CHAIRMAN’S NEWS UPDATE

It has now been three months since a very successful Wagyu Spring Conference & Beef Expo where I was pleased to see many existing and new Members in attendance.

I am pleased to announce the imminent launch of the new Wagyu Interface to incorporate a complete package of tag, registration and DNA, and am writing to give you some important information in advance of its launch.

INTERFACE GOES 'LIVE'

We are delighted with the help and support that our three main partners the Australian Wagyu Association, Caisley& TL Biolabs have given us to create this UK-leading facility and ensure the viability of the WBA for the long term.

You will soon receive an email entitled 'Wagyu Breeders Association - Account Activation' from TL Biolabs (TLB). TLB have built the bespoke online interface for us to handle all Wagyu registrations, tags and DNA as well as invoice generation and payment. Please follow the instructions in the email to log in for the first time with a temporary password which you can then subsequently change for your own security.

IMPORTANT: when you first log in, a connection between the WBA Interface and your animals on BCMS will need to be established. To enable this, you will need your CTS Online ID (3 digits-3 digits-3 digits). You should be able to find this on your original BCMS correspondence or by telephoning BCMS who we believe can give you this information over the ‘phone provided you say that it is for use with 'an approved software package' (which TL Biolabs is). Please note that your 3 digit-3 digit-3 digit CTS Online ID is not your government gateway 16-digit ID. This is for your own security as it means that the WBA Interface has access to your BCMS data only.

The WBA is fully aware that, despite Wagyu being a high-value premium product with a potentially excellent return, finances within farming are extremely tight at the moment. We therefore have to take this into account when looking at the future viability of the Wagyu Breeders Association given the relatively small numbers of pure and crossbred Wagyu animals in the UK and Southern Ireland. This means we have to encourage as many farmers as possible to register their animals under the auspices of the WBA to ensure sufficient income for the work of the Association going forward.

We have listened carefully to commercial farmers for whom the payment of the 'whole package' of registration, tag plus DNA up front adds a considerable amount to the cost of a calf as well as in terms of cash-flow. Therefore, the WBA Board has decided to put in place through the new interface a 'two-stage payment' mechanism for commercial, crossbred animals. The tag and registration will be paid at stage one (when 'clicking' the animal in question on the Interface) with the DNA payable at stage two when the animal reaches 365 days of age provided it has not been marked as 'dead' on BCMS or transferred to a non-member. Please note, this two-stage payment option is for commercial animals only. All pedigree animals have to be routinely DNA'd for both sire and dam so it seems sensible that the registration, tag and DNA package is actioned in one go.

WBA BOARD & ELECTIONS

Can I first remind you that Pearce Hughes stood down as a Board Member earlier in the year simply due to the pressure of his job with Asda combined with a recent new addition to his young family.  I would like here to put on record my personal thanks to him for all his enthusiasm and hard work which has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today. I hope one day he might return to the office but fully understood his situation.

We have been extremely fortunate that Rob Cumine has come onto the WBA Board in his place; many of you will know him from being Keynote Speaker at our Official Launch in November 2014. There are few people in the world better qualified as a Director of the WBA, and Rob has already made an impressive impact in the meetings he has been involved in. He brings a wealth of experience with his knowledge of the Wagyu breed, genetics and meat technology. His job with Coles, one of the top supermarkets in Australia, means he is now commuting between Australia and the UK and, as a result, is easily able to communicate with the Australian Wagyu Association on our behalf. He also knows about practical cattle farming with his growing ‘Natural Wagyu’ business in West Wales.

The WBA Board currently numbers five and it is our intention that this increase over time yet still be a manageable number. It would seem sensible that it encompasses the views of its representative areas namely England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & the Republic of Ireland. I would welcome your thoughts on this in terms of Board make-up, numbers and election procedure so please do not hesitate to pass on your views for consideration.

FRIENDS OF THE WBA/ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

In September, it our intention to launch a ‘Friends of the WBA’ Membership. This is aimed at those with an interest in the Wagyu breed but without cattle to register, namely farm shops, butchers, wholesalers, hotels, restaurants, retailers and processors. Not only will this help as an extra source of income for the WBA but will, we hope, expand the reach of the Association and increase awareness and education at grass roots level.

