotlights and Interactive Displays. The DLG-Spotlights are a key feature at EuroTier, offering visitors interactive displays on topics critical to livestock farming. Highlights include:

·         TopTierTreff: A showcase of top genetics in dairy and beef cattle breeding on rotating stage.

·         Barn Robot Event: Focused on automatic feed pushing in dairy housing.

·         AI on Poultry Farms: Exploring artificial intelligence applications for improving animal welfare, health, performance, and energy efficiency in poultry production.

·         Pig Farming without Tail Docking: Industry solutions and best practices from various countries.

International Visitors Lounge. UK farmers can take advantage of the International Visitors’ Lounge, located at the DLG Stand in Hall 13. This space provides a comfortable area to relax, plan the day, and enjoy complimentary soft drinks.

Travel and Accommodation. Travel to EuroTier 2024 is straightforward, with convenient flights to Hanover available, e.g. from both London airports or Manchester. Alternative arrivals airports include Hamburg, Bremen or Berlin as public transport is well-organized. An exclusive airport shuttle service in Hanover airport is available for 25 euros each way. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget rooms in the surrounding area, bookable through various providers, including Deutsche Messe's "Selected Hotel Program" and Get2Fairs.

Tailored Travel Packages. UK farmers can also opt for organized travel packages offered by Field Farm Tours, a UK-based agency that has worked closely with DLG for many years. These packages provide tailored and flexible options, ensuring a hassle-free visit to EuroTier.

 All interested parties can visit www.eurotier.com for further details. The DLG (German Agricultural Society), the organizer of the show cordially invites you to visit the event at the Hannover Messe exhibition grounds in November – EuroTier 2024 promises to be an essential event for UK farmers, offering a wealth of opportunities to explore the latest innovations and trends in livestock farming.

Representatives from British Wagyu, Wyndford Wagyu, Aberdeen Angus & UK Export Certification Partnership pictured at the 2022 EuroTier event

British Wagyu Association Company Secretary Richard Saunders will be attending on behalf of BWA. Other Wagyu breeders or interested parties are welcome to attend and join him. Please contact Richard on E: info@britishwagyu.co.uk if interested.

BRITISH WAGYU CONFERENCE HAILED A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

BRITISH WAGYU CONFERENCE HAILED A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

  • Lord Lieutenant of East Riding of Yorkshire presents King’s Award for Innovation

  • 250 UK & International Delegates

 The annual Warrendale Wagyu Conference held in partnership with the British Wagyu Association (BWA) went down as the ‘best yet’ according to feedback from the 250+ delegates who attended the two-day event Thursday 19th to Friday 20th September 2024.

Day One was held at the Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Broughton, Brigg, North Lincolnshire where two main conference sessions were followed by a South American-themed Wagyu gala dinner, after dinner speaker and charity auction.

 Following lunch provided by Warrendale’s main processing partner, Dovecote Park, Session One was introduced by BWA Company Secretary Richard Saunders who highlighted continued strong growth in the UK Wagyu sector - underpinned by ever-increasing awareness of Wagyu beef and Wagyu genetics. “I have to congratulate each and every person here for your part in this phenomenal success story. BCMS figures for the 12 months to the end of July stand at 43,845 births - up another 23% on the year - whilst membership is at over 700.”

L-R Jim Bloom (Warrendale Wagyu) & Jim Dick OBE (Lord Lieutenant of East Yorkshire)

 Before formally opening proceedings, Jim Bloom, who founded Warrendale Wagyu’s fully integrated beef scheme back in 2017, was presented with the King’s Award for Innovation by Jim Dick OBE, Lord Lieutenant of East Yorkshire and personal representative of HM The King.

Warrendale Wagyu MD Tom Richardson

 Conference Session One addressed the theme “Warrendale Wagyu – Now and the Future” with the first paper given by MD Tom Richardson. Tom underlined the importance of long-term direct contracts with retailers like Aldi, being fundamental to the integrated nature of the supply chain giving both confidence and price stability from the farmer right through to the customer. Tom also highlighted how they are building markets outside of the UK with some key partnerships developing across Europe and into Asia. Current kill is at 175-225 head of F1 (first generation cross) Wagyu per week with current births already hitting 700 per week, however by growing its existing network of farmers, rearers, growers and finishers, Warrendale are setting their sights on 1,000 head per week and beyond.

 “We already have 17,000 slaughter records, and with maternal and terminal data coming in all the time, we are harnessing the power of this information which is key to future efficiencies and return. We are now identifying the next generation of bulls with higher marble scores, fewer days to finish and heavier carcase weights,” said Tom.

