Launch Event 11-12 November 2014
The official launch of the Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) Ltd is to take place in Tetbury, Gloucestershire 11-12 November 2014. This follows the recent establishment of the WBA by a group of breeders and enthusiasts from around the UK with the aim of promoting British Wagyu beef and representing the interests of its members at home and abroad.
An informal ‘Wagyu & Wine’ reception on the evening of Tuesday 11th November will be followed on the Wednesday morning by a series of short presentations to include: the aims of the WBA; a technical and genetics paper; commercial feeding and rearing; as well as beef marketing.
Of course, no launch would be complete without Wagyu beef being centre stage so it is anticipated that a high-profile celebrity chef will be on hand to demonstrate just why Wagyu beef is arguably the finest tasting and most tender in the world.
The afternoon will see a farm visit incorporating Wagyu pure and crossbred cattle together with a scanning demonstration. It is also planned to have an introduction into how tissue-sampling tags can be used for both BCMS passports as well as DNA parentage in order to qualify for the Wagyu 'BlackGold' brand. Keynote speaker will be Rob Cumine, Agriculture Manager at Coles Supermarket (Australia) and founder of Clearview Farming in Pembrokeshire – a combination which gives him a unique insight into Wagyu genetics having been involved in breeding programmes both in Australia and the UK.
Chairman of the WBA is Wagyu breeder and well-known equestrian and agricultural commentator Mike Tucker who is part of a five-strong team of Directors comprising: Jonathan Shepherd of Wold Beef Solutions; Jim Bloom of the Yorkshire Wagyu Company; North Wales Wagyu breeder Pearce Hughes; together with Martine Chapman of Highland Wagyu, the UK’s largest producer of Wagyu livestock.
Says Mike Tucker: “I am delighted to be involved in this new venture and believe that the newly-established Wagyu Breeders Association can help British farmers attain a more profitable future and add value to all sectors of the supply chain. Our aim is to provide a voice for all those involved with Wagyu cattle and to promote not only the British Wagyu 'BlackGold' beef brand but to work on behalf of everyone with an interest in Wagyu cattle whether it be pedigree breeders, commercial producers, butchers or chefs.”
If you would like to join the WBA or find out more about the official launch on 11-12 November, please see the ‘Features’ section opposite, email info@britishwagyu.co.uk or contact Chairman Mike Tucker on 01666-502352.