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BUILDING INTEGRITY ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
SAVE THE DATE
ADELAIDE 8 - 12 MAY 2019
8-12 MAY 2019
New BreedObject $Indexes for Australian Wagyu producers will be published from the 26 September 2018. These are: »» SRI – Wagyu Self-replacing Breeding Index: ranks animals based on profitability for a Fullblood or Purebred self-replacing herd that retains heifers for breeding females and all steers and surplus females are finished through a feedlot. »» FTI – Wagyu Fullblood Terminal $Index: ranks animals based on profitability for a commercial Fullblood or Purebred herd in which all progeny are finished through a feedlot. »» F1 Index – Wagyu F1 Terminal $Index: ranks animals based on profitability for an F1 production system where all progeny are finished through a feedlot.
TERMINAL CARCASE INDEX REMOVED FROM WAGYU BREEDPLAN The AWA has previously informed members that the TCI would be replaced with the implementation of BreedObject $Indexes as the TCI did not account for costs associated with production and was not intended for use in breeding replacement females because it does not consider traits associated with the cow such as fertility. The new BreedObject $Indexes provide the most accurate estimation of breeding value for Self-Replacing, Terminal Fullblood and Terminal F1 production.
WagyuEdge: Building Integrity Conference To be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, 8-10 May 2019, it brings together a host of well-regarded speakers, local and international members and affiliated businesses to build on the integrity of the Wagyu breed, genetics, brands and reputation. The breadth of presentations covers tools for breeding, feedlot know-how, maximising the production systems and, in acknowledgement of the Association’s 30-year history we hear from industry leaders of their experiences from the
CHANGES TO DNA FEES AND CHARGES Neogen Australasia have informed the AWA that they are charging new fees as follows: »» $1.10 Sample Storage fee: per sample that is sent to the lab without an associated DNA test request form. This charge covers the handling and tracking costs associated with storing and retrieving the sample for future use. »» $2.20 Packaging Surcharge: per sample for samples submitted in non-approved sample kits
early days to now. The optional Conference Tour (11-12 May 2019) of Wagyu properties in South Australia and Victoria will give the opportunity to see first-hand the unique production systems that operate in temperate climates. Mayura Station, (South Australia) and Sher Wagyu (Victoria) both operate fullblood vertically integrated systems and brands that have both had
»» Neogen Australasia will also not be accepting samples on old AGL/UQ hair cards in 2019. All members are urged to use the new Neogen Australasia cards or TSUs.
NEW STAFF We are pleased to welcome Debbie Lowe to the Member Services Team and Concillia Oloo as our new Finance Assistant. Both of these staff positions are necessary to deal with the work volume and increase in business turnover.
award-winning recognition in Australia and abroad. Book early to avoid missing out on this exciting event Location Adelaide Convention Centre Tickets Early bird tickets. Book today
www.wagyu.org.au Dr. Matt McDonagh
EVENTS > 2019 WAGYU EDGE - CONFERENCE & TOUR
Chief Executive Officer Australian Wagyu Association ISSUE 70 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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