For more than 20 years the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has held its annual conference, coined WagyuEdge two years ago, with the aim of building on the vision to support, promote and advance the Wagyu breed.
Speakers, stakeholders and delegates from around the world will unite at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from April 29 to May 1 for the 2020 conference.
AWA CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh said part of that function of WagyuEdge is to share knowledge and update the industry with new information on aspects of Wagyu genetics and production, in addition to market trends and industry directions.
"The conference is the AWA's major annual industry event and provides a method of networking between peers and an opportunity to recognise our industry leaders," Dr McDonagh said.
"WagyuEdge is producer focussed and provides a fantastic platform for our members to learn from experts about everything from genetics, nutrition, production systems and retail, across three days," he said.
Dr McDonagh said outside of Japan, Australia has the largest herd of Wagyu cattle in the world and Australian Wagyu brands dominate global export markets.
"The AWA is unique among breed associations in that representatives from global beef brands are among our members along with more than 100 international Wagyu breeders and supply chains.
"This year, we're placing a strong emphasis on reconnecting to our Japanese roots."
He said this focus will be enhanced at WagyuEdge with presentations to be given by Takafumi Gotoh and Kenji Oyama, who're both respected and active publishers of new research findings on Japanese Black Wagyu in Japan.
"The Director of Kosmos Farms, Tomotaka Ando will also share his thoughts on Japanese Black farming in Japan and how production and consumer trends are changing."
Dr McDonagh said the keynote speaker for the 2020 WagyuEdge conference will be Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) managing director Jason Strong, who will share the MLA's bigger picture knowledge of premium beef export markets.
"The 2019 recipient of the Wagyu Fellowship Scholarship program, Jeremy Cooper will be presenting his research findings on the second day of the conference, and AWA Honorary Life Member and long-time industry stalwart, Arthur Dew of Longford Station will share his personal journey with Wagyu."
In addition to the guest speakers the three days of the conference will be jam-packed with events of interest for breed enthusiasts.
Dr McDonagh said a technical focussed session for members to learn about improvements in AWA online systems and tools is part of the day one slate.
"This session is designed to assist members with understanding and utilising the services and tools that AWA provides to its members.
"We'll then have presentations from the major Australian researchers who are rapidly accelerating our understanding of the genetic diversity within the Australian Wagyu population and bringing new insights into how to use this diversity for optimal breed progress."
A barbecue in the evening will allow delegates to get together and catch up in a relaxed atmosphere to cap the first day of the conference.
He said the morning session on day two will focus on current directions in Wagyu research from Japan and flow into how members can apply some of this in their own Wagyu programs.
"Japanese production systems operate on a different scale to Australian production, but some of the principles need to be recognised and managed to optimise the outcome for the whole supply chain.
"The afternoon will look at some major Australian producers and their insights into Wagyu production and utilisation of different approaches to achieve successful breeding and supply chain outcomes."
From 3.30pm on day two, the top five per cent of Wagyu genetics outside of Japan will go under the hammer at the 2020 Elite Wagyu Sale.
"The 2020 sale will build on the success of past sales, in which national records for beef cattle breeds have been set.
"The lots on offer represent the highest percentiles in performance against BREEDPLAN reported traits and BreedObject $Indexes."
The ever-popular Wagyu Gala Dinner will close out the second days schedule.
"The night gives our industry a chance to celebrate in style with a Wagyu-themed dinner, which will this year be sponsored by AACo.
He said a central highlight of the evening is the announcement of the 2020 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition medallists, champions and grand champion.
"The competition is the pinnacle of recognition of branded product with the Australian industry."
As is tradition a charity auction will be held on the night in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) - with proceeds to be split between the RFDS and the Wagyu Fellowship Scholarship Program.
"Our auction items are donated by our members or affiliated industries with bidding taking place during the Gala Dinner by our guests."
Dr McDonagh said the third day and final of the conference will include talks from major international Wagyu supply chains.
"They'll be sharing information on their business models, the production of Wagyu in their systems and their directions and opportunities for the future."
An industry panel session on drought recovery and herd rebuilding, considering innovations and approaches to rapidly upscaling and improving genetics within herds will also be held.
To conclude the conference, a Wagyu Branded Beef Competition tasting barbecue will be held where the Gold Medal entries announced at the Gala Dinner are prepared and served to conference participants.
The AWA will also host a one-day tour on May 2, visiting Shamrock Vale Station, home of the Goshu Wagyu herd, one of the founding Tajima-line herds in Australia. Guests will then be able to observe the latest innovations in genomic technologies, and the massive scale AI breeding programs being implemented to accelerate genetic gain at Nindooinbah Stud.
Buses for the tour will depart from Royal Pines resort at 8am and will return to the venue at approximately 6pm.
Registration for the 2020 WagyuEdge Conference are now open. An Early Bird discount will apply for those who complete registration by March 13 and you will go in a draw to win a $500 voucher with Royal Pines Resort. Final registrations close on April 23. Visit the AWA website to register.
For enquiries contact AWA marketing and communications manager Deb Andrich on 0400 855 040 and deb@wagyu.org.au or AWA conference manager Bradley Hayden on 0412 461 392 and bradley@ccem.com.au