Big Texas Event

15 to 17 MAY 2025

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TWA/AWA May Event

About this event

The AWA & TWA Joint Event in May is a key industry gathering designed to bring together Wagyu producers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and strengthen the Wagyu sector. Focused on education, agribusiness networking, and industry growth, the event will provide valuable insights into market trends, innovation, and best practices. Through expert discussions, strategic planning, and relationship-building opportunities, the event aims to support members in navigating challenges, exploring opportunities, and enhancing the future of Wagyu production. By working together, the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association are committed to driving excellence and long-term success for their members and the broader industry.

Our Schedule

Don't Miss anything from this three-day event

Day 1

THURSDAY MAY 15, 2025

WELCOME & NETWORKING

  • Evening welcome reception to kick off event.

Day 2

FRIDAY MAY 16, 2025

INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS

9am                       Morning tea welcome

Session 1:          Using AuWA systems and tools for optimal results

10:00 am            Laird Morgan (AuWA President):  Welcome

10:15am             Hannah Kirkwood: (IWC Office and Data Systems Manager): AuWA’s new Helical Platform and key member issues

11:00 am            Reagan (IWC MSO): DNA processes and interpreting results

11:30am             Raven (IWC MSO): Membership + Registration processes

12:00pm             Lunch

Session 2:          Collaborative AuWA/University research on Wagyu in the USA

1:00pm                Prof Dale Woerner and Cooper Carter (Texas Tech University) 3D imaging for Wagyu carcase yield

1:45pm                Prof Jon Beever and Erin Van Berkel  (University of Tennessee) Researching genetic conditions in Wagyu

2:30pm                Matt McDonagh (CEO AuWA) Genomic Inbreeding and diversity in Wagyu

3:00pm                Afternoon tea

Session 3:          Delivering production and profitability improvements

3:30pm                Dave Dreiling – Booth Creek Wagyu and use of AuWA tools to drive profitability

4:15pm                Tom Schultz (Neogen Head of Livestock) Genomic tools for commercial Wagyu

4:55pm                Matt McDonagh (CEO AuWA) Wrap up for the day

5:00pm                Finish 

IWC Welcome Function 6:00pm

Day 3

SATURDAY MAY 17, 2025

BIG TEXAS SALE

8:30am                       TWA Introduction and Coffee with Don Brown of the Triangle B Ranch

9:00am                       Sid Miller – Texas Agriculture Commissioner

9:30am                       Laird Morgan (AuWA President): Story of Arubial

10:00am                    Morning tea

10:15am                    Dustin Hollister, DVM – Premier Reproductive Services – Repro Tips

10:45am                    Travis Whitney – Livestock Nutrition Center – Nutrition/Feed Rations

11:15am                    Chef Michael Scott CEC AAC – Colinas Foods – Meat Cutting Demonstration

12:00pm                    Lunch

1:00pm                       Bruno Sanches – Vytelle

1:30pm                       Jim Skartvedt – Renew Livestock – Beef Market Update

2:00pm                       Afternoon Tea

2:15pm                       Texas Wagyu Association Annual Business Meeting

3:45pm                       Finish

6:30pm                       BIG Texas Sale – Stockmen’s Room

RSVP

Please complete one form per person to ensure accurate delegate name tags.

rsvp

Three-Day Event Ticket

Catering (selected day)

Ticket to Big Texas Sale

RSVP by 21st April, 2025 to receive an official delegate name tag

Location & Contacts

Get directions to our event

Address

Fort Worth, Texas

Contact the AWA Communications Team

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.