The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) in partnership with Hexham & Northern Marts (HNM) will be holding its first official Breed Society Sale at Hexham Mart, Northumberland on Saturday 30th June 2018.

Known for its highly-marbled, premium beef this is the first sale of its kind in the UK with entries open to Full Members of the WBA which was established in 2014 to represent breeders in Britain & Ireland. A selection of top bloodlines will be made available with the sale expected to comprise in-calf heifers, recipients with embryo calves at foot, breeding bulls, semen and embryos.

In announcing the sale, WBA Director Steve Ramshaw says: "This is a great opportunity for new and existing breeders to buy into some top bloodlines based on prominent US & Australia genetics. There are great rewards to be had in producing Wagyu which is renowned as the world's best beef with tremendous returns possible throughout the supply chain." There will be an online bidding facility for those not able to get to the market on the day with a Pedigree Reader in attendance to guide prospective purchasers through the lots.

Adds HNM auctioneer Drew Patrick: " Our company is delighted and extremely excited to hold the first UK Elite Sale of Wagyu genetics here at Hexham, the first of its kind in Britain. The breed's profile is growing dramatically within the food and farming media for its superb eating quality. The demand for Wagyu genetics is increasing especially with those farmers who are looking to diversify their current beef enterprises."

Schedules and entry forms will be available shortly from Hexham Mart or online at www.britishwagyu.co.uk. For all sale enquiries, please contact HNM Auctioneer Drew Patrick on 07854 361967 or drew.patrick@hexhammart.co.u