Warrendale Wagyu is partnering with Munster Bovine and Kepak Group to develop the supply chain in Ireland.
A Wagyu calf-to-beef programme is launching in Ireland.
Warrendale Wagyu, a Yorkshire-based Wagyu beef business, currently works in partnership with over 750 farmers in the UK, and is expanding into Ireland.
It will be hosting information evenings in December to promote its supplier programme.
This is expected to be of “strong interest” to Irish dairy farmers “looking for a guaranteed market outlet for their calves and joining a programme with environmental and economic benefits”.
Warrendale Wagyu is partnering with Munster Bovine and Kepak Group to develop the supply chain in Ireland under the Warrendale Wagyu Ireland brand.
Payments
Farmers who produce Wagyu under this heifer and steer programme are being guaranteed a €200 payment for their four-week-old calf, as well as an additional €50 premium to the breeder after the animal has been processed.
Warrendale Wagyu said that research has shown that a Wagyu dairy breed cross is “effective at producing easy-calving and hardy animals with outstanding eating quality and excellent sustainability credentials”.
The business will host three information evenings which will take place in Munster next week to outline the benefits for farmers who sign up to the programme:
- Tuesday, December 12: Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty, Co Cork, at 7.30pm;
- Wednesday, December 13: Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, at 11am;
- Wednesday, December 13: Fitzgerald Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Co Limerick, at 7.30pm.
‘Huge demand’
Tom Richardson, Warrendale Wagyu managing director, said: “We are looking forward to speaking to farmers at our upcoming series of events.
“We are passionate about working with farmers across all stages of the supply chain to promote the highest quality meat that is in huge demand from the market.”
Doreen Corridan, Munster Bovine chief executive, added: “The Munster Bovine dairy beef programme is focused on offering the best genetics to our dairy farmers ensuring they get maximum value for their calves in addition to the security of easy calving and short gestation.
“Calf purchasers need a high CBV healthy calf to ensure profitability and also need to be able to conveniently source calves direct from dairy herdowners.
“We welcome the team from Warrendale Wagyu and also look forward to meeting herd owners for what will be a very informative series of meetings in preparation for the 2024 calving season.”
