British Wagyu has been featured in the most recent Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) Update magazine published in January 2022. The double-page spread highlights the growing impact that British Wagyu producers are having on the UK livestock industry as well as going into some detail about the successful partnership being developed with Australia. To read the full article please click HERE. Wishing you a good read!
MEAT IMAGING USA AT BCBC CONFERENCE 25 JANUARY
A Packed Programme Of Expert Speakers From The UK And Beyond Will Inform And Inspire Delegates At The British Cattle Breeders Conference in January 2022
The theme for the conference, which will be held virtually on 25 January, is ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ to reflect BCBC chair Karen Wonnacott’s drive to deliver positive, forward-looking messages after the difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the current challenges facing the agricultural industry.
Desi Cicale, Founder & CEO of Meat Imaging USA
In the beef room, founder and CEO of Meat Imaging USA, Desi Cicale will share her insights into the recent introduction of Meat Image Japan (MIJ) carcase camera technology to the UK, and what benefits it could offer not only Wagyu producers over here but the wider UK beef industry.
Says WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders: “This is a hugely exciting time for the premium end of the beef industry with customers demanding not only superior eating quality but also animals that are fully traceable and reared to the highest welfare standards. At the end of 2021, we introduced world-leading Meat Image Japan (MIJ) carcase camera technology into UK Wagyu production enabling us to collect a myriad of marbling score and other data to ultimately differentiate and reward quality. This reinforces the already successful British Wagyu assurance scheme which unites all parts of the supply chain in assuring the integrity of the British Wagyu brand. We are on our way to creating a global standard for Wagyu beef and an internationally comparable grading system for Beef Marbling Standard (BMS).”
The British Cattle Breeders’ Club ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ Conference will give you just what you need to kickstart your 2022 and the organisers look forward to welcoming you to the event to listen to the industry-leading speakers it has gathered together. Please click HERE for the Full Programme or to book your virtual place on the online conference on 25th January, please see www.cattlebreeders.org.uk
BRITISH WAGYU AT LAMMA SHOW - NEW DATE 4-5 MAY 2022
Introducing the Farming 4.0 Trail:
The Future of Agriculture
For the first time, British Wagyu will be represented at the Lamma Show being held at the NEC, Birmingham 4-5 May 2022 (postponed from 11-12 January). Come and find us in Hall 7 (stand 7.824). As the UK moves towards its NetZero goal, British Wagyu will be part of the Farming 4.0 Trail, helping you farm more sustainably and efficiently. The Farming 4.0 Trail will be the go-to feature for LAMMA attendees who want to discover the fourth generation of farming technology. The latest and greatest products for the future that are helping farmers re-imagine agriculture! Visitors following the Trail will get a first look at the machines and technology that will redefine farming and help re-imagine what's possible - in our case MIJ (Meat Image Japan) carcase camera technology which the British Wagyu Breeders Association has recently brought to the UK. Whether smart technology for livestock or Big Data, you'll see what the future of farming looks like at LAMMA 2022.
MEAT IMAGING'S DESI CICALE TO SPEAK AT BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE
Meat Imaging USA CEO & Founder, Desi Cicale, has been announced as one of the keynote speakers at the next British Cattle Breeders Conference due to be held virtually on 25 January 2022.
Desi Cicale
Says Desi: “Meat Imaging USA (MIUSA) was facing a market that did not understand how to interpret above-Prime meat quality, and struggled to demonstrate the advantages of carcases that yielded higher marbling scores. MIUSA desired to move forward to engage the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) to expand its beef quality grading system to accommodate the extraordinary quality of Wagyu beef. With the demand for premium quality beef proven to be an emerging market, the contribution of Wagyu cattle with their exceptional marbling quality far exceeds the USA Prime Grade. Meat Imaging USA’s main objective is to help producers grade their beef with a standardized, uniform grading system developed by MIJ (Meat Image) Japan.”
MIJ Camera App in use at a processor
Over the last 30 years, MIJ Japan has developed grading technology that is the most advanced digital analysis system for measuring carcase merit. The MIJ team is recognized the world over for its cutting-edge technology.
MIJ Mobile App being used by a small-scale producer
In 2020, Australia recognized the significance of this technology and organized a thorough research study that would compare traditional processes with the new technology provided by MIJ labs. Impressively, they found that the MIJ cameras not only mirrored the results collected traditionally but provided more comprehensive and accurate measurements. In 2021, MIJ camera technology was granted conditional approval by their statutory body Aus-Meat.
