Issue 61 December 2015

INSIDE ....

| NEW WAGYU PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED | WAGYU'S RAPID GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AUCTIONPLUS - BIG PLUS FOR WAGYU | THE WAGYU REVOLUTION | BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION EXPANDS STRONG ROLL-UP AT GENETIC WORKSHOP | STANDING OVATION | WAGYU GRAND CHAMPION MELBOURNE

MAYDAN

feedlot

warwick Qld

custom feeding specialists Maydan Feedlot is a privately owned business specialising in tailor made rations to suit all markets.

Our speciality is our expertise in long-term custom feeding of Wagyu cattle. Our major advantages are our perfect climate for long-term feeding and our close proximity to major abattoirs. We also offer livestock transport at competitive prices. l l

our results for themselves

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AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

EU accredited Japanese Wagyu feeding regime specialists

Maydan Feedlot phone 07 4667 4785 (office) Geoff Willett (owner)

DECEMBER 2015

phone 07 4661 9600 0408 716 960 (mobile) fax 07 4661 9601 email geoff@maydan.com.au

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5 27

16

31

CONNECT WITH US

www.wagyu.org.au twitter.com/AustWagyuAssoc www.facebook.com/AustralianWagyuAssociation

ASSOCIATION CHANGES FOR THE AWA BOARD

NEW WAGYU PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has a new president, West Australian Peter Gilmour, who replaces South Australian Scott de Bruin who retired from the board to manage his rapidly expanding Wagyu interests along with the broader de Bruin Group.

Mr Gilmour thanked Mr de Bruin for his outstanding contribution to the breed during his time on the board, evidenced by the breed’s rapid growth and demand in the Australian beef industry. Mr Gilmour said he was honoured to lead the AWA, a not-for-profit organization focussed on supporting and advancing the Australian Wagyu industry.

Existing Board members are: Mike Buchanan (NSW) Peter Gilmour (WA) John Hammond (TAS) Peter Krause (NSW) Chantal Winter (QLD)

“Four years of living and working in Japan in the 90’s introduced me to the wonders of Wagyu beef and it’s amazing eating quality and health benefits.

Chief Executive Officer Graham Truscott Technical Services Manager Carel Teseling Senior Registrar Sarah Balla Marketing and Communications Manager Geoff Phillips

THE AWA MANAGEMENT TEAM:

2015/16 LEADERSHIP TEAM IS: President Peter Gilmour (WA) Senior Vice President John Hammond (TAS) Junior Vice President Chantal Winter (QLD) Honorary Treasurer Stephen Binnie (NSW)

The AWA Board is an industry skills-based Board.

Directors have experience based skills in order to make decisions for the long-term benefit of the Australian Wagyu industry.

As the result of annual rotation and retirements, three new members have joined the Wagyu board:

The Board remains committed to adding value to our industry through strategic direction and oversight. The focus of attention for the AWA is to service its members and with this new board represents experience in all sectors of the Wagyu supply chain. It will be important to both lead new thinking in the rapidly expanding area of genetic progress but to also consolidate upon the development of the past 26 years. n

Stephen Binnie (NSW) Joanne Christiansen (QLD) Jason Lewis (QLD) Two were re-elected by rotation: Ron Fitzgerald (QLD) John Spreadborough (QLD)

Peter Gilmour (WA)

John Hammond (TAS)

Chantal Winter (QLD)

Stephen Binnie (NSW)

Mike Buchanan (NSW)

Joanne Christiansen (QLD)

Ron Fitzgerald (QLD)

Peter Krause (NSW)

Jason Lewis (QLD)

John Spreadborough (QLD)

President

4

Senior Vice President

Junior Vice President

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

Honorary Treasurer

WAGYU ON TOP NEWS

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU IS ‘WORLD’S BEST STEAK’ Australia’s Jacks Creek Wagyu brand is sitting on top of the world after it was named the ‘World’s Best Steak’ at the first World Steak Challenge at London’s Hyde Park in October.

All the beef producing giants from north and south America as well as most European countries were represented in the 70 entries. Entries came from the United States, Canada, Japan, Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, Germany, Uruguay, Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia.

Judges used internationally agreed criteria. The steaks were taken through a two stage process being assessed by a panel of ‘expert’ judges and again by a panel of ‘consumer’ judges.

The Jacks Creek world beater came from the Warmoll family’s operation based in the NSW Hunter Valley at Breeza and Willow Tree. The Breeza operation will host a visit during the 2016 Wagyu post conference tour.

The Warmoll family entered the Wagyu business in 1991 by crossing Tajima Wagyu sires over their Angus herd.

In 2000, Jacks Creek became one of the first Australian companies to breed, grow, feed, process and market their own brand Wagyu beef. Today Jacks Creek processes and markets grain fed Wagyu and Angus to 20 destinations worldwide.

Since 1995, specialist Wagyu feeder Geoff Willett of Maydan feedlot near Warwick on Queensland’s Darling Downs has been responsible for feeding the Jacks Creek Wagyu which are then processed at the Northern Cooperative Meat Co at Casino in the NSW northern rivers.

The winner was described as marble score 8 after being fed for just over 400 days starting with a wheat based diet and lifting onto corn for the last 100 days.

Jacks Creek Managing Director Patrick Warmoll was at the awards presentation in London and said given the quality of the competition, the win was a big surprise.

“I was shocked to be honest, I think one of us spilled a glass of wine, we were just ecstatic,” he said.

The Warmolls’ European importer, Frank Albers from Albers Germany, entered the MS8 striploin. The Jacks Creek-Albers alliance introduced the first Australian produced Wagyu brand to Europe 15 years ago. The judges said there was very even fat cover, the marbling was fine and it was a nice cobweb and pinkish meat colour.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

Judges commented ... when we ate your piece of meat we knew it was a winner.

“The main comment we received from the judges for the cooked steak was that ‘when we ate your piece of meat we knew it was a winner’ ” said Mr Warmoll.

Jacks Creek cattle are bred and backgrounded on the company’s properties at Willow Tree and Breeza in the Hunter Valley/Liverpool plains areas of NSW. At around 300 kgs they go onto feed for up to 450 days at Maydan feedlot at Warwck, Qld, and turn off at 700 kgs liveweight. >> see page 9

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S DESK

WAGYU'S RAPID GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL SECTORS The Wagyu breed is continuing its rapid growth, spurred on by unprecedented demand for Wagyu bulls and seedstock and commercial breeding females, feeders and fullblood and crossbred Wagyu beef. This is reflected in AWA registrations and full membership which have increased by 32% and 21% respectively since the start of the financial year.

MARKETING 2016 Wagyu National Conference and Tour The 2016 Conference “The Wagyu Revolution - opportunities for all sectors”, will be held on 2 - 4 May at the Crown Plaza Resort, Lovedale in the beautiful Hunter Valley, NSW. All sectors will be represented giving delegates a strong view of the entire Wagyu supply chain. A “Chef’s table” will demonstrate cooking to guest chefs and delegates with plenty of opportunity to taste the world’s best Wagyu brands.

A “Wagyu Revealed” tour through the Hunter Valley and Liverpool Plains will follow on 5 - 6 May, visiting fullblood and crossbred producers and a whole of supply chain enterprise.

These events provide outstanding value in latest Wagyu information and supply chain networking. Do not miss out, Early bird registrations REGISTER TODAY at close 30 January 2016. www.wagyu.org.au Value-add your business.

www.wagyu.org.au

Entries close 26 February 2016.

Entries will close 19 February 2016. The awards will be presented at the Wagyu National Conference Gala Dinner.

WANT WAGYU? SALE With the remarkable success of Wagyu sales on the AuctionsPlus online selling service over the past six months, the first AuctionsPlus Special Wagyu Sale “WANT WAGYU?” was held live on the web on December 16. This sale is open to all vendors through their agents. Intending vendors should contact 02 9262 4222 or mktops@auctionsplus.com.au or their local agent.

