UPDATE
TH E AUSTRALIAN
WAGYU
Vol. 67 The Wagyu industry’s premier trade magazine produced by the Australian Wagyu Association www.wagyu.org.au December 2017
2017 ZENKYO WAGYU SHOW t our h i gh l i gh t INSIDE ....
| WAGYU VALUE-ADD | WAGYU PRODUCTION FORECASTS | DNA TESTING CHANGES EXCITING 2018 CONFERENCE PROGRAM | PHYSIO RETURNS TO FARM | 60 YEARS AND EXPANDING NEW SIRE TEST PROGRAM UNDERWAY | FOCUS ON MEAT QUALITY | MAKE YOUR BRAND EVEN BIGGER
No. 1
STEAK IN THE
WORLD
No. 1
STEAK IN THE
WORLD
MAYDAN
FEEDLOT
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custom feeding specialists
our results for themselves Geoff Willett phone 07 4661 9600 mobile 0408 716 960 fax 07 4661 9601 email geoff@maydan.com.au
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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
EU accredited Japanese Wagyu feeding regime specialists
Maydan Feedlot (office) phone 07 4667 4785 website maydan.com.au
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CONTENTS 5
Japan’s magnificent 2017 Zenkyo Wagyu show, in pictures and words
8
Value-adding & The Wagyu Edge
10
AWA growth
14
Production forecasts - 2017 Australian Wagyu Association Survey
18
New DNA testing process and improvements for AWA members
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Exciting program for 2018 Conference
22
22 Genetics and Genomics Technical Workshop 24 Physio returns to farming
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26 Kerwee notches up 60 years, as feedlot unveils major expansion 27
New tranche of sire progeny testing at Kerwee
29 How to decide on MiP or SNP testing 33 Focus should be on meat quality 34 Make your Wagyu brand even bigger
THE
AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
2-6 MAY 2018
MACKAY
Publisher THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION (AWA) office@wagyu.org.au 02 6773 3355 Consulting Editor GEOFF PHILLIPS geoffphi@ozemail.com.au 0411 413 599 Contributing Writers PETER GILMOUR, Dr. MATT McDONAGH, GEOFF PHILLIPS, CAREL TESEL ING, JON CONDON, MARK PHELPS Art Direction HEATHER FRAZIER heather@squishcreative.com 0432 949 764 GENERAL ENQUIRIES AWA Marketing and Communications Manager GEOFF PHILLIPS geoffphi@ozemail.com.au
0411 413 599
AWA Chief Executive Officer Dr. MATT McDONAGH office@wagyu.org.au
02 6773 3355
Wagyu Update advertising enquiries HEATHER FRAZIER heather@squishcreative.com 0432 949 764
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33
ON THE COVER Judges confer during the heifer class judging, while officials and dignitaries look on at the 2017 All Japan Wagyu Show (Zenkyo) held this year in Sendai, north of Tokyo. Photo by Jon Condon, Beef Central. The Australian Wagyu Update magazine is printed by Litho Art on paper stock derived from sustainable forests managed to ensure their renewability and preserve natural eco-systems for generations to come. All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in The Australian Wagyu Update magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of any product or service by the magazine or the association, nor support any claims by the advertisers. Every effort is made to ensure information contained in this magazine is correct at the time of publishing.
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Thank you to everyone involved for helping us to produce the
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
CONTACT DETAILS Jason Carswell | M 0499 773 878 jason.carswell@jbssa.com.au
Exploring Wagyu origins and markets
JAPANESE WAGYU TRADE MISSION
JAPAN’S MAGNIFICENT 2017 ZENKYO WAGYU SHOW, IN PICTURES AND WORDS Highlights for participants on the Japan Wagyu trade mission organised by the Australian Wagyu Association.
Jon Condon Beef Central
One of the highlights for participants on the Japan Wagyu trade mission organised by the Australian Wagyu Association was the opportunity to visit the All Japan Wagyu Show (Zenkyo) held this year in Sendai, north of Tokyo. While vaguely reminiscent of stud cattle shows like Brisbane’s Ekka and Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Japanese turn on a spectacle for the event, held only once every five years, unlike anything this reporter has seen. Firstly, the Zenkyo is truly national, with 37 of Japan’s 43 regional prefectures stretching from the far northern island of Hokkaido to the country’s extreme southern sub-tropical tip around Kagoshima and Oita all represented in the judging ring.
ABOVE One of three enormous grandstands housing the Zenkyo crowd what on as the show gets underway. The AWA contingent is in there somewhere.