The MIJ camera generates a huge amount of key data from each carcase scan
The British Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) has now introduced this technology to the UK and has joined other countries with expanding Wagyu populations – such as Germany – in using MIJ. This brings with it the potential to create a global standard for Wagyu beef and an internationally comparable grading system for Beef Marbling Standard (BMS).
At the conference, Desi will show the MIJ-30 camera in action and demonstrate its use via a mobile app downloaded to a smartphone. The ‘bigger picture’ of how carcase data is captured, and how this information can then be exploited, will also be explored.
For further information on the conference, see www.cattlebreeders.org.uk. To find out more about MIJ carcase camera technology see www.meatimaging.com
IMMINENT INTRODUCTION OF MIJ CAMERA TECHNOLOGY
MIJ (Meat Imaging Japan) camera technology is being introduced to the UK to grade Wagyu carcases for the first time.
MIJ Mobile App being used by a processor
MIJ is the globally recognised and trusted scientific leader in the objective measurement of beef, focusing on Wagyu’s all-important USP of marbling, with over 30 years of published research and development.
Demonstration of MIJ Mobile App in small-scale production
Through a partnership with Meat Imaging USA, the Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) is now ready to introduce this technology to the UK. Developed by MIJ, the MIJ-30 camera takes images from the cut ribeye surface to predict marbling score, marbling fineness, ribeye area, fat colour and meat colour to give an overall BMS (Beef Marbling Standard) grade. Also available as a mobile app downloaded to a smartphone, this device reduces human error by providing an objective view of the carcase.
Typical scan analysis report - MIJ technology provides a vast amount of objective carcase data
This technology has been extensively used in Japan, USA as well as Australia where it has recently been granted conditional approval by their statutory body Aus-Meat. MIJ technology has the potential to create a global standard for Wagyu beef and an internationally comparable grading system for BMS. It can bring your production programme to another level and unite the Wagyu breed with consistent, objective analysis and a uniform grading system.
The potential benefit for British Wagyu is huge. Comments WBA Director Philip Maddocks: “Not only will MIJ camera technology give us a way to differentiate on price as well as quality, but the carcase data we collect will help us improve our genetics as well as our efficiency of production to maximise return. As Wagyu breeders and producers, we can use this tool to change the beef industry as we know it.”
Adds WBA Company Secretary, Richard Saunders: “We have now agreed a pricing and service package with Meat Imaging USA who will act as distributor of the MIJ technology. The process is straightforward with WBA Members first purchasing their own Googlephone (a Google Pixel 4 or one of the newer versions - either XL, 4a 4G or 4a 5G). After placing an order with us, the 'hardware' is despatched which includes a carrying case, cradle lightsource, handle and yellow reference square along with directions for downloading the MIJ Mobile App and the MIJ Carcase Database App. Each user has their own private/unique account to access all the data and images.”
The initial cost, whilst not trivial, nevertheless benefits from the bulk price negotiated and includes all the hardware, software and up to 25 free images, service fee/licensing, training and so on to get Members started. The price for Year Two and beyond is obviously much reduced.
For further information, including pricing, please contact WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders (info@britishwagyu.co.uk) or see www.meatimaging.com which has a number of videos explaining how this innovative technology works in practice.
BRITISH WAGYU NEWSLETTER - SUMMER 2021
The WBA’s Summer 2021 Newsletter gives an insight into what is happening right now in the British Wagyu industry and worldwide with reports on Meat Image Japan camera technology, the British Wagyu Assurance Scheme as well as news, events and opinion. Members will have received this last week on their doorstep and hot-off-the-press! To read the Newsletter, please click HERE.
WAGYU REGISTRATIONS UP BY 65%
WAGYU REGISTRATIONS INCREASE BY +65% IN 2020 BCMS FIGURES
Figures released by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) for 2020 show that British Wagyu, known for its highly marbled premium beef, has increased its numbers by 65% on the year. The figures, for beef cattle born in England, Wales & Scotland reveal almost 10,000 Wagyu-sired calves were born in 2020. Of these, 8388 were crossbred (sired by a Wagyu bull) and 1047 purebred or Fullblood - totalling 9,435 head of Wagyu animals when compared to 5,699 in 2019. Please click HERE for a breakdown by country and type.
A group of Wagyu-cross calves each with their British Wagyu-branded DNA tissue punch ear tags
WBA Director Chris Dickinson says: “This is a real sign that Wagyu is well on its way to becoming a crucial part of the UK beef industry. British Wagyu is now on far more restaurant menus across the UK as customers are drawn to its high marbling and fantastic taste.”
