WAGYU BREEDERS ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN’S NOTE TO MEMBERS APRIL 2017

The Wagyu Breeders Association is to have a new integrated tag, DNA and registration facility up-and-running in time for the new Membership subscription year which runs from 1st July 2017, says WBA Chairman Mike Tucker.

As before, WBA Members will automatically be Overseas Members of the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) which brings with it the benefits of Fullblood registration as well as access to the performance recording and genetic advances of one of the foremost Wagyu associations worldwide, the AWA.

Importantly, there is to be a UK-based administration service to help guide Members through the tag, DNA and registration process. Pedigree Cattle Services (PCS) in Perth already works with 11 other breed societies in this country through the same ABRI and Breedplan provider used by our partners the AWA.

‘Although the WBA Board see the registration system and all that goes with it as being the most important thing that members want, we are also fully aware we must offer much more than that to attract new members,’ adds Mike.

‘The Board has therefore agreed to work together on the following important initiatives for our Members’ benefit which we all feel are vital if we are to give value to our existing Members as well as attract new ones.’

WBA Initiatives:

Wagyu Producer Group. To provide a co-ordinated approach to help smaller producers market their stock effectively; harness those beef and dairy farmers who have used Wagyu semen in the past.
Chefs Involvement. Getting chefs on board, as Friends of WBA Members, through targeted ‘Open Days’.
‘Welcome Pack’. For new members to include the process of registering animals.
Wagyu Quality Assurance. A published feeding, finishing and slaughter template of advisory notes to meet a WBA Quality Standard with Wagyu-branded tagging.
Fundraising & Finances. Fundraising activities such as ‘celebrity chef’ dinner or steak competition.
Communications. Monthly Newsletter & Social Media.
Regional Open Days. To spread the word and endeavour to attract more members throughout the regions.

The Board and individual members we have talked to are as certain as ever that we have a breed that has a very exciting future. We need everyone to be part of a solid team to make this work but also to give our existing and prospective members a service that will help develop their Wagyu business.

Wagyu is really going places. Please get in touch if you’d like to be part of it.

Michael Tucker

WBA Chairman