Mimosa Farming: Wagyu Stud Operations

MIMOSA FARMING

WAGYU STUD OPERATIONS

Pioneering Wagyu Genetics in Namibia

Mimosa Farming is proud to be one of the first Wagyu cattle breeders in Namibia, building a fully traceable, performance-driven, and export-ready Wagyu stud program with international recognition.

Our Wagyu operation is strategically developed to meet global beef standards, focusing on genetic quality, animal welfare, and meat performance traits like marbling, flavour, and carcass yield. The herd is based at Lauwater Wes — a 7,403-hectare farm designed to support large-scale, precision Wagyu production.

Our Journey in Wagyu

2017: First imports of Wagyu embryos and genetics from South Africa.
2018: First calves born from certified embryos.
2018 onward: Implementation of AI (Artificial Insemination) program using elite genetics.
End of 2018: Transition of commercial breeding herd (Bonsmara, Sussex, Angus) to Wagyu crossbreeds.
2022 onward: Establishing Desert Wagyu, the Namibian company promoting the Wagyu brand
Today: Fully operational Wagyu herd with over 1,500 head, focused on F1 to fullblood Wagyu cattle.

Registrations

NAMIBIA WAGYU BREEDERS’ SOCIETY – Membership number F10003
EU Approved Farming Concern

Genetics & Breeding Strategy

Breeding Program: Precision & Performance

The breeding of Wagyu cattle is not left to chance; it’s the result of years of research, data collection, and methodical planning.

Herd Selection: At 20 months, we assess the herd for growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and marbling potential.
Artificial Insemination (AI): Starting in 2018, we began our AI program, importing semen from world-renowned Wagyu bloodlines.

Embryo Transfer: Embryos from elite genetics are implanted, ensuring that every calf carries the potential for superior meat quality.

The Breeding Process

We use a combination of fullblood, F1, F2, and F3 Wagyu animals, enabling us to tailor our program for:

Meat quality: Intramuscular marbling, flavour profile, tenderness
Adaptability: Suitability for Namibian grazing and climate
Growth efficiency: Feed conversion and carcass yield
Export compliance: Traceability, performance metrics, DNA verification

Breeding Methods

Embryo Transfer (ET) using elite donor cows
Artificial Insemination (AI) with imported semen from:
- Australia’s Tajima, Itozakura, Shimane, Kedaka bloodlines
- South African performance-tested Wagyu studs
Live Cover with top Wagyu bulls used for both commercial and stud herds

DNA Verification: Tracking Quality from Start to Finish

We understand that genetic traceability is essential for maintaining our high standards. DNA verification is a fundamental part of our operation.

DNA Testing: All registered Wagyu cattle undergo genetic testing to ensure they meet international standards for marbling and meat quality.
Genetic Data Monitoring: Our breeding decisions are data-driven, ensuring we select only the best animals for future breeding.

DNA Verification Process

Genetic Support & Research Partnerships

Our Wagyu program benefits from close collaboration with industry-leading experts and institutions:

Dr. Fanie Steyn – Breeding Consultant, President of Wagyu SA
Graham Truscott – Former Executive Manager of the Australian Wagyu Association and Beef Genomics Researcher

We utilize DNA testing, carcass data analysis, and genomic breeding values to inform selection decisions, improving every generation of animals.

Feeding

The feeding process is vital for producing high-quality beef, particularly Wagyu beef, which is renowned for its marbling and tenderness. Mimosa’s approach follows best practices developed from Australian feedlot models, which focus on enhancing marbling, growth rates, and overall beef quality. This allows us to customize rations based on: