WAGYU BREEDERS ASSOCIATION (WBA) PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of its Members and Directors, working in tandem with our partners throughout the supply chain, the Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) in the UK & Ireland is making great strides not just in terms of the numbers of cattle being registered but the overall influence the breed is having on beef production, its marketing as well as consumer demand. WBA aims are to work with all our partners to deliver a great product to the consumer reflecting the unique properties of Wagyu and furthering its reputation as the world’s finest beef!
MIJ CAMERA TECHNOLOGY
WAGYU BIRTHS UP BY +65%
MIJ (Meat Imaging Japan) technology has now
Figures released by the British Cattle Movement
reached the UK and is being used in both the
Service (BCMS) for 2020 show that British Wagyu,
Fullblood and crossbred sectors including at a major
known for its highly marbled premium beef, has
abattoir where several thousand scans are anticipated
increased its numbers by 65% on the year. The
in the first year. The potential benefit for British
figures, for beef cattle born in England, Wales &
Wagyu is huge.
Scotland reveal almost 10,000 Wagyu-sired calves
Comments WBA Director Philip Maddocks
were born in 2020. Of these, 8388 were crossbred
“Not only will the MIJ camera technology give us a
(sired by a Wagyu bull) and 1047 purebred or
way to differentiate on price as well as quality, but
Fullblood - totalling 9,435 head of Wagyu animals
the carcase data we collect will help us improve our
when compared to 5,699 in 2019. Wagyu now
genetics as well as our efficiency of production to
represents around 1.5% of beef-sired calves born in
maximise return. As Wagyu breeders and producers,
GB. The current growth predicts a 5% market share
we can use this tool to change the beef industry as we
within 3 years.
know it.”
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.” 48
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 79
