- What is the reason for the change?
The AWA has observed a significant uplift in slaughter registered females in the last 3 years. Members increasingly use the Slaughter Register to obtain WBVs to assist with the selection of animals to determine which ones to keep for slaughter and which ones to keep for breeding for males and females. The new registration process better accommodates this trend in recording including the value of obtaining Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) for early selection.
- Will the change to the new AWA Register system cost me more?
Based on the analysis on breeding herd sizes from 50 through to 1,000 breeding females, the cost to members of registering animals in the Old and New Register system is roughly equivalent, with minor saving expected overall.
- Are Fees for International Members changing too?
Yes, registration fees for International AWA members are roughly equivalent to Australian Member prices, with a conversion rate of 0.75 AUD to USD being applied initially. We will review this conversion rate on an annual basis.
- Will Upgrade Fees Apply?
Within the first 12 months of life, no upgrade fees apply. If you upgrade an animal from the Commercial to the Breeding Register after 12 months of age, a standard $20 upgrade will apply for both males and females.
- Can I register animals older than 12 months of age in the Breeding Register with no upgrade fees if there were not in the Commercial Register already?
Yes, you can still register directly in the Breeding Register at any age without any upgrade fees. Standard registration fees apply, with no discount for Commercial registration.
- Can I register animals with a sire and/ or dam recorded in the Commercial register?
No. Animals in the Commercial Register cannot be recorded as registered sires or dams. If an animal is to be used for breeding, it must first be upgraded to the appropriate Breeding Register (e.g. Japanese Black, Akaushi or Composite Cross).
- What carcase data qualifies for the carcase refund?
To qualify for the carcase data refund, an animal must:
- Be registered in the Commercial Register on or after 03 August 2026
- Have had the $10 Commercial Register Fee paid by the Member
- Have Carcase Weight, AusMeat Marble Score and/or MIJ Digital Marbling Percentage submitted.
- How will the $10 carcase refund be applied?
The $10 carcase refund will be applied as a credit to the members account who bred the animal, to offset the cost of commercial registration for future animal registrations.
- Is carcase data for Males and Females eligible for the $10 carcase refund?
Yes, carcase data from both males and females is eligible for the $10 carcase refund.
- For Wagyu Feeder Check animals, do I need to pay any additional fee to register these in the Commercial Register?
Once you get your carcase data back for WFC tested animals, the $10 Commercial Register Fee is offset by the $10 carcase data rebate. So, there is no fee for registering Wagyu Feeder Check animals in the Commercial Register if you submit carcase data, which is normally the point at which Members register these animals.