The figures are backed by a British Wagyu quality assurance scheme now entering its second year together with the imminent introduction of MIJ (Meat Image Japan) camera technology which takes digital images from the cut ribeye surface to predict marbling score, marbling fineness, ribeye area, fat colour and meat colour for an overall Beef Marbling Score (BMS) grade.
Demand is expected to continue to grow for what many consider the world’s finest beef.
A FOCUS ON WAGYU GENETICS
NOBLE HERD - MIKU WAGYU HERD - A FOCUS ON GENETICS
In the following article, Wagyu Breeders Association Member Luke Smith gives his perspective on Wagyu genetics. For the past four years his Noble Herd has been breeding first-cross (F1) Wagyus supplying both the wholesale and retail markets within the UK and EU.
“The Noble Herd places a strong emphasis on utilising high-performing Wagyu genetics as a key focus to producing the very best meat quality for consumers. As part of the ongoing effort to improve product quality, we have concluded an exclusivity arrangement with Miku Wagyu (www.mikuwagyu.com) to use the very best bulls from their herd which includes making these genetics available to breeders within the UK and EU, giving beef producers access to access to the very best performing genetics under F1 contract at an affordable price for commercial application.”
Explains Luke: “I’ve learnt over time that not all Wagyu genetics are suited to F1 Wagyu production and I believe that a focused approach to genetic selection for marbling accompanied with growth is key in establishing a sound supply chain.”
For MAXFQ50 EBVs, please click on the following link: http://abri.une.edu.au/online/cgi-bin/i4.dll?1=3C212A07&2=2420&4=59272F59252D24252E232E2F2A&5=2B3C2B3C3A&6=5B585C235827232721&9=5B5A5C
“Miku Wagyu is focused on breeding for top 1% marbling, but also producing marbling fineness accompanied with intrinsic efficiency performance breeding values. That does not mean that the other traits such as growth and carcase quality are left behind. The focus on quality aligns well with the Noble Herd’s main consideration that the Wagyu beef market in the UK and EU should be focused on the point of difference. It is marbling and the exceptional eating experience that sets Wagyu apart.”
For MIKU MAGIC-MIKE Q22 EBVs, please click on the following link:http://abri.une.edu.au/online/cgi-bin/i4.dll=3C212A07&2=232F5F&4=59272F59252D24252E232E2F2A&5=2B3C2B3C3A&6=5B585C242520582523&9=5252515E
"Beef as a commodity has come under some scrutiny in recent years due to concerns of the industry’s environmental impact as well as beef’s nutritional impacts. Market data reflects to some extent that beef consumption per capita in UK and EU markets has reduced. However, the data also shows that demand for a higher quality, locally produced beef product that responds to consumer concerns such around quality, nutritional value and the environment is growing. “
Continues Luke: “The beef industry must therefore become more competitive and position itself in the market as a luxury protein and develop solutions for improvement to meet consumer needs. Beef cattle can require up to three years for a cycle in genetic development and so our ability to accelerate genetic development is limited compared to that of say chicken or pork. The ability to source marbling genetics at the very top of the spectrum of sires available worldwide is a major breakthrough in Noble Herd’s drive to meet customer expectations.”
“Better marble score performance not only results in a more pronounced point of difference in beef marbling and marbling fineness, but also has significant potential to reduce the number of days to slaughter. This reduced days to slaughter and time on concentrate feeding means we can reduce our farm carbon footprint whilst increasing sustainability, something that customers and producers increasingly appreciate. “
It is Noble Herd’s belief that these sustainability benefits aren’t just limited to the environment but are economic as well. “In Northern Ireland at least, beef is more competitively produced from grass and so a more focused approach to sire selection is actually helping us drive improvements in efficiency as well as beef product marketability.”
Says Luke: “Better marbling or better marbling genetics also means a higher oleic acid content, as a percentage in our beef, being responsible for helping our body metabolise fat in a healthier way, producing more ‘good’ cholesterol whilst reducing our ‘bad’ cholesterol. So Wagyu actually may be a healthier option compared to Angus or continental beef, contrary to common misconceptions.”
“No other breed really produces a solution to beef nutrition concerns like Wagyu and with better marbling genetics, a better nutritional profile across a benchmark can be achieved, “ concludes Luke. “In summary, better marbling genetics helps us improve meat quality, product nutritional profile, environmental sustainability and economic sustainability. Miku Wagyu’s sires provide the very best genetics available to the UK and EU market and offer a unique solution for producers in addressing consumer needs. The Noble Herd, acting as a distributor and agent for Miku Wagyu, is in a position to provide these genetics to producers in the EU and UK.”
