Wagyu to steak a claim

A Canterbury firm is hoping to get more Southland farmers interested in producing Wagyu beef.

Waitaha Wagyu has developed farming techniques in association with Japanese farmers and the Japanese Meat Society.

The company’s slogan is ‘‘New Zealand environments, Japanese technique’’.

Company spokesperson Beth Pettigrew said the main purpose of a tasting, to be held in Winton this evening, was to meet Southland dairy farmers.

Waitaha Wagyu said it was the only producer in the country that had grain-fed Wagyu beef.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chairperson Miles Anderson said Waitaha’s Japanese connections were a good opportunity to expose New Zealand produce on a global marketplace.

‘‘It’s a good idea for New Zealand producers to be showcasing our wares to the world,’’ he said.

‘‘The international influences will create demand overseas.’’

While it is very popular in Australia, Wagyu is not common in New Zealand, according to Federated Farmers.

At the tasting event in Winton people will be able to sample Wagyu aburi sushi, Wagyu burgers and slow-cooked cheek and shanks.

The dishes are cooked by a visiting Japanese sushi chef and Ken Smith, from Adagio, in Winton.

The free event starts at 6:30pm today at the Middle Pub, Winton.