About 550 Black and Red Wagyu cattle were entered in all bull and heifer classes, with separate meat judging competitions on top of that. Judging criteria on the hoof was difficult to ascertain, especially as the Wagyu industry in Japan is so heavily focussed on carcase performance. Each prefecture’s livestock show team was decked out in distinctive uniforms, and prefectures had their own rowdy cheer squads
in the stands, bellowing out slogans and madly waving flags and banners when results were announced, or their team entered the ring. The main stadium in which judging took place seated about 7,000 in air-conditioned comfort, and was standing-room only for the peak events during the judging program. One local media report suggested 417,000 people had attended the five-day long event. While there was no outright first place awarded, one of the sentimental favourites, Kagoshima prefecture, finished first in the coveted group award, followed by Miyazaki (both renowned regions of high marbling performance Wagyu), and the southern prefecture of Oita, third. Miyazaki had won the group award at the previous two Zenkyo events, bouncing back after a devastating FMD outbreak in 2012. The entire live cattle judging process carried a great sense of ceremony and occasion, with officials and dignitaries decked-out in morning suits and corsages, and speeches during the event’s closing ceremony, witnessed by the tour group, running to 90 minutes. >>> page 7 THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
A local media report suggested 417,000 people had attended the five-day long 2017 Zenkyo Wagyu Show.
<<< from page 5 Another important part of the event is a Wagyu carcase competition, with judging based on camera images captured by the Japanese vision grading camera collected at meat processing plants across Japan. Carcases were judged against the Japanese Meat Grading Association’s benchmarks for quality (1-5) and yield (A-C).
About 550 Black and Red Wagyu cattle were entered in all bull and heifer classes, with separate meat judging competitions on top of that. AWA President pictured right) Peter Gilmour makes a point during an interview with Japan's leading finance and business newspaper, Nikkei, during Zenkyo.
Results and photos for each carcase were displayed prominently on noticeboards at Zenkyo, and prize-winning carcases attracted a great deal of attention. During the auction that followed, Australian visitors saw one show-standard Japanese A5 graded carcase, 453kg carcase weight, sell for 10,600 Yen/kg (Y4,801,800), or the equivalent of $54,126 Australian. That price inevitably contained some ‘promotional value’, not unlike a led steer at Brisbane or Sydney Royal show selling to a supermarket chain or steak restaurant for $15 or $20/kg, liveweight. Similar carcases were seen a week earlier by the tour group passing through the Tokyo Central Meat Market for the equivalent of $18,000-$20,000 Australian. Outside the main show judging pavilion was an area set up with trade booths representing each prefecture, promoting semen and genetics sales and the distinctive qualities of each region’s beef. Many appeared to be doing good business with local cattle producers seeking herd improvement. Some were identified as dairy F1 breeders, and others Fullblood Wagyu. Beyond that was a commercial trade show promoting everything from feed ingredients and animal health products to software and stock handling equipment. Seminars were held in nearby rooms.
AWA study tour group arriving at Zenkyo.
Food was another Zenkyo highlight, with Wagyu beef samples and countless other traditional Japanese foods available to patrons. Thinly-sliced barbecued tongue meat is much prized in the local Miyagi area, and it was available in abundance at Zenkyo. One of the clear messages at the event was a heightened biosecurity awareness, perhaps linked to the country’s 2012 Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak. Unlike earlier five-yearly events, the general public including the Australian tour group was unable to enter the cattle stalls/ accommodation area, and disinfectant foot-baths and other precautions were commonplace. THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
7
president
PETER GILMOUR
VALUE-ADDING & THE WAGYU EDGE
Welcome to the Australian Wagyu Association’s December 2017 Wagyu Update. I would like to thank all AWA members, staff and the board for the considerable effort that has been exerted to create a satisfactory year for the Wagyu industry. As discussed at the AGM on November 20, it was a significant meeting of the members with the confirmation of a new modern Constitution (2017) for the Australian Wagyu Association Ltd to bring us in line with the Commonwealth Corporations Act. We do appreciate the members support in resolving to accept the Constitution (2017) that is now active following the AGM. The board will continue the work of reviewing the Constitution (2017) and come forward with some further recommended individual changes. The board has been focused lately on creating and ensuring the induction of the CEO was implemented, strategy discussion, policy decisions, project collaboration and corporate governance. A key mandate for the board and staff has been and continues to be the provision of value-adding services by the company and developing tangible customer relationships while building a financially