For further information, please contact: Luke Smith T/A Noble Herd, 31 Mackenny Road, Cookstown, Tyrone, Northern Ireland, UK , BT80 9NF. M: 07515874609 E: luke@nobleherd.com
NEW BRITISH WAGYU TRADEMARK ANNOUNCED
The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) has confirmed the establishment of a new trademark (pictured below) for British Wagyu beef meaning the distinctive logo and wording are now protected through the UK Government’s Intellectual Property Office.
Commenting, WBA Director Philip Maddocks, says: “The new trademark is an integral part of the British Wagyu Assurance Scheme which we launched last year. It provides a strong visual marker to underpin consumer confidence. The assurance scheme includes branded ear tags and DNA verification to unite all parts of the supply chain in assuring the integrity of the British Wagyu brand.”
The British Wagyu assurance scheme leads the industry in terms of traceability, animal welfare and trust to enhance the value of premium Wagyu beef. A number of retailers are committing to the scheme which will see the new logo soon start to appear on packaging and promotional materials.
NOTES ON THE BRITISH WAGYU ASSURANCE SCHEME
The British Wagyu Assurance Scheme was launched on 1st July 2020. With a branded tissue punch ear tag and sire verification at its core, the novel scheme unites all parts of the supply chain in assuring the integrity of the British Wagyu brand.
All rearers, growers, finishers, processors and retailers benefit from membership of the scheme as consumer demand for premium British Wagyu-assured beef grows – backed up by the distinctive new logo on packaging. It is financed through: agreements with the WBA’s major tag and DNA partners; logo royalties; and membership subscriptions.
The principles of the scheme are:
· All animals sire verified to a registered Fullblood Wagyu bull
· Dams either dairy-bred or native breeds
· All animals born in the United Kingdom
· All animals tagged with British Wagyu-branded DNA tissue-punch tag
· All animals DNA sire verified
· All animals BVD tested negative
· All animals whole-life Red Tractor assured
· Minimum age at slaughter 24 months; no maximum age
· No bull beef
The scheme will:
· Lead the industry in terms of traceability, animal welfare and consumer trust
· Enhance the integrity and value of premium Wagyu beef
· Be at the forefront of data collection for meat quality, performance efficiency and climate change
· Increase the profile and demand for British Wagyu
Integral to the success of the scheme are data collection and analysis which will underpin the financial return on investment. With a world-leading partner in place to carry out DNA and genomic testing, and with access to carcase and performance data linking back to all sires, the whole supply chain will quickly have at their fingertips a valuable marketing and breeding tool to maximise efficiency and profitability as well as ticking wider environmental boxes.
From the outset, these will include standard carcase information such as days to slaughter, DLWG, carcase weight, killing-out percentage, and over time will expand to key economic traits like retail yield and feed efficiency. In the short term, important management factors such as calving ease, birthweight, gestation length and (semen) fertility can be incorporated with the medium-term ambition being to add marbling (marble score and fineness), tenderness and taste into the equation.
WAGYU GERMANY SALE TOPS AT €10,500
GERMAN WAGYU SALE REACHES €10,500
24 Females average €5,571
91 Embryos level at €830 per
Breeding bulls average €4,120 for 5 sold
Semen €325 per straw
Sale grosses €231,450 (£210,000 circa)
The Wagyu DE sale, held online on Saturday 10th April 2021, realised a solid and consistent trade throughout resulting in an almost 100% clearance with 121 of the 123 lots finding buyers.
Females sold to a top of €10,500 for the August 2020-born maiden heifer Miss Beijara sired by World K’s Beijirou FB2289 consigned by Wagyu DE, Altenberge. At €10,000 was Vanami (pictured), an April 2019 heifer sold by Wagyu Auetal sired by Blackmore Kinusurukiku H224.
Embryos sold well with 91 averaging €830. Top price was €1,400 per embryo when 5 matings of Circle 8 Bulls Q122 & Philipp’s Mrs Pepper 836 (by Peppermill Grove L13) sold for €7,000 with potentially very high breeding values in marble score, marble fineness, ribeye and carcase weight.
Breeding bulls sold to a top of €5,000 with five averaging €4,120. Leading price was WM Mr Itodoi from Wagyu Muensterland linebred with Itozuru Doi TF151. Closing the sale were five straws of Goorambat Mr Marble K483 selling for €1,625 in total and consigned by Holstein Wagyu.
Averages:
24 Females €5,571
91 Embryos €830
5 Bulls €4,120
5 straws semen €325
Full results on www.wagyu.de
Vanami €10,000