Those new to AuctionsPlus can discover how it works and its benefits by going to www.auctionsplus.com.au and following the live sales.

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT STAGE 2 - Wagyu Collaborative Genetic Research Project The second stage of the R&D project is well under way and will: ■■

Drive genetic description to open access to the Wagyu breed

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Identify superior sires and dams; and

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Accelerate genetic improvement

Progress to date is: ■■

Carcase EBVs and Terminal Index are in production

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78,000 registered animals were reported with carcase EBVs in the November analysis, including young animals – a 10 fold increase in Wagyu animals with reportable carcase EBVs!

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Increasing EBV accuracy: »»

Historic and current supply chain data are continuously being added at no cost to individual members

»»

Single Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN including genomic analysis is under development at AGBU

»»

Over 1000 animals with phenotypes are ready to be genotyped to add to the Single Step BREEDPLAN analysis.

The target is 5000 animals with genotypes and phenotypes to enable production of genomically enhanced EBVs (gEBVs) with accuracy of >50%

2016 Branded Beef Competition Entries are now being called for Australia’s premier Wagyu Branded Beef Competition. Fullblood, Crossbred and Gourmet Sausage Classes are again featured.

A new Wagyu Commercial Steak Class has been established

6

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Truscott

Chief Executive Officer, AWA

requiring Marble Score 5 – 7 which includes the majority of quality marbled beef traded internationally and domestically.

2016 Wagyu Fullblood 100% International Sale The Association’s elite Wagyu genetics sale will once again be featured at the conference providing members with a unique opportunity to both ENTER YOUR LOTS at sell and purchase.

> Graham

DECEMBER 2015

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Indexes for Terminal and Self-Replacing Herd end-points are being developed but require the current specialist version of Wagyu BREEDPLAN producing the carcase EBVs at AGBU to be put into mainstream production at ABRI so that BreedObject can be used to produce regular indexes YOUNG SIRE PROGRAM – with many young sires now reporting with carcase EBVs, potentially high performing young sires can now be selected for a Young Sire Program to reduce genetic interval and drive genetic gain. The Young Sire Program will be designed in the New Year GENOMIC WAGYU CONTENT TEST – this test has been developed under contract with AGBU and is in the final stages of testing and commercialisation WAGYU CONTENT REGISTER – this new register has been approved for development by the Board to capture animals with Wagyu content which cannot be DNA parent verified GENOMIC TESTS to predict performance of seedstock and profitability of feeder steers will be developed as soon as the Single Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN has been installed in the New Year.

Value –added access to the AWA database. The Board is considering a model for creating a revenue stream to pay for large scale commercial data capture, with access to the AWA website and Member/Animal databases requiring: »»

PUBLIC - AWA website only

»»

ASSOCIATE MEMBER - limited database access

»»

FULL MEMBER - complete database access

traits. Other possible components of the Stage 3 Project may include: ■■

Genotyping and linking of the Japanese carcase measurement system to Single Step BREEDPLAN to utilise substantial available data

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Genotyping and the addition of crossbred data to Single Step BREEDPLAN. With 80% of Wagyu production being crossbred very large volumes of crossbred data is available to enhance EBV accuracy

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“Big data” capture and collection of commercial Wagyu supply chain data and its incorporation into Single Step BREEDPLAN, linking with the MLA DataLink Project.

Facilities management

AUS-MEAT is currently conducting a review of its export meat quality assurance services. AWA has provided a submission recommending that:

AWA is now providing membership, registration and Wagyu BREEDPLAN performance analysis to the British Wagyu Breeders Association (BWBA) through a Facilities Management Agreement, with over 40 British members enrolled.

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Industry adopts technologies for objective carcase grading as a priority

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The AUS-MEAT beef marbling grading range be increased to Marble Score 12 when the technology for objective carcase grading is commercially available/proven and is AUS-MEAT “endorsed” for use in Australian abattoirs

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Objective carcase grading technologies be used to accurately determine AUSMEAT Beef Marble Score

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Fineness of marbling be included as an additional score The temperature required for chiller o assessment be amended to 4 C or below as an “Industry Best Practice Guide”. This suggestion pertains only to long-fed Wagyu and Wagyu cross carcases that generally have a 48 hour chill after slaughter

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A review of the Grain Fed Standard to be undertaken to allow females with 8 incisors to be graded GF upon meeting a minimum Eating Quality Index.

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AUS-MEAT adopts a code for use on cartons of Cross Bred Wagyu beef that is (at a minimum) F1 (50% Wagyu) through to the higher grades of Wagyu content, with the maximum being Fullblood Wagyu (100% Wagyu).

STAGE 3 - Wagyu Collaborative Genetic Research Project The third stage planning of the R&D project will be developed in the New Year. Focus will include investigation of health and eating quality aspects of Wagyu to enhance marketing claims and product differentiation, and enable genetic improvement of those

The Association purchased the first version of the Japanese Digital Carcase Imaging Camera and its analysis software in 2010 and has used it extensively for carcass analysis in the R&D Project. That camera is limited in that it is used to take the carcass image in the chiller, with the images sent to the analyst, providing a minimum 24 hour turn-around time. This timing has prevented the camera being used for real-time carcass grading at processor chain-speed.

Developer Professor Keigo Kuchida has produced a second version which will be demonstrated in Australia during December and assessed by AWA Technical Services Manager, Carel Teseling.

AUS-MEAT Review

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All members are being allocated a usercode and password for access to the Member Login section of the AWA website to enable this member-restricted access.

Japanese Digital Carcase Imaging Camera – Version 2

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

The BWBA has developed on-line frontend membership and registration services with AWA providing back-end services. The Wagyu Update magazine is co-branded and circulated to all BWBA members.

2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The AWA Annual General Meeting for 2015 was held on 16th November at the University of New England, Armidale, NSW with over 60 members attending.

The 2015 Annual Report was circulated well before the meeting. President Scott de Bruin presented a summary of the year past, resigning at the end of the meeting as notified due to family commitments.

CEO Graham Truscott presented the past year’s highlights and an outlook for the coming year.

Treasurer John Spreadborough presented the financial report emphasising the substantial surplus for the year and projected for the next three years.

ACCC The President updated the 2015 AGM regarding the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) inquiry into the Australian Wagyu beef industry, >> see page 8

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S DESK

Wagyu's rapid growth - opportunities for all sectors Continued from page 7

FINANCIAL POSITION

informing the meeting that: ■■

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The President had formally advised members of the inquiry after being advised by ACCC in 2014

The Association is in a strong financial position with the unaudited

AWA established a public media page on the AWA website immediately after the announced inquiry

NET INCOME of $30,834 which is $88,198 above budget YTD.

The President and CEO met with ACCC Enforcement Division at their request 9 September 2015 where the ACCC:

results to 31 October 2015 showing: NET ASSETS of $583,343 and an increase in NET ASSETS compared to the same time in the previous year of $59,037 or 11%.

A net cash increase of $28,033 since the start of the financial year.

»»

Advised the matter had been passed to the ACCC Enforcement Division

30 DAY PAYMENT - Members are reminded that when receiving

»»

Sought general Wagyu industry information focusing on consumer awareness and expectations of Wagyu products, trade descriptors, marketing campaigns by AWA and its members, wholesaler understanding of Wagyu products, and requested that AWA provide any legal advice that it had received, which AWA declined as legal privilege.

Some members are extending this credit period well beyond the

Subsequently the ACCC advised the Association on 18 November that "The ACCC has carefully considered the information obtained during its investigation and at this stage the information does not indicate clearly that a contravention of the above sections of the ACL has taken place. As a result, the ACCC is not pursuing this matter further at this time."

Member Identification eg. AOX. Please use that identifier whenever

an invoice from AWA the payment terms are strictly 30 days.

