Dairy farmers sit at the very start of the beef supply chain, yet too often that role has been undervalued. At Warrendale, we believe the success of the whole system depends on supporting dairy farmers properly – with the right genetics, the right support, and the right rewards.
Our approach is designed to fit seamlessly into dairy systems, reduce pressure on cows and people, and provide certainty in an otherwise volatile market.
Designed for the Dairy Cow First
Everything in the Warrendale system starts with the dairy cow. Our Wagyu genetics are carefully selected to produce compact, easy-calving calves, significantly reducing calving intervention and minimising damage to the cow.
Smaller calves mean:
- Less stress and trauma at calving
- Reduced post-calving complications
- Faster recovery and improved fertility
- Higher future conception rates
Importantly, our farmers say that dams maintain high milk yields, ensuring milk production is not compromised. Reduced calving difficulty also lowers labour and veterinary costs, allowing farmers to focus on herd performance rather than problem management.
Strong, Vigorous Calves with the Best Start
Warrendale calves are bred to thrive from day one. They are:
- Quick to stand and suckle
- Easy to handle
- Strong and vigorous
Our vaccination and feed protocols are designed to give calves the best possible start in life, reducing health challenges later on. We also use intranasal pneumonia treatments for early respiratory protection, supporting healthier calves from the outset.
To make things simpler on farm, calves are guaranteed to be collected when they are ready, avoiding backlogs and space pressure.
Dedicated support, not just a contract
We understand that no two farms are the same. That’s why Warrendale provides:
- Dedicated calf coordinators in both the North and South of the UK
- Weekly support and monitoring
- Holistic advice from experienced vets and nutritionists whenever you need it
- UK-wide coverage
This hands-on approach ensures problems are identified early and farmers always have someone to call who understands both dairy systems and the Warrendale supply chain.
Cash flow certainty when it matters most
Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges facing dairy farmers. Warrendale removes the guesswork by offering:
- A guaranteed calf price
- Fixed pricing for both male and female calves
- No market volatility or surprise deductions
With long-term, tied-in contracts, farmers can plan with confidence, knowing exactly what their calves are worth. Predictable income supports better financial decision-making and reduces exposure to fluctuating calf markets.
Fair Rewards and Flexible Systems
At Warrendale, we believe dairy farmers should be rewarded – not penalised – for their role in the supply chain.
That’s why we offer:
- No penalties or deductions
- Rewards for going above and beyond
- Flexibility on numbers to suit individual systems
We also ensure:
- Equal pricing for Wagyu semen, competitive with continental breeds
- High conception rates, supporting reliable herd performance
- DNA tagging, providing full traceability with minimal extra work on farm
Welfare-Led from Farm to Collection
Animal welfare is central to everything we do. Our system includes:
- Regular, predictable calf collections
- State-of-the-art trailers designed for stress-free transport
- Clear communication so farmers know exactly what to expect
This reduces pressure on housing, labour, and time, while ensuring calves move through the system calmly and safely.
A Partnership Built for the Long Term
Warrendale is not about short-term gains or box-ticking. It is about building a resilient, transparent, and rewarding supply chain that works for dairy farmers today and into the future.
Moreover, by reducing risk, improving cow health, supporting cash flow, and offering genuine partnership, Warrendale ensures dairy farmers are valued as a crucial part of the system – not just the starting point. Actually, our entire ethos is built on transparency and fairness for everyone in the supply chain. So you know that not only are you benefiting, but you are also setting up rearers, growers and finishers for success too. And you are ensuring that the people buying the meat, at the end of the supply chain, are eating meat that offers cooking and eating consistency.
For dairy farmers looking for certainty, simplicity, and fair reward, Warrendale offers a better way forward.
Next steps:
Want to speak to someone about implementing Wagyu on your farm? Call: 01759 361 254. We can also put you in touch with one of our current dairy farmers to find out more about working with Warrendale.
