Growing demand for grass-fed Wagyu beef could provide opportunities for farmers to produce these cattle on their own farms.
Farming Connect is hosting an event in Llandissilio in January at which the two men who created Pembrokeshire-based Natural Wagyu will set out their proposal for other farmers to be part of the supply chain.
Rob Cumine and Will Prichard have established markets for their Wagyu beef and are now seeking to increase supply to match growing demand.
Mr Cumine, who will address farmers at the Farming Connect event on January 9th, said the business hoped to link up with a small number of like-minded farmers.
“We have a couple of options in mind, one of which is to be part of a producer group with Natural Wagyu facilitating the marketing,’’ he explained.
“We have had four producers who have worked with us this year to supply cattle and we want to grow that number.’’
Natural Wagyu supplies London-based Whole Foods as well as many restaurants and food outlets and that customer base is increasing.
Originally from Japan, Wagyu beef is revered for its incredibly high level of fat marbling.
Most commercial Wagyu enterprises fatten cattle in feedlots, but Natural Wagyu cattle are fed grass and forage.
The company has invested in superior genetics and its bulls are in the top 1% of the breed globally.
Mr Cumine says its proposal to farmers would enable them to produce beef in a way that would bring them closer to the end customer.
Also speaking at the Farming Connect diversification event will be Justin Scale, of Capeston Organics, Walwyn’s Castle, who is offering farmers the chance to increase their income by growing free-range chickens on the company’s behalf.
More and more farmers will be now seeking diversification opportunities as a desirable option to add to their current income streams.
“In addition to these type of events, Farming Connect have a plethora of services to support the diversification process, from 1-2-1 Surgeries, the Advisory Service or by joining an Agrisgôp group to develop ideas with likeminded people. I would urge anyone who is considering diversifying to tap into this available support by visiting our website or by contacting your local development officer today” said Carys Thomas, Farming Connect Regional Manager.
The event is held at 7.30pm, 9th January 2018 at the Nantyffin Hotel, Llandissilio and booking is essential. Please contact the Farming Connect Service Centre on 08456 000813 or e-mail farmingconnect@
Farming Connect, receives funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.