30 day term, requiring AWA to expend valuable resources to recoup the debt. Please pay on time.

MEMBER IDENTIFICATION On joining the Association all members are provided with a unique dealing with the Association for membership, registration or payment transactions to ensure correct identification.

Graham Truscott

DIRECT MEAT COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR WAGYU FULLBLOOD and CROSSBRED, FINISHED and READY TO PROCESS Negotiable grid based on SHCW and MARBLING SCORE Attractive PAYMENT TERMS For more details, contact JOE PUGLIA WAYNE BELL Ph 0407 243 689 Ph 0427 012 610 or email sales@directmeatcompany.com.au

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AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

DIRECT MEAT COMPANY

ONLINE AUCTION SUCCESS FOR WAGYU NEWS

BIG PLUS FOR WAGYU ON AUCTIONSPLUS The appearance of small numbers Wagyu and Wagyu cross cattle on AuctionsPlus a few months ago was the start of a series of weekly revelations of price discovery for the breed.

Previously, most successful Wagyu sales were direct to feeders or backgrounders with the traditional saleyard system not suited to this non-traditional breed. The per kilogram live prices paid on AuctionsPlus was an industry eye-opener. Backgrounder and feeder steers and heifers regularly sell on ActionsPlus for the mid 500c/kg and even topping to 600c/kg live mark on occasions. And these prices are being achieved for cattle with Wagyu content as low as 50% (F1 crossbreds). The Wagyu experience has led to the first Wagyu only Want Wagyu? AuctionsPlus sale on December 16.

The October 30 AuctionsPlus sale had a small pen of 474kg Wagyu feeder steers from Garfield, Vic, that made $2860/ head or 604c/kg live. The best of similarly weighted cattle of other breeds made slightly better than half that per kilogram rate. This attracted bigger Wagyu listings. A line of 330 Wagyu X Brangus F1 backgrounding steers were offered in three lots on November 6. The pens averaged from 272.3kgs to 302.7kgs and sold from $1443.19 to

$1639.31 or 530 - 541.6c/kg live.

The magic 600c/kg live mark was bettered the following week when a Goulburn, NSW, vendor offered lines of Wagyu X Angus aged seven to 12months.

The 19 heifers, not seen mated, weighed 235.5kgs and made 627c/kg or $1430/ head. The 17 steers weighed 254.4kgs and made 607c/kg or $1595/head.

The demand continued into the first sale in December when a Blayney, NSW, vendor offered Wagyu X Angus aged 13 - 245mths. The 64 feeder heifers at 280.9kgs made $1634/head or 582c/ kg wile the 42 feeders steers at 305.7kgs made $1786/head or 585c/kg. n

Potential AuctionsPlus vendors and buyers should contact their agent or go to the AuctionsPlus website to observe sales.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

Australian's Wagyu is 'worlds best steak' Continued from page 5

Jacks Creek Wagyu brand is produced from cattle from an Angus base with a minimum of 75% Wagyu content.

“We see that as the best cross as you’re getting a good carcase size on a good frame on which to grow meat, but also have the higher Wagyu content so there are more of the Wagyu characteristics such as marbling.

Jacks Creek exports 90% of the beef it produces with Saudi Arabia the biggest market taking 20% of its exports. Japan takes 18% with China, EU and Korea about 10% each and the south east Asian market taking up the balance.

AACo ALSO ON WINNERS PODIUM Serial branded beef award winners AACo also muscled into the top bracket in the World Steak Challenge when their Darling Downs Wagyu, produced from an F1, was awarded a Gold medal, one of only 11 Gold Medals awarded.

The steak came from an animal born and raised on AACo’s Avon Downs in the Northern Territory and grain finished for 300 days at the company’s Aronui feedlot on Queensland’s Darling Downs. n

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NEWS A FAMILY AFFAIR

‘WORLD’S BEST STEAK’ JOURNEY COMMENCED IN 1852 The journey to producing the World’s Best Steak commenced in 1852 when the Warmoll family migrated from Ireland to Australia. Nine children and their mother made the six month journey from Dublin to Sydney then to the gold fields in Victoria and New South Wales where they opened butcher shops.

At the turn of the century in 1900, the family moved to the district of Gunnedah, NSW, where they remain today. In Gunnedah, they started a wool and animal hide trading store to buy and sell wool, sheep and animal skins.

In the late 1940’s John Francis Warmoll (Jock) and his wife started JF Warmoll & Co and this was the beginning of the farming enterprise that still operates the grain and pastoral business today. The family purchased a large cropping and grazing property at Breeza on the fertile Liverpool Plains with sons David and Phillip joining the business in the 1970’s.

‘WORLD’S BEST STEAK’ PRODUCER ON TOUR AGENDA Participants will visit Jacks Creek’s Breeza property on the two day post conference tour on May 5 and 6 and learn how cattle are selected and bred to produce the ‘World’s Best Steak’.

Farm production was expanded by becoming the first in the district to develop flood irrigation to water crops. Specific crop irrigation plans maximised water use to grow crops such as soybeans, cotton and corn.

From the success of the mixed

cropping, a cattle property was purchased at Willow Tree, NSW, called “Big Jack’s Creek”. The property is situated on the Great Dividing Range known for its temperate climate and reliable rainfall. For the next eight years they bred Angus building up a strong cattle business. In 1991, premium cattle connoisseurs David and Phillip began crossing their Angus with the famous Tajima Wagyu sires from the Hyogo prefecture in Japan.

With a strong farming platform and with the Wagyu business born, the Warmoll brothers took the next natural step into beef processing and marketing launching the Jack’s Creek brand in 2000 becoming one of the first Australian companies to breed, grow, feed, process and market Wagyu beef.

Today, Jack’s Creek processes and markets grain fed Wagyu and Black Angus products and proudly ship to over 20 destinations worldwide. n

The Wagyu National Conference commence on Monday May 2 and concludes on Wednesday May 4 at the Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley, NSW, with the tour on Thursday and Friday May 5 and 6.

Other properties to be visited are: Delta Wagyu at Singleton, Kuro Kin Wagyu at Scone, and Killara feedlot at Quirindi.

Register now on www.wagyu.org.au Images courtesy of www.jackscreek.com.au

2016 CONFERENCE

10

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

Goorambat Wagyu Pedigree backed by performance Currently offering award winning Australian Wagyu genetic solutions for: * Carcass consistency — marbling & flavour * Product consistency

GOORAMBAT MR. MARBLE K483 Aust. Rego #: GRSFK0483

B3FU, CL16FU, CHS1%, F11C

SIRE: WKSFP1593— Shigeshigetani Sumo Itoshigenami X0065 DAM: SMOFE0175 TF Terutani 40/1 Mr. Marble K483 offers an outstanding combination of genetics. A beautifully balanced pedigree with Shigeshigetani, Itoshigenami TF148 and Terutani 40/1 all featuring. “Shigeshigetani is one of the most well rounded and consistent carcass sires available” says Scott DeBruin, Mayura Station.

Semen now available @ $40

16/16 Analysis Group

Tajima

Kedaka

Tottori

D

10.47

1.06

-

2.5

65%

14%

5%

21%

* Accredited Export Semen

Itozakura Shimane

Sexed semen available

Okayama

Hiroshima

Other

Total

0.5

0.16

0.81

0.50

16.01

1%

9%

2%

2%

GOORAMBAT DOUBLE SIXTY K473 Aust. Rego #: GRSFK0473

B3FU, CL16FU, CHS.F, F11F

Michifuku SIRE: Michitsuru—WKSFU0006 Yasufuki 165-9 Ichyruno DAM: GRSFE0122 Kitateruyasudoi003

GRSFE0122 – dam of Goorambat Double Sixty K473

A sire just ready to marble. Combining Michifuku, Yasufuku, Ichyruno and Kitateruyasudoi in the one pedigree. Added to that, proven dam carcass performance. E122 steer sired by PMGFD0139 MS8, CWT 455 kgs, age at slaughter 1218 days, Haruki 11 sired steer MS9+, CWT 423kgs, age at slaughter 728 days.