Q&A Panel L-R James Thornton, David Hughes, Lean Gentini, Nick Rose (Oxbury Bank) and Chris Dickinson

 Next up was Warrendale Farms’ CEO James Thornton on the subject of “Delivering to Farmer Partners.” He explained how, following work by GSC Grays into costings across a representative sample of their farmers, Warrendale was moving to a more formal cost-of-production pricing model. On top of the existing £50 slaughter premium for dairy farmers, he announced price increases for growers and finishers plus a grower bonus of £25/head if animals achieve above a daily liveweight gain of 0.8kg. Warrendale were also exploring ways of reducing input costs through centralised purchasing of straw and milk powder, for example.

 Concluding, James said: “As a farmer’s son growing up, it was a very bleak outlook for livestock production at that time. But today we sit in a revolutionary place where we are consistently delivering quality Wagyu beef produced to the highest welfare and environmental standards. And importantly, we have a system which is delivering a fair return.”

Nic Truswell, Dovecote Park

 Customer Perspectives were the focus of Conference Session Two with presentations by Fred Smith, Head of Beef, Flat Iron followed by Nic Truswell, Commercial Controller, Dovecote Park.

Q&A Panel L-R James Thornton, Nic Truswell, Jamie Brownrigg, Tom Richardson

Flat Iron has enjoyed huge commercial success since opening their first restaurant in 2012 under the motto ‘Great Steak For Everyone’ giving people what they want: a really great steak, simple menu, focus on quality and value for money. The Flat Iron brand has grown to a turnover of £50 Million employing 400+ staff across 16 restaurants – 13 in the capital followed by openings in Cambridge, Leeds and most recently Manchester. Great branding, promotions such as their Carcase Club, targeted offers through social media plus their famed ‘Wagyu Daily Special’ means Flat Iron has bucked the trend when it comes to the dining-out sector – despite reportedly ‘losing’ 16,000 of their signature cleavers that ‘go home’ with clients!

Fred Smith, Flat Iron

Established in 1997, Dovecote Park is an independently-owned British Food Processor with two sites in West Yorkshire and Lincolnshire producing some of the UK’s leading British Beef, Veal and Venison products, and supplying customers such as Waitrose, ALDI, Burger King, Hawksmoor and Hello Fresh. Meat is sourced from working closely with a supply base of 700 industry-leading producers, from calf production to finishing animals. Dovecote Park are dedicated processing partners for the Wagyu supply chain with Warrendale Wagyu.

British Wagyu on the BBQ

Aldi started with 18 British Wagyu products four years ago via its Specially Selected range but, thanks to a steady increase in production volumes, plans to extend the range over its entire estate over the next two years. In addition to the ongoing success with product into Aldi, five British Wagyu products had launched this week into the Waitrose No.1 Range.

Each main conference session was followed by a Panel Q&A comprising that session’s speakers and chaired by BWA Director Chris Dickinson. Questions were tabled on sustainability, growth, financing, branding and future domestic and export opportunities.  

Following a break, delegates reconvened for Conference Session Two on the theme “Wagyu Global Outlook” with speakers Lean Gentini, Meat Sommelier and World Steak Challenge judge, and Professor David Hughes.

Lean Gentini

Lean spoke about his Wagyu journey from studies in his native Argentina to now living in Japan, the spiritual home of Wagyu, and his roles as ambassador to World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants and panel chair on World Steak Challenge through to writing a definitive book on the World of Wagyu. Given that marbling is Wagyu’s USP, the perceived goal had all been about increasing marble score. However, with 55% of all Wagyu in Japan now achieving the highest marbling score grade of A5 (48-60% IMF intra-muscular fat) he thought maybe that race was over. “I love marbling but not when it is too excessive. At some point, less is more,” he said, explaining that the consumer ‘sweet spot’ was in the range MS4-8 (on the Japanese scale of 1-12) where marbling and flavour combined perfectly.

Q&A Panel L-R James Thornton, David Hughes, Lean Gentini, Nick Rose

Senor Gentini also talked about the art of value creation in Japan where different producers create a brand focusing on different attributes of Wagyu such as nature, origins, uniqueness, the artisan, aesthetics and health – all through the power of storytelling.

Prof David Hughes

Addressing the topic ‘Changing Narratives around the British Meat Industry’, Professor David Hughes, as ever an inspiring and entertaining speaker, gave his view on where beef consumption is going, backed up by statistics not just opinion. The outlook remains positive despite some bumps in the road.

British Wagyu Canapes

Drinks Reception

The theme of the evening entertainment was South America with an Argentinian-style Asado showcasing thick-cut Wagyu sirloin, Wagyu picanha and Wagyu bavette steaks, to the backdrop of Samba dancing. Guests then enjoyed a relaxed and humorous yet thought provoking after-dinner talk by the legendary Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens. A charity balloon raffle and auction raised more than £5,000 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation for Motor Neurone Disease.

