WagyuEdge’25 will be another high impact conference focussed on the big issues facing the future of the Wagyu Sector, with Wagyu beef the pinnacle of luxury agricultural products.
We will launch new tools to underpin the sustainable development of Wagyu genetics and bring opinion leaders and experts from around the world to delve into societal, political and economic forces that will shape Wagyu’s future.
Starting at 11 am on Wednesday, April 9, we will cover new topics over 2.5 days and eleven conference sessions. The topics we will hear about include innovations and technologies for Wagyu, food security and impacts on luxury products, Wagyu in the West with a focus on Western Australia, global trade and economics, Wagyu market dynamics, nutrition and feedlotting of Wagyu, seizing opportunities in Wagyu, trends in Akaushi, global perspectives, future Wagyu leaders, and a look at what’s coming that will revolutionise our industry.
Following our tried-and-tested social events formula, we will celebrate our 2025 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition (WBBC) medallists and champions. On night 1 (April 09), there will be a full evening of entertainment and the best of Wagyu. Night 2 will be a split event. The team at Ray White Rural, Dalby, will deliver the 2025 Elite Wagyu Sale in a separate auction room. Light entertainment, food, and drinks will be available outside the Elite Wagyu Sale for those who do not want to participate in the high-stakes auction action. On night 3 will be our Wagyu Industry Dinner celebration black-tie event. The 2024 WBBC Champion and Reserve Champion entries will be on the menu as another epic evening of Wagyu festivities unfolds.Â
Session 1
AWA Innovations Update
The AWA invests in new projects and innovations focused on the global development and enhancement of Wagyu cattle, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the industry. In this session, attendees will learn about several significant innovations the association is implementing to improve efficiency in Wagyu production and increase profitability, instilling a sense of security and confidence in the future of Wagyu cattle production.
Session 2
Food Security and Global Trade
Australia is a net exporter of food commodities and high-value products to consumers around the world. Our success depends not only on trade conditions but also on global perceptions of our products and farming practices. As consumer and political opinions change, we must proactively address challenges and strengthen our position as a preferred global supplier, while maintaining high standards to preserve our international reputation. We will delve deeper into this topic with two presentations: one focusing on the economic trends affecting Australian agriculture, and the other examining international pressures on livestock agriculture.
Session 3
Wagyu in the West – a focus on Western Australia
Western Australia (WA) is rich in natural resources and is known for its strong independence in food production and biosecurity. While Wagyu cattle farming is a recent development in WA’s agricultural sector, the future of Wagyu production in the region looks bright, driven by the innovative efforts of various industry pioneers and companies. This session will offer valuable insights into the exciting developments and future prospects of the Wagyu industry in WA.
Evening event
WBBC Awards Dinner
Session 4
Market Dynamics and Wagyu
Twelve months after the bold prediction that Wagyu prices would double, where do we currently stand? Are we on track for a successful year? Has the market matured, or are we facing repeated boom-and-bust cycles?Â
Our highly skilled economic analysts have examined the data thoroughly, interpreted trends, and will share their insights on how global markets and live animal prices are expected to evolve through 2025 and 2026.
Session 5
Wagyu nutrition
They won’t grow if you don’t feed them. They will only marble or be predisposed to marble if the maternal nutrition is right. This crucial aspect, along with post-natal conditions, will be discussed by the leading Wagyu nutritionist in the USA, who also exports Wagyu nutrition products to Japan, and the leading Wagyu nutritionist in Australia. The USA and Australian feedlotting systems are very different, but ultimately, we seek the same outcome.
Session 6
Supplying the world with Wagyu
The US beef industry significantly influences global beef supply and pricing. So, what is happening with tariffs impacting beef imports into the US, and how is the Australian domestic beef production evolving? The Vice President of the US Meat Export Federation will provide insights on these developments, along with the industry’s vision for its future production strategy. We will also hear from representatives of one of Australia’s leading supply chains regarding their expansion of Northern Wagyu cross cattle and the potential positioning of this market.
Session 7
Future Breed Leaders
The future of the Wagyu industry rests with the next generation. We are fortunate to have emerging leaders who are already established in their businesses and possess valuable experience driving some of Australia’s Wagyu empires. We will hear their perspectives on the future and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Wagyu sector.
Evening event
Elite Wagyu Sale and Dinner
Session 8
Global Perspectives
Wagyu is a valuable genetic resource that spans from Japan to Europe and South America, with unique production prospects in various markets. This session will explore the changes occurring in key global markets that could significantly affect the future growth of Wagyu and the supply of high-quality Wagyu beef.
Session 9
Trends in Akaushi Cattle
Undoubtedly, Akaushi cattle (Red Wagyu) are a big deal in the USA. Production numbers for slaughter cattle are tens of thousands, and the American cattleman has embraced Akaushi cattle in Fullblood and Crossbred programs in a way that we have not replicated in Australia. Hear about the fit for purpose of Akaushi genetics in commercial high-quality beef production systems and learn insights into Akaushi genetics and breeding that may be important for our own production systems.
Session 10
Future scoping for Wagyu
Significant technological advancements are on the horizon that could benefit the Wagyu sector. This session will cover biotechnology aimed at removing horns from Fullblood Wagyu, as well as insights from AWA’s dead-calf project, which seeks to identify new mutations that impact calf survival.
Evening event
Wagyu Industry Dinner
Note conference times may change. Please check the website for the latest updates
The WagyuEdge’25 conference brings together leading Australian and international speakers to delve into various Wagyu-related topics. Delegates can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities and captivating evening events held over three days. The event is fully catered, with eleven conference sessions and three spectacular evening dinner events celebrating Wagyu; the event promises to be an enriching learning experience in Wagyu.
Three conference days (Wednesday to Friday)
Conference catering during conference
Conference satchel and contents
Free annual access to session videos post-event
All evening events : 2025 WBBC Awards Dinner, Elite Wagyu Sale and Dinner and Wagyu Industry Dinner
Applies to registrations received and paid by Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Saturday 5 April to Tuesday 8 April 2025
Highlights include farm visits to Stone Axe, Irongate Wagyu and the Margaret River wine region
Starting and concluding in Perth, delegates will need to in Perth for a 7am departure
One-day conference ticket
Catering (selected day)
Conference satchel and contents
Friday 11 April 2025 (5.30 pm- 11 pm)
Optus Stadium
Plated three-course dinner and drinks
Entertainment
Saturday 12 April to Tuesday 15 April 2025
Highlights include farm visits to Pardoo Station and Broome
Starting and concluding in Perth, delegates will be returning to Perth airport by 2pm
Wednesday 9 April 2025 (6 pm- 11 pm)
Optus Stadium
Three-course dinner
2025Â WBBC BBQ tasting (five classes)
Announcement of 2025 award winnersÂ
Thursday 10 April 2025 (6 pm- 11 pm)
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Buffet-style dinner
2025Â WBBC BBQ tasting
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
Western Australia 6000 Australia
Bradley Hayden
AWA Events Manager
Phone: 0412 461 392
Email: [email protected]
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