Global Wagyu Experts Meet at 2025 Big Texas Event

Twelve months on from the official opening of the AuWA’s International Member Service Office in Texas USA, Wagyu Breeders and industry representatives gathered to celebrate the 2025 Big Texas Event in Forth Worth from the 15th to the 17th of May.

Held over three days in conjunction with the Texas Wagyu Association (TWA), the event focused on education, agribusiness networking, and industry growth. With presentations delivered by industry experts from across the supply chain, almost 200 attendees took the opportunity to catch up and gain valuable insights into market trends, innovation, and best practices.

Copies of some presentations have been provided below for those wishing to revisit content.

AuWA’s new Helical Platform and key member issues – Hannah Kirkwood, IWC Office and Data Systems Manager

DNA processes and interpreting results – Reagan Mitchell, AuWA Member Services Officer

Membership + Registration processes – Raven Girgan, AuWA MSO

3D imaging for Wagyu carcase yield – Prof Dale Woerner and Cooper Carter, Texas Tech University

Researching genetic conditions in Wagyu – Prof Jon Beever and Erin Van Berkel, University of Tennessee

MateSel: Genomic Inbreeding and diversity in Wagyu – Matt McDonagh, AuWA CEO

AuWA Selection Indexes – John Crowley and Doug Bjelland, Abacus Bio

Wyndford Wagyu USA as part of a global program – Jess Edwards, Wynford Wagyu Commercial Director

TWA Introduction –  Don Brown of the Triangle B Ranch

Nutrition Feed Rations – Travis Whitney, Livestock Nutrition Center

Vytelle. Always Progressing – Dr Bruno Sanches, VP Vytelle

Beef Market Update – Jim Skartvedt, Renew Livestock

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.