International genomics leader Weatherbys Scientific has announced a global partnership with Australia’s second largest breed organisation by primary registrations, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), to expand access to advanced genotyping services.
The collaboration is set to make DNA testing more accessible, affordable and accurate to AWA’s more than 1400 Australian and international members, offering powerful tools to enable more informed decisions that drive long-term genetic gain.
Weatherbys Scientific Business Development Manager ANZ, Michael-John Barry, said that with a shared commitment to supporting breed improvement and producer success, the partnership with AWA marks a significant milestone for Australia’s premium beef sector.
“Weatherbys’ mission is to bring world-class, reliable and efficient DNA testing solutions to our customers and we are thrilled to be partnering with the AWA and supporting their members,” Mr Barry said.
AWA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Matt McDonagh, said the partnership would deliver immediate benefits and play a vital role in the ongoing prosperity of the breed.
“This collaboration with Weatherbys opens up real opportunities for our members as genotyping strengthens the accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values, enhances transparency and gives buyers confidence in what they’re purchasing,” Dr McDonagh said.
“Australian Wagyu is already a global success story but to stay at the top, and drive future growth, we need access to world-class genomic tools, and the pricing model is going to be very attractive to Australian Wagyu Association members.”
The Australian Wagyu industry has experienced exceptional domestic and export growth over the past decade due to the breed’s international reputation for eating quality and the local industry’s significant investment and skill. However, Wagyu breeders face unique challenges, such as the risk of inbreeding due to Japan ending the export of genetics in the 1990s.
“The origin for the Wagyu industry outside of Japan was circa 220 cattle that were exported from Japan, before Japan closed the door on genetic exports in the early 1990’s, so that is one challenge,” Mr Barry said.
“Marbling also sets the breed apart. The marbling fineness defines the marbling quality, and the chemical composition of the taste profile elevates Wagyu beef as a luxury experience.
“The quality experience is definitely becoming more and more important, and our DNA testing allows these traits to be identified early to inform critical breeding decisions.”
Dr McDonagh added that the two organisations shared a drive for continual improvement in the face of developing consumer demand.
“Last financial year, we saw a 30 per cent increase in genomic DNA turnover to 100,000 genomic tests so this partnership is coming at a pivotal moment for our members.”
“Weatherbys brings innovation and a customer-first approach to the table, which aligns well with the values of AWA, which provides the largest and most accurate global genetic analysis of Wagyu with over 400,000 animals included in our fortnightly Wagyu genetic analysis.”
Backed by a heritage that dates back to the 18th Century, Weatherbys Scientific has been a pioneer in DNA services, supporting breeders across Europe, the United States, and since 2018, Australia and New Zealand.
Weatherbys Scientific Head of Research and Development, Paul Flynn, said a strategic goal of the company was to partner with progressive breed associations such as AWA, and the American Hereford Association.
“We are committed to investing in new technologies and new collaborations that help producers make faster, smarter and more profitable breeding decisions,” Mr Flynn said.
“Weatherbys has built a global presence over many generations but we are relatively new to the Australian and New Zealand markets so we are excited to show how we can support some of the world’s leading animal breeding programs.”