Semen now available @ $40 * Accredited Export Semen

16/16 Analysis

Sexed semen available

Group

Tajima

Kedaka

Tottori

Itozakura

Shimane

Okayama

Hiroshima

Other

Total

D

12.41

0.94

0.69

0.38

0.03

0.08

0.11

0.66

16.01

78%

14%

5%

21%

1%

9%

2%

2%

Goorambat Wagyu T: 03 5764 1224

256 Peck Road, Goorambat. Australia 3725 W: www.goorambatwagyu.com.au

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

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Goorambat Wagyu Pedigree backed by performance Currently offering award winning Australian Wagyu genetic solutions for: * Carcass consistency — marbling & flavour * Product consistency

GOORAMBAT TERUTANI F146 (AI) Aust. Rego #: GRSFF0146

D.O.B 23/6/2010

B3F, CL16F, CHS.F, F11F

Terutani J2494 TF40

Itoshigenami TF148

SIRE: TF Terutani 40/1

DAM: Goorambat F C0021

TF Dai 2 Kinntou 3

Goorambat F Y101

F146 is one of the first 40/1 sons to have semen available in Australia. His sire, Terutani 40/1 is the bull everyone has wanted to use in a full-blood breeding program due to the progeny results under feedlot conditions and also because of the milk and size he is leaving in his daughters. By combining the all round ability of Terutani 40/1 from the Tajima line with the maternal grandsire Itoshigenami TF148 from the Shige Kanenami line, we are bringing into the pedigree the famous cow families of Okutani, Suzutani and Rikitani. The extra marbling ability added by having TF148 should make this young sire a favourite of breeders of both full blood and commercial crossbred Wagyu. Tested FREE of all 5 recessive genes. * Export qualified semen available $25

16/16 Analysis Group

Tajima

Kedaka

Tottori

Itozakura

Shimane

Okayama

Hiroshima

Other

Total

C

10.05

0.14

0.00

3.88

0.69

0.32

0.73

0.19

16.00

62.8%

0.9%

0.0%

24.3%

4.3%

2.0%

4.6%

1.2%

Wagyu Group Breed Plan EBV’s August 2015 GL

BW

200D

400D

600D

MCW

MILK

CW

EMA

RIB

RUMP

RBY

-0.5 54%

-0.1 62%

+7 69%

+12 66%

+14 66%

+15 59%

+4 56%

+16 61%

-1.7 53%

+1.1 54%

+1.7 56%

-1.4 51%

PEPPERMILL GROVE D139 (AI) (ET) Aust. Rego #: PMGFD0139

D.O.B 5/8/2008

B3F, CHSF, CL16F, F11C

Dai 20 Hirashige J287—Kuro IKU SIRE: Hirashigetayasu J2351 Hongen

Itomoritaka J2703 Hongen DAM: Geanca F Z 5015

Dai 5 Yuruhime J187250—Kuro Koh

Gooree Morikita W41

Peppermill Grove D139 is the Wagyu sire to use to increase growth and milk characteristics. This pedigree combines the Kedaka bloodlines from his Sire ET J001 with Tottori bloodlines of his maternal grand sire ET J002, and then goes back to the Tajima bloodlines of ET J003.

He is ideal to use over high content Tajima bloodlines that have the marbling but need some frame, muscle and milking ability added. * Export qualified semen available $25

Wagyu Group Breed Plan EBV’s August 2015 GL +1.2 59%

BW +3.7 74%

200D +26 75%

400D +37 76%

600D +48 78%

MCW +44 69%

Goorambat Wagyu T: 03 5764 1224

12

MILK +11 61%

SCR +2.3 57%

CW +26 72%

EMA -0.9 64%

RIB -2.0 62%

RUMP -1.4 65%

RBY +0.9 59%

256 Peck Road, Goorambat. Australia 3725 W: www.goorambatwagyu.com.au

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

IMF 0.0 69%

MARB -0.08 63%

WAGYU CONTENT TEST NEWS

ABC QUESTIONS OUTGOING PRESIDENT ON WAGYU CONTENT TEST ABC Rural’s Cassandra Hough interviewed the Australian Wagyu Association’s outgoing president in Armidale, NSW, at the Wagyu Genetics Workshop in November.

She introduced the interview by describing Wagyu as the fastest growing breed in Australia in terms of cattle numbers and this growing popularity is largely due to the enormous premium the cattle can attract.

Anecdotally, said Hough, purebred Wagyu beef can make up to $1,200 a kilogram at the retail level so the breed society would like to make sure if consumers are buying Wagyu, they're getting exactly that.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

Outgoing Wagyu president Scott de Bruin said the organisation was working on trade descriptors to accurately describe Wagyu beef.

"We have trade descriptors which go from F1, so it's 50 per cent Wagyu and 50 per cent another breed, all the way up to fullblood that can assist the trade in accurately describing the product," Mr de Bruin said. >> see page 15

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WAGYU CONTENT TEST NEWS

ABC questions outgoing president on Wagyu content test Continued from page 13

The industry is also developing a genomics test to test for the amount of Wagyu in a piece of beef.

content and then help you identify the level of performance of that Wagyu in the context of its Wagyu percentage."

been breeding Wagyu cattle for 21 years.

He told the ABC there was a danger of some level of substitution.

"This test is where you take a DNA sample and that DNA sample will help you identify the level of Wagyu content; so it's useful for a number of different reasons," Mr de Bruin said.

"It [the test) is not yet completed but it's past the research stage."

"It is an issue, more an annoyance than a major issue, and the danger is it could compromise the integrity of the whole Wagyu program," Mr Rogers said.

"There are breeders who would like to be able to identify the amount of Wagyu in their cattle. They can do that via the test if they want to validate and verify what the product is."

"It's also a good method for people who want to keep performance data and they want to be able identify cattle which may have breaks in the pedigree chain."

"The test can tell you the level of Wagyu

The ABC’s Hough also spoke to Guyra stud Angus breeder Lock Rogers who has

I think the cream will come to the top and it will sort itself out but I think there will need to be a level of control to make sure the integrity is right.

"I think the cream will come to the top and it will sort itself out but I think there will need to be a level of control to make sure the integrity is right."

Mr Rogers said there was enormous demand for the product.

"It's just unbelievable demand at the moment. We are truckloads short of being able to supply bulls to our customers," Mr Rogers said.

"I think a bit of blessing has been that initially people hated the look of Wagyu and it stopped people jumping on board.

"We as Australian farmers have the happy knack of overproducing whatever's good, but it took a long while for people to jump on the Wagyu bandwagon."

Mr de Bruin told the ABC consumers were asking for much more information about the products they were eating and that was also driving the push to ensure correct labelling.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has bought several properties running Wagyu cattle, which Mr de Bruin said was a good thing that validated the work of Australian breeders for the past two decades.

PICTURED TOP PAGE 13

Out-going Australian Wagyu Association president Scott de Bruin who told the ABC that a DNA test to determine breed content was not far off.

LEFT

Lock Rogers, a veteran Angus and Wagyu seedstock producer told he ABC that he was ‘truckloads’ short of Wagyu bulls to provide the growing demand.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

"The breeders have had to grow their businesses organically and breed cattle up from small bases because there just wasn't the cattle out there," Mr de Bruin said.

"I guess when you have corporate investment coming into play they're looking at trying to move faster into the production cycle.

"So to do that they have to invest heavily and there's a limited number of people who have that capacity." n

15

NEWS EXCITING AGENDA PLANNED FOR 2016 CONFERENCE

THE WAGYU REVOLUTION HITS THE HUNTER The 2016 Wagyu National Conference, themed THE WAGYU REVOLUTION, will reveal exciting developments as the breed continues to grow and consolidate its place as a major segment of the Australian beef cattle industry.

