Join the AWA Progeny Test Program as a Contributor Herd

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) invites members to take an active role in shaping the future of Wagyu by becoming a Contributor Herd in the AWA Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP).

As the world’s most comprehensive Wagyu progeny test, the program underpins the genetic evaluation pipeline that drives the accuracy of EBVs, advances Wagyu breeding technologies, and delivers world leading insights for producers. By contributing, you directly support the development of benchmarks that will benefit the entire Wagyu sector, while gaining unique benefits for your own herd.

Why Become a Contributor Herd?

Access to cutting-edge genetics insights – Contributor herds gain firsthand access to the latest progeny data, carcase results, and performance measures.
Enhanced herd value – Benchmark your genetics against industry wide results and strengthen your herd’s position in the marketplace.
Shape the future of Wagyu – Your herd’s participation directly influences the accuracy of EBVs and ensures that the Australian Wagyu herd continues to lead the world in genetic improvement.
Drive genetic progress – Contributor herds are part of a collaborative, industry defining project that leverages collective investment to deliver benefits across the Wagyu value chain.
Early access to next-generation genetics – Trial the newest sires in your herd before they are widely available, providing your program with a competitive edge.
Collaborate with leading industry partners – Gain exposure and work alongside some of the most influential breeders, researchers, and service providers in the Wagyu industry.
Access specialised reproductive services from Diamond Corporate Partner, Wise Repro FIND OUT MORE

The Impact So Far

The AWA Progeny Test Program, now in full stride, is already delivering game-changing outcomes:

5,550 cows AI’d across 4 cohorts
2,243 calves registered so far
Completion of the first slaughter program for Cohort 1 males.
Integration of carcase data into BREEDPLAN evaluations, sharpening EBV accuracy.

This momentum is only possible with the ongoing involvement of committed members. By joining as a Contributor Herd, you help to expand the reach and impact of the program, building greater data depth and stronger outcomes for the entire industry.

Find out more about the AWA-PTP in this factsheet

How to Get Involved

For AWA Australian members with registered cow herds, contributing is simple, but the impact is profound. Whether you run a large breeding enterprise or a smaller Wagyu operation, your herd can play an integral role in advancing Wagyu genetics globally.

Register your interest today

Together, we can continue to be the world leader in innovation and delivery for the Wagyu sector and secure long term genetic gains that benefit every breeder, every herd, and every market.

For more information contact Genetic Improvements Project Manager, Natalie Poole E: [email protected] or Ph: 02 8880 7708

Don’t just take our word for it, find out from Sunland Cattle Co. why they are involved with the AWA-PTP as a contributor herd. Sunland has been involved in the Australian Wagyu Association Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP) from the beginning, and currently into their fourth year of joinings as a contributor herd, having produced 440 progeny from the first 3 cohorts. The AWA PTP is run in conjunction with their own breeding programs with the progeny produced, grown and backgrounded the same as all other Sunland progeny. READ MORE

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Terms & Conditions

It is a condition of use of this database that you accept these terms and conditions.

It is important that you appreciate when accessing the Australian Wagyu Association Limited (AWA) database (which may be hosted on an external website) that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) and Index values (together called Database Information), is based on data supplied by AWA members and/or third parties. 

Whilst sincere effort is made to ensure the Database Information is accurate and complete, to the extent permitted by law, AWA, its officers and employees, shall not be responsible for its use or interpretation, and you use the Database Information at your own risk. Please be aware of the following limitations of the Database Information.

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

WBVs are derived using genetic evaluation technology developed for the AWA, using the information contained within the AWA database. 
WBVs are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype. 
WBVs can only be directly compared to other WBVs calculated in the same AWA genetic analysis.

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

Animals whose registration identifiers start with PED are Pedigree Recorded Animals. What this means is that the details which AWA used to register the animal were obtained from a Recognised Wagyu Registry Organisation – in other words a Wagyu breed association based outside of Australia. AWA has not independently verified the information with respect to the animal or the details recorded about the animal. You should read AWA’s by-laws which set out details regarding the definition of a Pedigree Recorded Animal. 
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 genetic issues or inaccuracies which were previously not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology (i.e. if the animal was tested again with current 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 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.

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

As genetic testing results are provided by independent DNA testing laboratories at the request of AWA members, AWA relies solely on the accuracy of the reporting of genetic testing as completed by the laboratories. 
AWA uses GeneProb software to calculate the likelihood of pedigree animals being a carrier of genetic conditions. This likelihood is an estimate based on the available genetic testing results.

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and/or implications of the data provided on this website or the WBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek expert advice.  Note there is substantial technical information and articles on the Wagyu website to assist our members.

AWA’s liability for any loss or damage, consequential or otherwise, suffered or incurred by you or your related business, arising directly or indirectly from your use of Database Information, to the extent permitted by law, is limited to AWA providing you with a refund for the fees paid for the service (if any), or AWA re-performing the service, where possible, at the election of AWA.

AWA administers this database in good faith to support AWA members and the industry. AWA does not represent or warrant that the animals recorded in this database, or animals breed from them, will achieve any particular genetic or phenotype performance.

THIS DISCLAIMER HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 03/02/2026, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ IT IN DETAIL