The countdown is on! In just a fortnight, the wagyu community will gather in the Scottish Borders for our anticipated event: the Warrendale Wagyu Conference 2026, delivered in partnership with the British Wagyu Breeders Association.

This year’s theme, ‘Bright Horizons of Wagyu’, sets the tone for two days of forward‑thinking discussion, practical learning and a celebration of all the people shaping the future of premium beef production. Whether you’re already part of the Warrendale network or exploring new opportunities for your farm, the programme promises insight, inspiration and plenty of lively conversation.

We thought we would give you a sneak-peek of what to expect over the two days.

 

🌄 A Sector on the Up

Wagyu continues to carve out a distinctive place in the UK beef landscape, and this conference aims to unpack exactly why. From shifting consumer tastes to the realities of dairy‑beef integration, delegates will hear from leading voices across retail, nutrition, genetics and on‑farm management. The directors at Warrendale will give an insight into the opportunities for the market and why we can expect to see a growing market for years to come.

Across both days, expect a blend of market intelligence, hands‑on expertise and strategic thinking designed to help farmers boost productivity and profitability in a challenging economic climate.

🛒 Retail: What Consumers Want Next

Aldi buying director Tom Cokell will open the conference with a focus on supermarket trends. With wagyu now firmly on the radar of UK shoppers, Tom will explore how pricing, provenance and premiumisation are shaping the category — and what this means for producers.

🥩 Nutrition: Why Premium Proteins Matter

Renowned dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, who has spent more than a decade working with the red meat sector, will examine the growing consumer appetite for high‑quality proteins. Her session will delve into the science, the messaging and the opportunities for farmers producing beef with a nutritional edge. She will be joined by Professor David Barling, expert in food policy and food security and will highlight the opportunities for the UK.

🎉 Gala Dinner: A Night to Remember

Day one concludes with a celebration worthy of the wagyu name. Delegates will enjoy a menu built around exceptional wagyu steaks, followed by live music, a ceilidh, a charity auction and a special performance from one of the UK’s best‑known comedians, Rory Bremner.

As Warrendale MD Tom Richardson puts it, “We’re all excited for the conference — a chance to give back to our partners and celebrate with the wider wagyu community.”

🚜 Day Two: On‑Farm Learning at Kelloe Mains

The second day shifts from the conference hall to the field, with a full programme of workshops at Kelloe Mains Farm near Duns. Delegates will take part in sessions on genetics, nutrition, grazing management and best‑practice wagyu production, all delivered by experts who understand the realities of modern farming.

 

🐂 Wagyu Production: Lessons from the US

Flying in from Texas, wagyu specialist Dr Jimmy Horner will headline day two. With experience across more than 250 beef and dairy farms, he brings a wealth of practical know‑how on feeding, husbandry and producing consistently high‑grade wagyu. Meanwhile, Dr Ryan Davies will focus on his research around early colostrum management and nutritional guidance. The session will give give takeaways for farmers, no matter what stage of the supply chain you farm.

 

🌱 Grazing Expertise

Expert grazing advisor, Emily Grant from Forrit (Farming and Consultancy) will lead an interaction session on how farmers can make more of their grazing and level-up productivity, especially for wagyu cattle.

 

🩺 Health insights

There will also be a session on maintaining high health and how health protocols early on ensure the greatest chance of productivity animals and exceptional marbling. This session will be lead by Phil Alcock of Bishopton Vets.

 

🧬 Genetic insights

Through the exclusion relationship Genus has with Warrendale, they will present on the work they have been doing for the wagyu breed. They will highlight the insights from the impressive dataset around breed genetics, what it means for farmers and what you can expect from further research in the future.

 

 

🌱 Why Attend?

For existing partners, the conference is a chance to hear more about Warrendale’s strategic plans — how the business intends to maximise opportunities, strengthen the supply chain and support farmers through volatile markets.

For prospective partners, it’s an open invitation to discover what makes the Warrendale model different: a collaborative community, a premium product and a clear route to improving farm profitability.

Most importantly, it is a chance to network with peers and industry professionals, as well as being inspired from the mix of presentations, panel discussions, workshop and masterclass.

 

 

🎟 Tickets

Conference tickets are FREE, with Gala Dinner tickets at £70.

And it is not too late to come along. 

Book here to secure your place.

Two days. Expert speakers. Practical workshops. A farm tour. A gala dinner.
And a deep dive into the future of wagyu in the UK.

The horizon looks bright — come and be part of it.

The Warrendale Wagyu Conference 2026 is taking place at the Borders Event Centre in Kelso on 13 and 14 May, to celebrate the ‘Bright Horizons of Wagyu.’ It is a chance to give back to our farming community with two days of masterclasses, expert panel sessions, on-farm workshops and an evening of celebration and entertainment.

🎟️ Gala Dinner Tickets are £70 per head
🎟️ Day passes are FREE
👉🏻 Get Tickets Here

For more information about the conference, speaker line-up and accommodation options, check out the event page here.

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