In a conference coup, the world’s leading researcher on the ‘healthiness’ of marbled Wagyu beef, Dr Stephen Smith of Texas A & M, will present his latest findings which indicate Wagyu beef contains extraordinary amounts of monounsaturated ‘healthy’ oleic acid and this increases with marbling and days on feed.

The venue is the spectacular Crowne Plaza resort near Pokolbin in the NSW Hunter Valley, a short distance from Newcastle Airport. The conference is now an autumn event and in 2016 will run from May 2 to 4 with a post conference tour on May 5 and 6 following the great success of the 2015 Queensland tour.

The conference officially opens on Monday evening, May 2, with the welcoming cocktail party at the Crowne

CRITICAL CLOSING DATES JANUARY 30, 2016 Early bird conference and tour registrations close FEBRUARY 19, 2016 Branded Beef Competition entries close FEBRUARY 26, 2016 Wagyu 100% Fullbood International Sale entries close Register now on www.wagyu.org.au 2016 CONFERENCE

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Plaza. However, as an added bonus an afternoon session has been added on the Monday to cover issues critical to the efficient and profitable breeding of Wagyu cattle. This will cover the Wagyu specific MateSel genetic selection system, how to prepare and submit recording data and the prevention and treatment of scours to save valuable calves. The conference proper starts at 8:30 am on Tuesday May 3. The place of high quality beef in Australia’s beef industry will be discussed

by MLA’s managing director Richard Norton. Many on the 2015 Queensland tour said they would like to hear more from Darren Hamblin from Middlemount about his unique recording system, his cross breeding program and the way he deals with horns. Tasmania’s Robbins Island Wagyu herd holds a fascination through its unique management practices. Keith Hammond will explain how it operates, their moves to genetically remove horns from the herd and the progress of a new Wagyu beef brand.

The Wagyu Association has been active in putting a strong case for the new AUSMEAT language to better describe and identify Wagyu in the production chain and to have access to AUS-MEAT’s Wagyu data to assist in breed improvement. Alex Ball from the MLA will explain the latest developments.

The Wagyu Association’s CEO Graham Truscott and Technical Services Manager Carel Teseling will share a presentation on the latest technical advancements resulting in the number of Wagyu animals carrying marbling and marbling fineness EBVs jumping from around 7000 to a staggering 78,000 plus. How does this affect genetic selection?

The Wagyu breed is experiencing extraordinary demand for Wagyu bulls and members need to become efficient producers of quality bulls. To explain what it takes to breed, prepare and market bulls will be leading Hereford bull breeder Marc Greening of Injemira Beef Genetics, Book Book, NSW. At his 2015 on-property sale, Marc sold 77 bulls for an average $8217,

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

one of the best results for any breed in 2015.

There is no doubt AuctionsPlus is made for Wagyu. The breed has become an industry talking point ever since mid-2105 when Wagyu and Wagyu cross cattle started selling for up to $6/kg live on AuctionsPlus. CEO Anna Speer will explain how Wagyu is such a neat fit with this online selling system and why AuctionsPlus chose to run a Wagyu specific sale. Some cattle producers reach a breed switch point and fourth generation cattle producer, Steve Binnie, has made his switch - to Wagyu. He will explain why and how he has increased numbers from a handful of Wagyu in 2015 to over 1000 Wagyu calves on the ground in 2016.

Victorian couple Nick and Vicki Sher of Sher Wagyu, Ballan, have been in Wagyu since 1991 and were awarded life membership of the Australian Wagyu Association in 2015. They’ve seen the ups and downs of the industry and have built their business to the stage where they are exporting Sher Wagyu to 14 countries. They will explain how to develop and manage a family run paddock to plate business.

The special Q&A session so successful at the 2015 conference, will be on again with moderator Chantal Winter who is now carefully selecting a panel that will challenge and enlighten the audience.

The Gala Dinner, Charity Auction and the Branded Beef Competition award announcements and tasting remain important parts of the program The tour departs from the Crowne Plaza on Thursday morning May 5 and returns there on the evening of May 6 after visiting Delta Wagyu (Steve Binnie), Kuro Kin Wagyu (Peter Bishop), Killara Feedlot (Elders) and Jacks Creek Wagyu (Warmoll family).

The Wagyu 100% Fullblood Wagyu International Sale on the afternoon of Wednesday May 4 will follow the 2015 format of a live auction with bidding available through AuctionsPlus. n

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17

NEWS RINEHART EXPANDS INTEREST IN EASTERN STATES

MINING MAGNATE KEEPS EXPANDING WAGYU INTERESTS

Charleville Brisbane

Dubbo

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has continued her recent investment focus on beef cattle, securing a showcase Dubbo, NSW grazing property apparently to expand her Eastern states Wagyu cattle and beef operations.

Sydney

Wagyu operations purchased

By JON CONDON Beef Central

Reports in the financial press suggest Ms Rinehart has paid $30 million for 10,000ha Glencoe Station north of Dubbo, to add to her growing Wagyu supply chain interests.

of the Decade at a dinner at Rockhampton’s Beef 2000 event five years later. He has owned and operated Glencoe for at least 30 years, together with grazing properties in Central Queensland, since sold.

Glencoe is close to her existing Greenhills Wagyu operations, bought for $25 million last year from businessman Paul Salteri. That deal included Greenhills’ elite Wagyu cattle herd numbering 1600 fullblood breeders (regarded by many as at least the equivalent of the Westholme herd bought several years earlier by AACo for $10 million), and two high quality grazing properties, Boogadah and Kagan.

The Greenhills deal was her first beef investment outside Western Australia.

Glencoe ran a terminal crossbred herd, with Limousin bulls used over mostly Angus females.

Rumours of Mrs Rinehart's purchase of Glencoe from former Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation chairman and mining investor Dick Austen started when the parent company Hartley Grazing Co listed 1000 Angus cattle for sale on AuctionsPlus on November 27.

Dick Austen was AMLC chairman for 12 years up to around 1995. He was announced as Red Meat Industry Achiever

18

What is developing in Gina Rinehart’s beef investment portfolio is two separate and contrasting production streams on either side of the continent.

Her Western Australian investments have been in large-scale, arid and semi-arid cattle production in the state’s north and far north. Properties include Liveringa and Nerrima Stations in the Pilbara, later adding Fossil Downs in the Kimberley for about $30 million. A deal to purchase four other Kimberley stations (Moola Bulla, Mount Amhurst, Beefwood Park and Shamrock) went close, but ultimately fell through.

In contrast, her growing assets in the eastern states focus on high-quality Wagyu-based beef production - on a much smaller scale, in relative terms, in higherrainfall, more fertile country.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

In August, Beef Central published an article flagging her decision to shelve her plans to establish a large-scale dairy supply chain in southeastern Queensland, designed to produce powdered milk formula for export to China. The dairy project, which included the purchase of about 5,000ha of irrigated and dryland grazing country in the South Burnett and Gympie regions, is currently in conversion to Wagyu beef production.

"We are continuing to invest in agriculture in Queensland, putting the land already purchased to use developing a beef cattle operation, producing both feed for Wagyu cattle, and Wagyu cattle for the domestic and international markets,” a company statement said at the time.

"Market conditions are now more conducive to Wagyu than particular dairy products for one market."

The Glencoe Station purchase was an off-market deal negotiated by Colliers International's Richard Royle out of Sydney, and Simon McKittrick, Logical Livestock, Mudgee. Mr Royle confirmed a sale but refused to comment on the price or buyer. n

BRANDED BEEF GETS A NEW CLASS NEWS

BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION EXPANDED The highly regarded Wagyu Branded Beef Competition (BBC) has been expanded to recognise the Marble Score 5 to 7 sector which includes the majority of quality marbled beef traded internationally and domestically.

