president
CHANTAL WINTER
WAGYU CONSOLIDATES Dear Members, Well, what a fantastic event the 2019 Wagyu Edge Conference turned out to be! With more than 430 delegates, a great range of speakers and an excellent venue, it exceeded our expectations and truly delivered. I’m sure that you are all aware that without the continued support of our sponsors and speakers it would be difficult to produce such a high-level event. For those of you who were able to make the event, especially during these hard times I thank you for your support. It was a great turn out, but for those who couldn’t attend, make sure you access the videos from the conference so you can keep informed.
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EVENTS > WAGYU EDGE CONFERENCE VIDEOS
The flow on effects from the conference are becoming apparent, including more than 1,500 downloads of the Wagyu Feed Calculator App, a lot more interest in Australian Wagyu genetics and greater international Association membership. As the Association grows, so does the level of interest in Single-Step BREEDPLAN and DNA genomic testing and it is satisfying to see that the member services team are able to process the enquiries and requests in a timely manner since the improvements implemented early in 2018. To support our members, we have been able to negotiate multiple service providers and negotiate lower rates in many cases as well as keeping membership fees on hold. The Association now stands at 726 members, including 100 international members. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new members, and please be assured that the Association will do all it can to facilitate enquiries in registrations and testing processes to make accessing our services as smooth and timely as possible. Looking forward, the AWA Board has been working extremely hard to develop the next Strategic Plan for 2020–2025. We
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 72
will ensure that the AWA continues to provide the services and support to the Wagyu industry, gain strength and meet the needs of the future. The Strategic Plan 2020-2025 is planned for launch at the 2019 Annual General Meeting. In the past six months, we have completed significant re-negotiation of research and development funding for AWA research projects with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). To assist MLA to respond to restrictions in their funding environment, we have restaged our vital research projects including the Net Feed Intake program with Kerwee Feedlot and the Crossbred Wagyu Genomics project. The AGM is slated for the 25 November, 2019 at the Brisbane Airport Convention Centre, with workshops on genetics and genomics to be conducted by AWA staff and industry speakers. I encourage you to make the trip to Brisbane to take advantage of these workshops to increase your skills and knowledge in using technology to improve genetic gain for your herd. Our workshop will seek to build on the information provided at the 2019 WagyuEdge Conference in Adelaide. Finally, it has been an honour to again support the Royal Flying Doctor Service during our Charity Auction at the gala dinner in Adelaide. Thank you to those who supported the event with donations or successful bids. Our CEO, Matt McDonagh has presented the RFDS with a cheque of $41,300 to assist the RFDS Central Operations with crucial medical services for Southern and Central Australia. On behalf of the Board and staff of the AWA we look forward to catching up with you in Brisbane on the 25th of November for the Workshop sessions and AGM.
Chantal Winter President Australian Wagyu Association