SPRING CONFERENCE & AGM

The proposed AGM will unfortunately not happen this year due to the priority of getting the new Interface up-and-running. We hope, however, that we can hold an AGM in the Spring next year perhaps in tandem with another successful Spring Conference?

It remains vital to spread the Wagyu ‘message’ throughout the regions and there are opportunities out there to address NBA meetings, NFU talks or other farmer meetings. If you are able to help with any of these or with an Open Day, Farm Walk or other event, please get in touch with Company Secretary Richard Saunders. It is only by getting the word out there on the ground and in front of farmers that we can promote the breed and develop its potential.

Please do not be shy in publicising all Wagyu news as our website and social media (Facebook & Twitter) are garnering a growing following! Please email any news items to info@britishwagyu.co.uk and we will ‘share’ them as appropriate.

In closing, I am confident that the imminent launch of the new WBA Interface will lead the industry in the provision of 100% integrity to the world’s finest British Wagyu beef.

Mike Tucker
Chairman
Wagyu Breeders Association

Yorkshire Wagyu Wins Top Award for Asda

Asda's Special Wagyu Rib-Eye steak won two out of 18 awards at the recent Meat Management Awards that took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel in front of 450 guests.

A special congratulations to our very own WBA Board Members Jonathan Shepherd and Jim Bloom who produce and supply Asda with this Award Winning Wagyu Beef. 

For all the details and to see what awards were won, please have a look at the link below. 
http://your.asda.com/awards/our-wagyu-rib-eye-came-top-at-the-meat-management-awards

AHDB Meat Export Conference 30 June 2015

Wagyu Breeders Association Company Secretary Richard Saunders attended the 11th Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Meat Export Conference at Stoneleigh Park, Warks, on 30th June. The conference outlined the future for further growth of meat exports in view of supply constraints and trade challenges. More than 100 representatives heard from industry experts on export trends, opportunities and challenges for the red meat sector. 

Richard's thoughts were are follows: 

Despite some competitive disadvantages such as the relatively strong £pound, the outlook for UK beef exports is positive into the EU as well as Asia and MENA (Middle East/North Africa). In demand due to its strong heritage and provenance under the 'British' flag, UK beef is also backed by the highest standards of animal welfare and food security. With the help of prospection and trade support, Jean-Pierre Garnier, Head of Exports for AHBD Beef & Lamb, said UK exporters needed to add value as well as ensure 'a great eating experiece and consistency of product; good presentation and packaging; as well as service, service, service.' In terms of market access, 95 countries are currently open to UK beef.

UNIQUE PACKAGE OF BENEFITS UNVEILED AT BRITISH WAGYU SPRING CONFERENCE

Three major contracts underpin progressive registration, tagging and branding facility

The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) held its Spring Conference on Friday 22nd May 2015 near York where a unique package of benefits for Wagyu breeders and farmers was unveiled. Aimed at ensuring complete product integrity and lifetime traceability backed by a ‘British Wagyu’ branded ear tag, the details of three major contracts with the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), Caisley Tags and TL Biolabs respectively were announced. Together, these provide pedigree and commercial Wagyu producers with animal registration and DNA authentication all at a single ‘click of a button’ via a bespoke database interface.

Held at WBA Director Jonathan Shepherd’s 500-head crossbred and purebred Wagyu cattle enterprise at Field House Farm, Huggate Road, Tibthorpe, Driffield, around 80 existing and prospective Members were in attendance. In his introduction, WBA Chairman, Mike Tucker, said: “As producers of Wagyu beef, widely held as the world’s finest, our focus is on building a premium brand backed by the best science and technology available. Working in partnership with Australia, we can harness their world-leading marbling and tenderness technology secure in the knowledge that all Wagyu-sired animals are backed by the assurance of DNA and the ‘British Wagyu’ tag – all accessed through an easy-to-use, farmer-friendly database.”

Visitors were able to not only witness first-hand the management, growing and finishing regime on-farm but at the same time see the importance of developing a visible brand - with all calves sporting a DNA-verified British Wagyu tag. There followed practical demonstrations of the Caisley Geno Flexo-Plus tissue punch tag as well as the bespoke database built for the Wagyu Breeders Association by TL Biolabs.

