Wagyu beef

[wagyu girl]

We are very new to this industry and have a herd of wagyu cattle that came with the farm. We have a number of steers/heifers and mature cows for sale but are not very well versed in the ways of maketing our beef.The wagyu buyer that did purchase some stock from this farm has limitations on the size and the age for purchase for the feedlot, it seems pretty difficult to get an 18 month old steer to 350 kg.... Some of our steers are over 400 now but they are nearly 2 years old.The herd had been picked through to sell before we bought the farm and our bull had a bent hoohaa and didn't do his job last year, he has moved on now and our life is most interesting.Talk about a baptism of fire or I should say flood..... Most of our neighbours think that wagyu beef cattle pretty much a waste of space and they suggest we get rid of them and get into these cross bred fashionable mixtures like Brangus, Charalais mixture or Braford etc. I don't really understand how you can have a stud Brangus bull, I thought a stud was a full blood animal.It seems everyone has their favourite and none are wagyu. Can someone please advise.

 

[Suzie Q]

I am sure you must know that Wagyu are marketed as being a different meat to normal cattle which they are suggesting you buy. It is an elitist meat. i would say your best bet would be to contact a Wagyu society and talk to them.

I just googled for you and this is the link to the Australian Wagyu Association.

http://wagyu.une.edu.au/

 

[wagyu girl]

Thanks Suzie Q, joined the Association last week am awaiting information and support from them as we type. I appreciate any input.

 

[RD-Sam]

I wouldn't think 350kg would be a problem at 18 months. You mentioned they were picked through before you bought the farm, I'm guessing you were left with some poor performers. You may have to change genetics to get them up to weight as well. I just got into the Wagyu myself, and mine are doing well as far as growth, I'm guessing 450 plus at 18 months at the rate they are growing. If you have a buyer, you have most of the battle won, just work on the cattle and get them up to weight.