“To reflect the commercial reality of the market place, the new class will recognize those brands that are meeting the quality demands of this section of the Wagyu industry,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

■■

have been AUS-MEAT graded to be in the marble score 5 to 7 range

To be known as the Wagyu Commercial Steak Class (CSC), it opens the competition for brands that previously considered they needed to be in the MS9+ area to be competitive. Australian Wagyu Association board member and chair of the Wagyu Competitions Committee, Ron Fitzgerald, said that while previous Wagyu Branded Beef Competitions demonstrated the extremely high quality of Australian Wagyu brands, there is an opinion that a large proportion of the Wagyu beef industry is not being recognized.

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submitted in original carton with label

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have marble score on label.

■■

be accompanied with a signed statutory declaration stating that the entry, carton and label refer to the marble score grading on the label.

To be eligible for this class, entries must:

All entries will be subjected to digital analysis by the Japanese digital camera and entries with a marbling percentage significantly outside the MS 5 to 7 range will be excluded. The judging criteria will be the same as for the Fullblood Wagyu 100% and Crossbred Wagyu classes.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

CSC entries must have a minimum requirement of F1 Wagyu 50% content but higher content Crossbred Wagyu or Fullblood Wagyu may be entered. In addition, both pasture-fed and grain-fed entries are acceptable in this class. n

ENTRY FORMS For the 2016 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition are available on www.wagyu.org.au ENTRIES CLOSE 19 February 2016 RESULTS will be announced at the 2016 Wagyu National Conference which runs from May 2 to 4.

ENQUIRIES to RON FITZGERALD phone 0428 456 293 email salisburywagyu1@bigpond.com.au

19

NEWS STRONG ROLL-UP

STRONG ROLL-UP AT WAGYU GENETICS WORKSHOP Over 60 Australian Wagyu Association members from all states discovered the latest developments in Wagyu genetic discovery at a two day workshop in November at Armidale, NSW. Attendees gained a better understanding of genetics, genomics, BREEDPLAN, net feed intake and methane emissions. The question ‘Does BREEDPLAN work for Wagyu?’ was addressed. One industry observer said other breeds would not draw such a good crowd to a technically focussed event.

What started as an idea to educate Wagyu directors, ended up to be a fantastic learning opportunity for a large number of Wagyu breeders.

Carel Teseling, the recently appointed Technical Services Manager of the Australian Wagyu Association provided this report.

Wagyu members representing large and small enterprises gathered in Armidale for two days to build their genetics skills.

They were delighted to learn more about the whole spectrum from the basics of genetics all the way through to genomics. There was a high level of excitement in the achievements of the Wagyu Collaborative Genetics Research Project for the breed over the last two years and also the opportunities presented by genomics in future.

TULLIMBA FEEDLOT Breeders were introduced to net feed intake and methane production measurement collection on individual animals. Tullimba feedlot manager Colin Crampton explained the feeding protocols and how the GrowSafe equipment was set up and used for the collection of individual feed intake. Chris Webber from the NSW Department of Primary Industries discussed the collection of methane production information using GreenFeeder units installed in the pens. The methane production information collected at Tullimba is vital for several research projects.

At the University of New England the breeders visited the methane chambers where the methane production of individual animals was being monitored.

An animal is fed for 24 or 48 hours in an isolated chamber while its methane production is monitored, providing a very accurate measurement of the amount of methane each animal produces.

NET FEED INTAKE AND METHANE PRODUCTION Prof Hutton Oddie discussed net feed intake testing and methane production.

The audience was challenged to think about the benefits of an animal consuming just a couple of kilograms of feed per day less while maintaining productivity.

He said there is currently no evidence that selection for net feed intake will compromise marbling in the breed. >> see page 23

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WAGYU GENETICS WORKSHOP NEWS

Strong roll-up at Wagyu Genetics Workshop Continued from page 20

mid-parent average

However, he recommended the breed should embark on a research project to test animals for feed intake and compare that with their carcase performance.

EBV

UNDERSTANDING GENETICS AND GENETIC IMPROVEMENT The Genetics Workshop introduced the concept of genetic diversity with examples showing the tremendous amount of diversity found in nature and also how selection for specific traits created differences between breeds of various species including dogs and cattle. The point was clearly made that these differences can be attributed to the effect of genes.

The structure of DNA was explained in detail and also how DNA is the building block of life. Examples of the red and black gene were used to demonstrate the action of single genes while considering how hundreds of genes could affect traits like growth and disease resistance.

The second session focused on populations and the importance of realising there are some very good individuals, some very bad individuals and a large number of average individuals in every population. To make genetic progress it is important to accurately identify the small number of very good individuals as early as possible and use them as the parents of the next generation.

To maximise genetic progress it is important to 1) identify the next generation of parents early, 2) use performance recording and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to accurately identify superior animals and 3) use AI and ET to select the very best animals to be the parents of the next generation.

WAGYU GENETIC ANALYSIS A range of methods are available to identify superior animals i.e. prefectural bloodlines, visual appraisal, performance and carcase data, EBVs and selection indexes.

correlated traits

DIAGRAM

The EBVs of the parents, correlated traits, performance of relatives and the animal’s own performance influence the EBV of an animal.

performance of relatives

Breeders can now collect data on more than 20 traits, such as calving ease, fertility traits, weights, scans of Eye Muscle Area and fat depth, and abattoir carcase data. This data (when submitted to the association) gets analysed once a month by the BREEDPLAN software to calculate EBVs. The image (pictured above) shows how the EBVs of the parents, correlated traits, performance of relatives and the animal’s own performance influence the EBV of an animal.

As an animal gets older and more performance information (initially its own and later progeny) gets collected, the animal’s EBVs will change to reflect the most recent information. There is an accuracy value associated with every EBV. The EBV accuracy is an indication of the amount and quality of data that contributes to the estimation of the breeding value and will increase as the amount of data collected increase.

animal’s own performance

In a genetic context: 1) if you want healthy animals with good growth rates that are efficient and with high carcase value you will 2) have to collect data on survival rate, weights, fertility, feed intake, carcase yield, eye muscle area and marbling and then 3) do a genetic analysis of this data.

He concluded that BREEDPLAN is capable of analysing this data and in the case of the Wagyu breed a lot more highquality data needs to be collected. It will be vital for the genetic improvement of the breed that Wagyu members participate in BREEDPLAN and submit fertility, growth, ultrasound scan and carcase data.

SELECTION INDEXES

2) know what ingredients are needed to get the required result, and

It was emphasised that breeders cannot afford to select for only one trait as that could change a second trait in an unfavourable direction. It is necessary to measure both traits and then put a weighting on each to ensure animals are identified that will move the herd/breed in a favourable direction for both the traits.

However; ideally all economically important traits (not only two traits) should be considered and weightings determined for each of them.

3) mix it all together.

>> see page 24

To answer the question “Does BREEDPLAN work for the Wagyu breed?”

Dr Rob Banks compared the genetic analysis with making sausages! The sausage making process is: 1) know what you want,

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

23

NEWS WAGYU GENETICS WORKSHOP

Strong roll-up at Wagyu Genetics Workshop Continued from page 23

The Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) developed BreedObject to resolve this very complex equation by considering a range of cost and income assumptions at each point along the production chain and then calculate the appropriate weightings for each trait. To fully utilise the potential of BreedObject, all traits with economic importance in the production chain should have high accuracy EBVs available. This is not possible for all animals but it highlights the importance of performance recording.

A spreadsheet model representing some of the cost and income components of the production chain was used to calculate the income for 1) the cow-calf producer and 2) feedlot/processor sector.

After some “standard industry” information was entered, some of the survival rate, production, efficiency and carcase quality levels were changed to show the impact on the income of the cow-calf producer and the feedlot/ processor section of the production chain. This exercise demonstrated the impact genetic change could have on the different sectors and reiterated the importance of considering all traits when developing a selection index.

