Wagyu Cattle: Breed Profile
The Japanese breed famous for extreme marbling.
Wagyu means Japanese cattle. The breed includes Japanese Black and Japanese Red types, developed for draft work and then for meat in Japan. Wagyu cattle were imported to the United States in the late twentieth century, and American Wagyu are often crossed with Angus.
Purpose
Wagyu are raised for highly marbled beef, which commands high prices. Producers feed them for a long period to build marbling.
Where the breed stands today
The breed is growing in North America, with an association and active breeders. Fullblood and crossbred animals both exist.
What to look for in a Wagyu project animal
Look for a moderate frame, a black or red coat, correct legs and a calm temperament. Ask for carcass and marbling records on the parents. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.
Showing Wagyu at 4-H and FFA
Cattle are judged as breeding animals, as market animals and in showmanship. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.
Pros
- A strong story for direct sales and carcass contests
- Calm, easy-to-handle animals
- Growing breed support
- Beef cattle shows usually offer breed classes, showmanship and market classes, so there are several ways to compete.
- Cattle teach feeding, grooming, handling and record keeping, which carry over to every other project.
Cons
- Wagyu take longer to finish and cost more to raise
- Show classes may be limited
- Quality animals can be expensive
- Cattle projects are expensive once feed, vet care, entry fees and travel are added up.
- A steer or heifer needs a sturdy pen, a wash rack, a trailer and a place to work every day.
Caring for your project
Plan on daily feeding, brushing and halter work for months before the show. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.
Getting started
A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Wagyu. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.
Planning your budget
Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.
Show-day tips
Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.
Learning from the ring
Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.
Questions to ask a breeder
- Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
- How old is she, and what has she been fed?
- How has she been handled, and what is her temperament?
- What vaccinations, health care and treatments has she had?
- Will she be eligible for the classes and sale at my show?
Bottom line
Wagyu are a good fit for carcass and direct-sale projects with committed support.
To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Cowboy Opens Spa for Cattle, Offers Mud Masks and Salt Lick Facials, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.