Annual WagyuEdge '25 Conference

9 - 11 April 2025 perth, western australia

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

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WagyuEdge25

Global Trends Impacting Wagyu

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. 

Our Schedule

Day 1

Wednesday 9 April, 2025

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

Day 2

Thursday 10 April, 2025

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? 

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

Day 3

Friday 11 April, 2025

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

Conference Registration

Full conference, Day or Evening packages below

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-day package

Member $1650 | Non Member $1980

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

Early Bird Discount - $200

Applies to registrations received and paid by Tuesday, 4 March 2025

pre-conference tour

twin share $1,700 | Single $2,100

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

Day Registration

Member $730 | Non Member $930

One-day conference ticket

Catering (selected day)

Conference satchel and contents

Wagyu industry DInner

Member $330 | Non Member $390

Friday 11 April 2025 (5.30 pm- 11 pm)
Optus Stadium

Plated three-course dinner and drinks

Entertainment

post-conference tour

twin share $2,200 | Single $2,600

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

WBBC AWARDS dinner

Member $330 | Non Member $390

Wednesday 9 April 2025 (6 pm- 11 pm)
Optus Stadium

Three-course dinner

2025 WBBC BBQ tasting (five classes)

Announcement of 2025 award winners 

Elite Wagyu Sale and DInner

Member $330 | Non Member $390

Thursday 10 April 2025 (6 pm- 11 pm)
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Buffet-style dinner

2025 WBBC BBQ tasting

Location & Contacts

Get directions to our event

Address

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
Western Australia 6000 Australia

Contact the AWA Conference team

Bradley Hayden

AWA Events Manager
Phone: 0412 461 392
Email: [email protected]

WagyuEdge25

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.