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AWA Members Privacy Policy

The collection of personal information

AWA collects personal information from members, and from third parties such as other breed societies. The personal information is to be used in relation to publications, promotions, internet site usage the AWA website and data compilation with other breed societies.

The personal member information the AWA collects included in these may include: name, address details, contact numbers, email addresses, membership identification, and classification of membership

The AWA also collects information about:
• Details of livestock;
• BREEDPLAN information; and
• Details of any relevant sales

However, it is a member’s right to withhold this information from AWA. If members decline to provide the above information, AWA may not be able to provide a full range of services.

Use of personal information

AWA may use a member’s personal information to:

  • Establish AWA membership and include members information in our membership directory;
  • Offer members new services and products including Sale notifications from independent sources and/or third parties;
  • Notify members and associated organisations of upcoming events (this may also include international notifications
  • Improve Wagyu genetics
  • Administer databases including membership; animal genetics and financial accounts;
  • Create publications through print and social media formats;
  • Improve the AWA’s website for members and the general public’s usage;
  • Make the general public aware of the Wagyu breed; and
  • Inform members, associated organizations and the general public of our member’ contact and livestock details

While members may elect not to consent to the AWA’s use of their personal information, AWA may be unable to provide a full range of services.

Quality of personal information

AWA will undertake all reasonable steps to ensure that the information kept is accurate, but it is the responsibility of the member or organization to notify the AWA of an update to their records when there is a change. AWA will not be held responsible for any change of details if the member or organization has not contacted the Association to inform f these changes.

Security

The AWA will ensure that all personal information is held securely in the AWA Office at Armidale NSW 2350 and in our information systems contractor’s premises. This includes physical, computer, communication and personnel security.

The AWA Office via a third party will also engage a security firm to maintain regular security checks of the premises at times that the office is unattended.

From time to time, information may be sent electronically or by mail to various contractors or purchasers for use. When released, this information is only to be used for the benefit of our members.

AWA staff have been trained and are aware that all personal information is protected and will not be misused, altered without the consent of the owner, or accessed in any unauthorised way.

Members personal information may be kept for future historical use for an indefinite period, even when they are no longer a member of AWA.

Access to personal information

Members have the right to access personal information that AWA holds about them. Enquiries should be made in writing to the AWA office

Australian Wagyu Association
Suite 6, 146 Marsh Street
Armidale NSW 2350.

As permitted by law, a small charge may be made for historical searches to be made. AWA may charge an administrative fee for access.

AWA Website

Cookies

When a person visits the AWA website, we may store some information from their computer. This information is captured in the form of a “Cookie” or similar file.

The information we gather from Cookies helps us develop and enhance our website. As with most internet browsers, users can erase Cookies from their computer hard drive, block all Cookies or receive a warning before a Cookie is stored.

Users should refer to their browser instructions or help screen to learn more about these functions.

Log files

AWA uses IP addresses (i.e. the electronic addresses of computers connected to the internet) to analyse trends, track user movement, administer our website and gather general information about the usage of our website and social media in order to enable us to understand and better cater to the needs of users of our website.

IP addresses may be linked to personally identifiable information, such as a user’s name. All such information is treated securely in accordance with this policy.

For more information

If you would like to know more about AWA’s Privacy Policy, please contact the AWA office.

Phone: 02 8880 7700 or
email office@wagyu.org.au

Important Notice and Disclaimer

It is very important that you appreciate when viewing the AWA database that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Index values, is based on data supplied by members and/or third parties.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information reported through AWA, AWA officers and employees assume no responsibility for its content, use or interpretation. AWA disclaims all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the use by you of the data on this AWA database and the information supplied by ABRI and AGBU being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.

Regarding EBVs and Index values, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

  • EBVs are derived using Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN technology developed independently by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), using the information contained within the AWA database.
  • AGBU is a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of New England, which receives funding for this purpose from Meat and Livestock Australia Limited.
  • AWA relies solely on advice provided by AGBU and ABRI in accepting Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN software.
  • EBVs published in Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype.
  • EBVs can only be directly compared to other EBVs calculated in the same monthly Wagyu Group BREEDPLAN analysis.

Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

  • Pedigree and DNA data submitted and supplied to AWA may have errors in it which cannot be detected without further DNA testing.
  • Technology may have advanced since a particular test was undertaken so that previous inaccuracies which were not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology.
  • AWA estimates that less than 1% of the pedigree entries, ownership or breeding details in the AWA Herdbook may have errors or which may be misleading. For this reason, users ought to consider if they need to obtain independent testing of the relevant animal (if possible) to ensure that the data is accurate.

Regarding prefectural content, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

  • Prefectural content is based on the estimation of prefectural origin from Japanese breeding records of 201 foundation sires and 168 foundation dams.  As genotype-based parent verification is not used in Japan, and full Japanese registration certificates are not available for all foundation animals, exact prefectural composition for these sires and dams cannot be validated.
  • The calculation of prefectural content for Australian Herdbook animals relies on the accuracy of pedigree records and DNA samples provided by AWA members.
  • The reporting of prefectural content for animals within the AWA Herdbook relies on the calculation provided by ABRI.

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and extent of the data provided on this website or the EBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek independent expert advice.

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