Fullblood Wagyu steers from AACo's Westholme stud have been named the overall winners of the Wagyu Challenge in the prestigious JBS Paddock to Palate competition.
The pen of six was awarded 95.37 points, with an average daily gain of 0.87kg to gain on average 322kg per head and produce 442kg carcases.
The pen also took out blue ribbons for carcase and carcase value, and came third in the taste-off.
AACo chief executive officer Hugh Killen said they were humbled to be involved in the competition and thrilled to win the Wagyu Challenge.
"The win underlines the quality of our cattle and the dedication of our genetics, station and feedlot crews at AACo. I could not be prouder of everyone in our team," he said.
"The cattle were selected from our Westholme stud at Wylarah Station near Surat. The Wagyu at Wylarah are among AACo's most exclusive and the foundation of our Westholme brand."
Mr Killen said feedback from customers about the quality of their Wagyu product had prompted them to enter the competition.
"We have spent the last couple of years focused on getting all the little things right so we can continue delivering the quality and consistency that our customers expect every day, all around the world," he said.
"We felt now was a good time to be involved."
The points distribution from second to fifth showcased the quality of the exhibits and the tough job the judges faced.
Cattle from Alan Hoey, Allora, placed second (88.74pts) and fifth (86.58pts) overall, and claimed the champion and reserve champion individual carcase, as well as second in the taste-off and third in the pen of six carcase.
Darren and Leonard Henschell, Moola, placed third (87.81pts) overall, and second for both carcase and carcase value. Austpec Pastoral, Drillham, had the highest average daily gain of 1.239kg, while McIntyre Agriculture, St George, claimed the highest individual weight gain with 1.39kg.
There were 14 exhibitors in this year's Wagyu Challange, hailing from Queensland, NSW and Tasmania.