THE PROMISE OF GENOMICS Single Nucleotide Polymorphism or SNP (pronounced “Snip”) chips are now the industry standard for genomic testing (genotyping) and can be used to determine parentage, the risk of genetic conditions, breed content and selection for production traits.

The Wagyu breed is currently using DNA based STR microsatellite technology to parent verify calves before registration. Unfortunately this technology cannot be used for any other purpose and is therefore a significant cost without any additional benefits. If SNPs could be used for parent verification, it would have the advantage that the genotype could also be used for determining genetic condition status, breed content and enhancing the accuracy of EBVs. A Wagyu genetic content test has been developed by AWA through AGBU that will be used to determine the breed composition of an animal.

This prototype test is in the final validation phase using a wide range of crossbred Wagyu animal DNA samples. The test will be especially helpful to determine the percentage of Wagyu in animals that are put forward for registration in a soon to be created Wagyu Content Register. The test is highly accurate with a standard error of only + or -3%.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT the Wagyu genetics workshop and the topics that were discussed, contact:

Genomic testing to assist with the early identification of replacement animals is starting to become a reality. However, to achieve this it is necessary to continue to collect accurate performance information (phenotypes) on genotyped animals now and into the future.

CAREL TESELING Technical Services Manager Australian Wagyu Association

Genomic testing is expensive and it will be important for AWA to develop systems that will allow all parties that benefit from the information to contribute to the cost of collecting phenotypes and genotypes. n

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AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

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MATT & ALICE EDWARDS M. 0428 698 866 P. 07 4691 2508 ‘Silverbrook’ PO Box 36 Oakey, QLD 4401 E.mail: edwardslivestock@bigpond.com Website : www.edwardslivestock.com.au

26

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

STORY HEADER MARKETPLACE

A STANDING OVATION Long standing Wagyu Registrar Barb O'Shea was honoured at the AGM with an Honorary Membership by outgoing President Scott de Bruin.

Barb has served members for the past 26 years, effectively lifting the Wagyu breed from a cottage industry to a growth area in agriculture that is producing reasonable returns for our members.

At 64 years young, Barb has decided to begin her move towards retirement. Barb said after the meeting she can still remember sorting out some of the Mayura registrations for a young teenage boy, Scott de Bruin!

Image courtesy of Queensland Country Life

In announcing her decision to go part time three days a week, the AWA needed to redesign and fill the position with a Senior Registrar Sarah Balla and Assistant Registrar Meaghan Truscott to cope with the rapidly rising registration load as the breed expands. Barb has continued on as an expert mentor and assistant to the new registration team, working tirelessly to train the new team with her wealth of registration and member knowledge.

As a token of AWA members’ appreciation, Barb was also presented with a beautifully framed print of her favourite photograph, taken by her in Thailand. The entire AGM gave Barb a standing ovation, so fitting to a wonderful lady much loved by all members. n

We wish Barb every happiness in her gradual move to retirement.

WAGYU WINS AT BRISBANE Wagyu crossbred F1 entries from Edwards Livestock, Oakey, Qld took out major awards at the RNA (Brisbane Royal) innovative 100 day fed export competition sponsored by Mort & Co. An Edwards Wagyu F1 entry was named champion carcase. The Wagyu Angus cross produced a 379.5 kg carcase with a 2.81 kg daily weight gain. It had 12mm P8, 8mm of rib fat, an impressive 112sq am EMA and 59.01 on the MSA index.

TOP LEFT

Duane Woodham representing sponsor JBS Australia presents Matt Edwards of Edwards Livestock with the champion pen of six carcases award, all Wagyu crossbred F1s.

LEFT

Edwards Livestock’s champion carcase, a Michifuku blood Wagyu F1 that weighed 379.5 kgs on the rail and had a weight gain of 2.81 kgs/day over the 100 day trial and an EMA of 112 sq cms.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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This individual champion came from the Edwards entry of a pen of six F1s which was overall champion pen of six carcases sponsored by JBS Australia. This group also named winner of the MSA eating quality competition.

The Michifuku blood F1 pen of six was the 22nd highest weight gainer in a field of 88 entries. Overall, combining feedlot and carcase performance, the Edwards entry was placed second. n

27

MARKETPLACE WINNING STREAK FOR AACO

WAGYU GRAND CHAMPION AT MELBOURNE AACo’s flagship Master Kobe Wagyu has been named the Champion Branded Beef from a large producer at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards.

Master Kobe was selected from a group of gold medal-winning beef brands from the RMFFA Spring competition in July.

The win came just one day after Master Kobe was awarded another gold medal at the Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards. AACo Managing Director Jason Strong accepted the award at a gala dinner in the Masterchef Kitchen at the Melbourne showgrounds.

“It is really gratifying to see our brands (Master Kobe and Darling Downs Wagyu) continue to win awards around the country,” he said.

“It is confirmation of the consistency we try to deliver with every bit of beef we

produce, at every stage from our iconic cattle stations in the north of Australia through to our customers in some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants.”

This year Master Kobe has been named Grand Champion beef at the World Wagyu Conference and won gold medals at the Royal Sydney and Royal Brisbane fine food awards.

The Melbourne judges described Master Kobe as an “excellent product” with “great flavours” and “stronger flavours than others”.

The premium Master Kobe Wagyu beef has a minimum marbling score of nine comes exclusively from purebred Wagyu cattle bred on AACo’s Wylarah Station,

part of the Westholme Wagyu stud. The cattle are fed for 500 days at the AACo’s specialized feedlots near Dalby and Comet in Queensland.

The Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA), is Australia’s premium fine food event conducted by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. n

AACo’s Managing Director Jason Strong with yet another trophy for AACo’s Wagyu brands.

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AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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SUCCESS FOR WAGYU BREEDERS NEWS

MORE MEDALS IN DELICIOUS FOOD AWARDS Victorian beef producers Nick and Vicki Sher of Sher Wagyu have been awarded a medal at the prestigious Australian 2015 Produce Awards.

FOUR TIME MEDAL WINNERS SPEAKERS AT CONFERENCE Attendee's to the conference will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of Nick and Vicki Sher who will be explaining how they run a 'paddock to plate' award winning Wagyu business.

The 2016 Wagyu National Conference will commence on Monday May 2, concluding Wednesday May 4. To be held at the Crowne Plaza in the Hunter Valley, NSW. Following the conference will be an exciting 2-day tour visiting properties in the local area.

Register now on www.wagyu.org.au 2016 CONFERENCE

The awards were announced at Bennelong restaurant at the Sydney Opera House and attended by a ‘who’s who’ of chefs and artisan producers from around Australia.

The Shers have been finalists for the past seven years and this is the fourth time they have been awarded a Medal in the “From the Paddock” category of the Delicious National Produce Awards. The produce award recognizes outstanding quality amongst a field of the highest caliber producers from around Australia.

Sher Wagyu was the only beef producer to receive a medal.

“Our team works very hard to produce an excellent quality wagyu beef and we are very proud to be a medalist again”, said Vicki Sher.

Sher Wagyu is on menus in many of Australia’s leading restaurants as well as exported to 14 countries including Japan, USA, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Roasted Sher Wagyu was the main course centre piece at the Royal

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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Melbourne Wine Show Awards dinner held in October, 2015. Daniel Wilson, head chef at Huxtable, created the menu for over 300 wine industry elite all anxious to discover the award winners in a field of over 3,000 entries. Established in 1884, the competition is regarded as the nation’s most prestigious wine awards.

The Wagyu beef was an amazing match for major award winner for reds, the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy awarded to Tasmanian entry, Home Hill Kelly’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2014. Diners praised the Wagyu beef selected especially to provide the perfect partner for sampling the Jimmy Watson winner rated by panels of judges as Australia’s best red wine for 2013 and 2014 vintages.