Gala Dinner

Gala Dinner

Gala Dinner

Day Two started with an optional visit to Dovecote Park’s Skellingthorpe processing facility including a demonstration of the MIJ (Meat Image Japan) carcase camera. There followed the Thompson Family’s Scurf Dyke Farm near Driffield, East Yorkshire for an impressive tour of the 1,500-head unit and its facilities. The Thompsons have been working with Warrendale for 8 years and were one of the original farmers to join their integrated Wagyu scheme. A progressive family farm, having changed their farming system in 2016 from dairy to beef, they have continually expanded their production system, embracing advice and collaborative working. The visit included specific workshops on dairy production, calf rearing, growing cattle, nutrition and meat quality.

The conference was delighted to welcome guests from Argentina, Germany, Hong Kong and the Republic of Ireland, a number of whom also attended the pre-conference tour of Wyndford Wagyu’s 400-head Fullblood in Shropshire on Wednesday 18th September.

·           Grateful thanks are extended to the fantastic turnout and support of industry partners who made the two-day conference so informative and rewarding: AHDB, Aldi, BATA Group, British Wagyu Association, Caisley, Cultura Connect, Dovecote Park, Duynie Feed, Flat Iron, Freedown Food, Fusion for Business, Genus ABS, GSC Grays, I’Anson Brothers, Kelvin Cave, Neogen, Oxbury Bank, Warrendale Wagyu & Wyndford Wagyu

 

SUMMER NEWSLETTER OUT NOW!

Please click HERE for the latest British Wagyu Newsletter. The Summer 2024 edition is a bumper 24 pages of news and views from around the UK as well as further afield. Members should have received a copy in the post during July but should any Member or non-Member like a copy, please get in touch by emailing info@britishwagyu.co.uk

BRITISH WAGYU CONFERENCE GATHERING PACE

Industry leaders will lay out their vision for the UK and global Wagyu market at Warrendale Wagyu’s 2024 conference held in partnership with the British Wagyu Association.

A staggering 400 farming delegates are set to gather in Lincolnshire for Warrendale Wagyu’s annual conference this September to hear from industry professionals on the future of the UK and global Wagyu market.

The UK’s leading manufacturer of Wagyu beef has lined up a host of leading speakers from Aldi, Flat Iron, Dovecote Park, and others including Argentinian Meat Sommelier and World Steak Challenge judge Lean Gentini.

Taking place on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th of September, the two-day event will provide delegates with the opportunity to attend thought-provoking talks, immerse themselves in live Q&A’s, tour trailblazing facilities and network with like-minded individuals.

Day One will be kicked off with introductions from Warrendale’s founder, Jim Bloom, and Richard Saunders of the British Wagyu Association (BWA). Session one will then dive into the story of Warrendale Wagyu so far, led by managing director Tom Richardson, with contributions from Dovecote Park, Aldi and Flat Iron representatives who will offer processor, retailer and customer perspectives. Rounding off the session will be a panel Q&A chaired by BWA Director Chris Dickinson.

Session two will explore the Wagyu global outlook, including beef and nutritional insights from Leandro Gentini, as well as discussions on the changing narratives around the British meat industry from Professor David Hughes.

As the first day wraps up, delegates will enjoy an evening of dining and entertainment on a South American theme followed by a charity raffle and after-dinner speech from former international rugby union referee and beef farmer, Nigel Owens.

The second day’s main event will be a tour of the 2,000+head Wagyu growing and finishing enterprise at Gary & Jayne Hancock’s nearby Park Farm for Warrendale Wagyu’s integrated scheme with additional talks on nutrition, health and general management.

Tom Richardson at Warrendale Wagyu says: “Our annual conference enables farmers and those in the beef industry to be part of the journey when it comes to the growing UK and global Wagyu market. Each year, we feel so proud to be bringing together some of the industry’s most prominent brands, and their leading professionals, to share valuable insights and projections for the future.

“For those involved or interested in being involved in the UK Wagyu market there are a few places remaining so we encourage people to come along and hear more about the industry.”

Two wrap-around additional visits have also been put together: a tour of Wyndford Wagyu’s Fullblood Herd near Newport, Shropshire (afternoon of Weds 18th September) and a visit to Dovecote Park’s Skellingthorpe processing facility (afternoon of Fri 20th September) - please note numbers are limited.

Open to Warrendale partners, BWA members and invited guests, full conference information including location and registration details can be found HERE on the Warrendale Wagyu Farmers website. Prices start at £159 (single) and £238 (double). Those interested in attending can also contact hannah@warrendale-wagyu.co.uk.