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05th Sep 2022

Localised Wagyu Systems
Producing some of the best Wagyu in the country is by no means, no easy feat. However, Alan Dickinson and son Chris are able to make it look easy due to the farming system they have in place. The Dickinson family work together on their farm at North Netherscales, based between Penrith and Carlisle, and say that attention to detail pays off.

The traditional beef breeds have gradually been replaced, with now around 120 Wagyu cattle on their farm. The Wagyu's arrive at North Netherscales at around 18-21 months old from local grass-fed farms, which in turn, helps to reduce the environmental impact of transporting cattle from farm to farm.
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As a director of the British Wagyu Breeders Association, Chris uses his business development, creativity and innovation to promote the breed. Chris says that the growth of the breed is demonstrated in the British figures, as Wagyu numbers are up by a third over the past year.

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Chris Dickinson "We started taking on Wagyu cattle several years ago now, replacing our traditional beef breeds. Due to the localised systems which have been created in our area, we are able to take in cattle at around 18-21 months old from local grass-fed farms, which are stress free and calm, having only travelled several miles to get to us. The quality of beef produced is very sought after, and it is thanks to Warrendale's Nutritionist who we work with, to be able to create feeds using our own crushed barley, straw, rape meal, beet pulp and extra minerals, meaning that the cows have a fantastic blend and balance of everything they need to produce a high-quality product, creating the marbling desired."

Alan Dickinson "The finished product is now sold online, in restaurants and shops and it has been wonderful to see our hard work in a final product on the shelves and to know it was our input and attention to detail that means such a high-quality product can be accessed by all"


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There are around 400 partner farmers currently, with around 20,000 animals on the ground, with over 100 of these farmers coming from Cumbria. At Warrendale we try keep everything as local as possible. Connecting dairy farmers with local rearers and then same for growers and finishers. Warrendale have been able to create these local hubs, with the largest in Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Shropshire.