Naturally, sampling the taste and tenderness of Wagyu beef was also centre-stage! Catering was provided by The Yorkshire Wagyu Company which Jonathan Shepherd runs in partnership with another WBA Director Jim Bloom. Guest chef was Martin Shaw who runs The Dining Room in Driffield, and Spring Conference attendees were treated to a carpaccio of Wagyu topside marinated in wine and cider vinegar followed by a Wagyu burger served in a brioche bun from Fullers Bakery and homemade pickles from Puckett’s Pickles of York.

The Spring Conference followed the day after the WBA’s successful inaugural stand at the National Beef Association's Beef Expo at York Market on Thursday 21st May.

Summing up the Spring Conference, WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders said: “British Wagyu is building an easily-identifiable, high-value brand which is able to stand up to the highest scientific scrutiny. Ensuring complete integrity and provenance are key to maintaining a premium product and 100% consumer confidence in the finest-tasting and most tender Wagyu beef.”

Grateful thanks are once again extended to WBA Sponsors Caisley, Harbro, RAFT Solutions, Grass Science & Kelvin Cave

WBA Spring Conference: Programme & Timings 21-22 May

Please find below the full programme and timings for the Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) Spring Conference to be held in and around York 21-22 May. Participants will be able to see first-hand the new web-enabled interface incorporating tagging, DNA and linking to the registration/performance-recording facility of the Australian Wagyu Association. Key to this rounded approach lies the marketing of Wagyu beef under the 'British Wagyu' brand backed up by the rigours of DNA testing combined with tamper-proof sample storage and life-time traceability. Exclusive to WBA Members, this joined-up package also 'ticks the boxes' of being cost-effective, secure and simple-to-use for breeders and producers. Sponsors will also be present either with stands or putting on practical demos on the Friday. These include: Grass Science, Caisley, TL Biolabs, Harbro, RAFT Solutions & Kelvin Cave. A number of existing or prospective WBA Members have registered to attend but limited places are still available if you would like to find out about Wagyu cattle or beef - renowned as the World's finest tasting! This invitation is open to all interested farmers, breeders, farm shops, chefs, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, caterers and so on. All Welcome! Please click here or telephone Company Secretary Richard Saunders on 07901-768904 to register.

Thurs 21 May

WBA stand within National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo, York Auction Centre, Murton Lane, York, YO19 5GF. Please note there is a charge by NBA for entry to the event. Open to public 9am-5pm. Joint stand with Yorkshire Wagyu Co.

Fri 22 May

WBA Spring Conference, c/o Jonathan Shepherd's 500-head mainly commercial Wagyu enterprise at Field House Farm, Huggate Road, Tibthorpe, Nr Driffield, YO25 9JZ

10.00 (refreshments) Chairman's Welcome followed by Jonathan Shepherd's Introduction to the farm

10.30 WBA Director Jim Bloom reports on Wagyu World Conference held in Australia 8-10 May. Q&A

1100 Caisley Presentation (Geno FlexoPlus tissue punch tag) followed by Q&A

11.30 TL Biolabs Presentation (new web-enabled interface) followed by Q&A

13.00 Lunch/Chef demo

13.30 Farm Walk & practical tagging demo at Rearing Unit

14.30 Drive to Growing Unit (optional visit to view Lucerne crop)

15.00 Depart

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. 

WBA MEETS ROYAL ACADEMY OF CULINARY ARTS

Friday 24th April saw a meeting between Wagyu Breeders Association Director Martine Chapman together with Brian Turner, President of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, and John Williams, Executive Chef of The Ritz London. Held at The Ritz, Martine was accompanied by her husband Moisin Altajir who run the noted Highland Wagyu enterprise at Burnside of Balhaldie, Dunblane, Perthshire.

Brian Turner, the well-known 'Celebrity Chef', is President of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts which was founded in 1980 and is Britain's leading professional association of head chefs and restaurant managers. The Academy’s objectives are primarily focused on the education and training of young people in the hospitality industry, recognising and rewarding talent and skill, as well as raising standards and awareness of food and food provenance.

Commenting, Martine Chapman said: "This was a really good first meeting and one we hope to build on as both our organisations share the same goals of providing great-tasting produce with assured quality and integrity. Brian and John certainly seemed to be impressed with the texture, flavour and marbling of Wagyu beef."

It is hoped that the contacts made will see a number of chefs attend the Wagyu Breeders Association Spring Conference to be held Thursday 21st to Friday 22nd May 2015 in the York area. For further information on the WBA Spring Conference and to register your interest, click here or email info@britishwagyu.co.uk.