| 39 Working up to Japanese Wagyu fullblood herd While patience is required in building a quality herd Malcom says it can be a wise investment, long-term. Karen Phelps The Wagyu breed is growing in popularity in both New Zealand and worldwide with a number of breeders associations forming in recent years underpinned by the support of the World Wagyu Council, says president of the New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association, Malcom Collier. “People see the quality of Wagyu beef and its increasing popularity as visibility and promotion increases. It’s the best beef you could ever hope to eat. However it needs to be marketed in New Zealand both as grass fed as well as grain fed beef. We have a different and unique product here,” he says. Malcom and his wife Chari farm a 90ha farm at Pakaraka with another 60ha leased next-door. They have a herd of around 250 Wagyu including some Fullbloods and are working towards upgrading the herd to all full bloods. Fullblood means both dam and sire are fully descended from 100% Japanese Wagyu bloodlines. The New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association was established in 1992 to promote the breed and help people with their journey to become Wagyu breeders. It’s a small, dedicated but growing membership. “The export Wagyu beef coming out of New Zealand is predominantly F1 Wagyu Friesian cross which is just 50% Wagyu,” says Malcom. “The F1cross works as Friesians grow faster and have white fat while the Wagyu’s superior marbling and carcass quality balance the lack of those desirable traits in straight Friesians. So F1 Wagyu / Friesian calves can be more valuable than traditional bobby calves.” The marbling or intramuscular fat Wagyu meat contains provides moisture, tenderness and flavour having up to 300 per cent more monosaturated fat than other beef. It’s genetically disposed to have a higher percentage of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a healthier option than most other red meats. In addition Malcom says Wagyu offers calving ease, moderate temperament and good carcass yield. While patience is required in building a quality herd Malcom says it can be a wise investment, long-term. “Wagyu are raised without growth promotants, hormones, or antibiotics. As a Wagyu breeder taking a holistic approach raising them includes having a calm, safe environment and maintaining good animal nutrition year round with quality feed. Malcom grew up in Taihape where several generations of his family have farmed sheep and beef since the 1880s. It was in 1994 he started farming Wagyu cattle before moving to the present farm. RURAL PEOPLE » Wakarua Station Currently there are a small number of Wagyu breeders in New Zealand who are importing genetics and focusing on improving their herds. The Australian Wagyu Association database helps them make strategic decisions with its full blood cattle. DNA profiled animals in New Zealand can be entered in the national herd register kept by the New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association. Malcom says the demand for the Wagyu bulls he sells privately outstrips supply. As interest in the breed grows the New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association is considering holding its first online stock sale later this year, via Bidr. Proudly supporting Wakarua Station Kaikohe 401 1536 Kerikeri 407 7354 Waipapa 401 6654 Kawakawa 404 0842 • Residential and civil works • Rural developments • Farm maintenance • Site clearing • Civil works, road preparation • Driveways • Drilling, piling • Retaining walls • Drainlaying • Demolition Excavators to get the job done in Northland T: 09 404 1933 M: 021 919 142 E: admin@northlandearthmoving.co.nz 278 Paihia Road, Kawakawa 0282 WAKARUA WAGYU Livestock for Sale Kerikeri, Far North • A Wagyu breeding herd of 30 years standing • All animals DNA profiled and parent verified Purebred Breeding stock for sale • Yearling Bulls in spring • Rising 2yr Bulls • Rising 2yr Heifers • Older MA cows VIC - in autumn Contact Malcom Collier Ph 021 523 038 info@wakarua.com
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