The Shers have been producing Wagyu for 25 years. Their contribution to the Wagyu breed was recognised at the 2015 World Wagyu Conference held in May of this year when they were awarded Life membership of the Australian Wagyu Association. n

Nick and Vicki Sher (pictured above) have been finalists for the past seven years in the Australian Produce Awards and have medalled four times.

31

MARKETPLACE WINNER OF STRING OF TROPHIES

MORE AWARDS AT SYDNEY Andrews Meat Industries strengthened its reputation as a premium Wagyu supplier to the foodservice market with a string of trophies at the 2015 Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards with their Shiro Kin Fullblood Wagyu brand.

These included the Dick Stone Trophy for Grand Champion Grain Fed Beef for the second consecutive year and Champion Open Beef Exhibit.

This follows on from the brand’s success as the Grand

LICENSED SEMEN COLLECTION SERVICE

Champion Wagyu Brand in the 2014 Australian Wagyu Association Branded Beef Competition.

Shiro Kin Fullblood Wagyu is fed for a minimum of 450 days at Macquarie Downs Feedlot and processed

Collecting semen from your bulls is not only an investment in your own breeding program, it is a very affordable form of insurance. Should something unforeseen ever happen and your bull dies unexpectedly, or gets injured, you will have the peace of mind that you have semen stored from your bull for future use in your breeding program.

Situated in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Genetics Australia is an ideal location for consigning your bulls for licensed semen collection. All bulls are housed outdoors in clean, open runs giving your bull ample room to move whilst on centre.

at Northern Co-operative Meats.

Andrews Meats also won the Champion Specialty Product for the third consecutive year with their

When seeking an organisation to collect, process, ship or store cattle semen, count on the professional, knowledgeable staff at Genetics Australia to provide you with first class service. Genetics Australia can perform the necessary testing required to enable semen to be exported to most countries.

Shiro Kin Bresaola. It is produced with specially selected fullbood Wagyu MB8 - 9 and 9 - 9+

Genetics Australia is accredited to produce semen eligible for export to the European Union and China Other countries we can qualify semen for are South America, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Russia.

topsides which are then dry cured and air dried for up

Contact Genetics Australia on 1800 039 047 to discuss your requirements for domestic and export semen.

to 10 weeks developing a remarkably rich and full bodied flavour.

Andrews Meats other flagship brand Tajima crossbred Wagyu took out the Champion Wagyu/Other Breeds title. Tajima Wagyu is predominantly sourced from minimum F1 Wagyu cattle fed at JBS Prime City feedlot for a minimum of 350 days and processed at JBS Riverina Plant. n

Freecall: 1800 039 047

32

With the awards won by Andrews Meats and JBS Australia at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show are chief steward Gerry Anderson and Andrews Meats/JBS Australia representatives Jacinta Geddes, Kylie Schuller, Dennis Conroy and Maria Gruttulini.

www.genaust.com.au

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

Available now ... .. registered Wagyu fullblood bulls .. semen and specially selected embryo packages .. management options/advice for embryo transfer programs IRONGATE WAGYU STUD 1157 Dempster Road, Kalgan River, Albany WA Farm Manager

Mark James mobile: 0429 444 799 phone: 08 9846 4217

Managing Director Peter Gilmour

mobile: 0419 444 799 email: peterwgilmour@gmail.com

www.irongatewagyu.com

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

33

NEWS WAGYU DEMAND - USA

AUSTRALIANS IN FLORIDA Membership of the American Wagyu Association is growing by 100 members or 20% each year to make it the fastest growing beef breed organisation in the USA and possibly the world.

That was one of the exciting findings of incoming Australian Wagyu Association board member Steve Binnie, Delta Wagyu in the NSW Hunter Valley, who attended the American Wagyu Association’s Eco-Tec (Economics and Technology) conference with his family in Ocala, Florida, in October.

The 200 conference attendees from across the world were given updates on a range of studies that had been going on during the year. Most interestingly to Australian producers, the Residual Feed Intake Study which identifies more efficient genetics for feeding and Stephen Smith’s lipid study, which investigates the many health benefits of Wagyu beef compared to salmon, chicken and short and long fed Angus beef. The presentations flowed as a natural progression to a presentation by Australian Prof Roger Dawkins, who is working on the correlations between healthy fat composition and identification, fat melting points and corresponding haplotype identification.

“We were also treated to a first class dinner and tour of Clear Creek Cattle Company, an absolute show piece farm situated in the dress circle horse area around Ocala”, said Steve.

WAGYU SALE RESULTS FROM US CONFERENCE The buoyancy of the Wagyu market in the US was reflected in the results of a sale held at the conference with females averaging a staggering $9,312. Sale results in US dollars were: 4 bulls averaged

$8,313

34 females averaged

$9,312

1 pregnancy lot sold for

$11,800

4 embryo lots averaged

$6,075

13 semen lots averaged

$1,513

He does not see Wagyu production in the US outstripping demand and therefore he does not see the US as a competitor to Australian Wagyu on the International market.

“The US consumer is becoming increasingly educated and generally they have the money to pay for top quality produce”, he said.

In fact he believes the US consumer market offers a great opportunity for the Australian Wagyu industry.

The American Wagyu Association president gave updates on SNP testing progress, which has been rolled out, and work is progressing on cross analysis of EPDs (EBVs) with other nations including Australia.

Other topics at the conference included the value of genetic planning in improving the bottom line, macro-economic analysis of the American beef industry and the latest in reproductive technologies.

34

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

DECEMBER 2015

ABOVE

Steve Binnie of Delta Wagyu in the NSW Hunter Valley who attended the US Wagyu Conference at Ocala. Florida.

BELOW

Pictured at Clear Creek Cattle Company, Liz Binnie and children Ben and Adelaide with Jeri Tulley of Lucky 7 Cattle Company, one of America’s leading Wagyu supply chain operations.

Kuro Kin Wagyu

Performance Beyond Expectation Kuro Kin Itozuru Doi H8 was bred as part of the Kuro Kin Wagyu breeding strategy which is a result of close collaboration with Greg Popplewell and his Total Genetic Resource Management breeding program. The strategy places selection pressure on marbling, growth, inbreeding coefficients and minimising recessive genetic diseases through Gene probe.

H8’s Sire Kuro Kin Itozurudoi D72:  is a trait leader for 200 and 600 day weights  has Carcases avg 460kg (Fullblood)

Kuro Kin Itozuru Doi H8 —

 has EMA avg 51sq cm (Fullblood)

PROGENY:

is the ground th H8 calves on Louise Harris by ed br ar ye

By all available objective measurements Kuro Kin Itozuru Doi H8 is arguably the fastest growing Wagyu bull in Australia, and quite possibly in the entire world outside Japan.

Life time weight gain:

1.01 kg per day

··· ·

 has been achieving a AUS Meat Marble Score avg 7 (Fullblood).

Kuro Kin Itozuru Doi H8 is the one bull you cannot afford to miss. Get a piece of him at $50 a straw — while you can.

n Contact: Peter Bishop Jnr Tel: 0429 454 189 Email: kurokin@bigpond.com

Last weighed 774 kg at 2 years of age and still growing.

200 kg heavier than his contemporaries

··· ·

Phenomenal eye muscle of

106 square cm

Bulls and 1000 F1’s for sale each year

www.kurokinwagyu.com.au AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

www.wagyu.org.au

35

AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY LIMITED

Producers of award winning Wagyu beef

LD MEDAL GO

2 014

Dave Bailey

Ben Carter

Manager Aronui Feedlot Wagyu Procurement Ph 0428 726 035 dbailey@aaco.com.au

Sales & Marketing Manager AACo Branded Beef Ph 0407 938 639 bcarter@aaco.com.au

www.aaco.com.au