The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) manages the world’s largest Wagyu database, containing the most comprehensive pedigree records available. The database traces lineage back to the original foundation animals exported from Japan during the 1990s, providing members with access to trusted and accurate genetic information.
By becoming a member of the AWA, you gain access to:
- Industry-leading genetic improvement information
- Comprehensive animal and pedigree records
- Innovative production system insights
- Valuable connections throughout the Wagyu supply chain
- Expert support from dedicated membership and technical specialists in Australia and the United States
Whether you are a breeder, producer, or industry participant, AWA membership provides the tools, data, and support needed to make informed decisions and improve business performance.
Australian Wagyu Association Member Services
The AWA offers a wide range of services designed to help members achieve their breeding objectives and maximise herd performance.
Genetics and Data Management
SERVICES:
DNA testing
- Genomically Enhanced Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs)
- Parent Verification
- Genetic Condition Management
- Wagyu Content Check
Animal Registration
- Animal registrations
- Ownership transfers
- Disposals
- Registration updates
Performance Recording
Collection and recording of performance traits including:
- Weights
- Scrotal circumference
- Live animal ultrasound scan data
- Carcase data
- and more
Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs)
- Updated weekly
- Provide estimates of an animal’s genetic merit across key traits
- Assist breeders in making data-driven selection decisions beyond visual assessment and pedigree alone
MateSel
- Advanced mating software that evaluates all possible mating combinations against breeding objectives
- Helps improve whole-herd performance over successive generations
Sale Catalogues
- Free advertising service for members
- Promote registered animals, semen, and embryos through the public AWA database
Export Certification
- Export certificates available for livestock and genetic material being shipped internationally from Australia
ADDITIONAL TOOLS:
Selection Indexes
- Assist breeders in balancing multiple economically important traits when selecting animals
Pedigree and Genomic Inbreeding percentages
- Help monitor and manage inbreeding within the Fullblood Wagyu population
Genomic Diversity Score
- Measures how closely related an animal is to the current breeding population
GeneProb
- Predicts the likelihood of an animal carrying a genetic condition using pedigree and DNA information
Mating Planner
- Allows members to compare sire and dam combinations
- Provides average WBV predictions, inbreeding percentages, and Wagyu Selection Index outcomes
Communication, Connection and Collaboration
The AWA is committed to keeping members informed about industry developments, research, innovations, and association activities through a variety of communication channels:
- Member News emails
- Wagyu Update magazine
- Website news articles
- YouTube
Members are encouraged to follow AWA social media channels to stay up to date with the latest Wagyu industry news and opportunities.
Events
Membership also provides opportunities to engage with the wider Wagyu community through premier industry events, including:
- Wagyu Edge Conference and Tour
- Elite Wagyu Sale
- Wagyu Branded Beef Awards
- Wagyu Carcase Royale (launching in 2028)
These events provide valuable networking opportunities, industry insights, education, and promotion for Wagyu breeders and businesses.
Advertising Opportunities
Membership also provides opportunities to promote your sales and to the Wagyu Industry, via various channels such as:
- Website Advertising
- Member News Adverstising
- Weekly Sales EDMs
- Calendar Listings
- Suppliers Page Listings
- Sale, Semen & Embryo Catalogues
Membership Year
All Australian Wagyu Association memberships operate on a financial year basis, from 1 July to 30 June. Membership fees are renewed annually, with new memberships and renewals processed in line with the financial year.
Full Membership
Full Membership is designed for breeders and commercial producers focused on Fullblood, Purebred, and Crossbred Wagyu cattle and commercial beef production.
As the AWA’s premier membership category, Full Members gain access to world-leading genetic improvement tools, services, and support. Members receive a unique Member ID and Herd Prefix, enabling the registration of Wagyu offspring with individual identifiers and the recording of herd performance data.
Full Members can access Wagyu-specific DNA testing through AWA’s international laboratory partners, with seamless DNA testing, parentage verification, and animal registration managed through the Helical platform. Registered animals can also be included in the AWA’s independently run genetic evaluation, providing access to Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs), genomic diversity analysis, and genomic inbreeding calculations to support informed breeding decisions.
Additional benefits include access to the world’s largest Wagyu pedigree database, export certification services, research and development opportunities, editions of The Wagyu Update magazine, and discounted entry to major AWA events, including Wagyu Edge and the Branded Beef Awards.
Full Members are also entitled to vote at the AWA Annual General Meeting and are eligible to stand for election or appointment to the AWA Board of Directors.
Associate Membership
Associate Membership is designed for individuals and businesses with an interest in the Wagyu industry or involvement in the wider Wagyu supply chain, including retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and hospitality operators.
This membership provides access to industry news, education, networking, and promotional opportunities, helping members stay informed and connected within the Wagyu sector. Associate Members can benefit from AWA communications and marketing initiatives but are not eligible to register Wagyu cattle.
Associate Membership is available to both Australian and international applicants.
Ready to become a member?
Australian Membership Application
International Membership Application
Need assistance? Please contact the AWA Member Services Officer (MSO) team for guidance.
