Stellenbosch hosts the world's Wagyu breeders as South Africa's premium beef grows
The 2026 World Wagyu Conference brought scientists, breeders and industry leaders to the Western Cape, which sees the breed as a source of jobs, investment and exports.
Stellenbosch — Breeders, scientists and industry leaders from around the world gathered in Stellenbosch for the 2026 World Wagyu Conference, opened by the Western Cape's minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, the provincial government said.
Held under the theme "One Breed. One Vision.", the conference covers Wagyu genetics, production, sustainability, markets and consumer trends.
Why the province is interested
Meyer said South Africa's Wagyu industry has grown quickly by combining world-class genetics with local farming expertise to produce premium beef that competes internationally. Beyond the farms, he said, it supports jobs in breeding, feed, veterinary services, transport, processing, retail, hospitality and tourism, and premium Wagyu increasingly appears in high-end restaurants and hotels, adding to the province's name as a food and wine destination.
"As demand for high-value agricultural products continues to grow, Wagyu farming presents significant opportunities for economic development, rural livelihoods, and export growth in the province," he said. The industry fits the province's Growth for Jobs strategy, which aims to attract investment, create jobs, expand exports and build climate resilience.
Delegates are also discussing the challenges facing the industry, including climate change adaptation, sustainability, protecting the breed's genetic integrity and access to markets.
Source: Western Cape Department of Agriculture, 13 October 2026.