resilient organisation and maintaining a healthy balance sheet. For 2017/18 we will develop further the following key projects with the staff and board subcommittees for the benefit of members and the Wagyu industry: »» Review of ‘word intent’ in the Constitution (2017) – held over for 2018 AGM »» Delivery against the AWA Strategic Plan 2016-2020 »» Promote the Premium Wagyu Sale and continue the Elite Wagyu Sale »» “The Wagyu Edge” AWA Conference & Tour in Mackay, Qld and CQ Tour to Rockhampton Beef Week. »» Promote the 2018 Branded Beef Competition »» Promote the Sire Progeny Test Program including NFI testing »» Consider Single Step BREEDPLAN utilising genomic testing »» Sponsoring the Brisbane RNA (EKKA) Paddock to Palate Wagyu Challenge (breeder competition) »» Develop an AWA Honour Roll of significant achievements 8
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
2017/18 board nominations/elections for the six (6) positions has now concluded and were approved at the AGM. I am pleased to congratulate the successful five (5) candidates elected: Mike Buchanan, Peter Krause, Selwyn Maller, Charlie Perry and myself. These directors join those who remained on the Board who include Chantal Winter, Joanne Christiansen, John Spreadborough and Lorna Tomkinson. The total number of directors on the AWA Board currently are nine (9). Nominations for the final one (1) board position were sought at the AGM. We received nominations from Pete Cabassi, Laird Morgan and Sharon Oates, a ballot will be held immediately for this position. At the Board meeting of the 21 November, the Board conducted their internal elections, and the following office bearers and committee chairs were nominated and elected: President and Board Chair Senior Vice President Junior Vice President Honorary Treasurer
Peter Gilmour Chantal Winter John Spreadborough Charlie Perry
COMMITTEES Executive Chair Audit & Finance Chair Conference & Competitions Chair Corporate Affairs Chair Genetic Improvement Chair Strategic Planning Chair
Peter Gilmour Charlie Perry Chantal Winter Mike Buchanan Peter Krause Peter Gilmour
On behalf of the board and members, I would like to sincerely thank Ron Fitzgerald and John Hammond who both retired at the AGM. Ron was a tireless contributor to the Branded Beef Competition and our longest serving Director. His balance of opinion was always well considered and appropriate. John’s happy demeanour brought a positive spin to meetings; he had a challenging role chairing the Corporate Affairs with its long agenda. We wish them both well in their future endeavours. The Genetics and Genomics Workshop at Gatton, UQ was well attended and focused on the capability of moving towards SNP (Single Nucleod Polymorphism) genotyping for the Wagyu herd.
The explanation around Single Step BREEDPLAN analysis heralds a possible new age in genetic evaluation technology available to the beef cattle industry. This new genetic analysis combines pedigree, performance and genomic (DNA) information in a complete multi-trait BREEDPLAN analysis of birth, growth, fertility, carcase performance and potential future feed intake traits. Several relevant matters raised at the AGM were around DNA management, sample storage, collection techniques, DNA service providers and the right to access and use of DNA material as well as the parameters used within BREEDPLAN as managed by ABRI and developed and set by AGBU (Animal Genetics Breeding Unit). The board will continue to review these areas and come up with appropriate policy through amending the By-Laws and communicating to members. The 2018 AWA Wagyu Conference and Tour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Wagyu Edge, will head to
Mackay, Queensland on May 2-6 2018. An exciting tour will follow on at the conclusion of the conference travelling around Central Queensland to some inspiring Wagyu operations, arriving back into Rockhampton in time for Beef 2018. We continue to see competition across all of our offerings, with new opportunities entering the field, new products and processes challenging the status quo, but it seems that has always been the case. The pace of change may appear to be faster today, but that only highlights the need to keep innovating. I think a remarkable strength of the Australian Wagyu Association and its members is the ability to keep pace with this innovation. I wish you all a joyful Christmas and an outstanding 2018 season. Peter Gilmour
FELLOWSHIP
A Wagyu Fellowship is a remarkable opportunity to travel intrastate, interstate or overseas for a minimum of four and a maximum of about eight weeks to research a topic that you are passionate about and experience in. Any Australian Wagyu Association Full or Associate member is eligible to nominate an individual or group of individuals aged 18+ years for this program. How to enter? Applications are being accepted now for the 2018 Wagyu Fellowship program. Submissions will close 15 March 2018 - visit the AWA website to for more details or to download an application form.
www.wagyu.org.au
ABOUT AWA > WAGYU-FELLOWSHIP
President Australian Wagyu Association
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
9
ceo update
Dr. MATTHEW McDONAGH
AWA GROWTH Dear members, it has been a very exciting end to the 2017 year for the Association and the Australian Wagyu Industry and I was pleased to report satisfactory performance of the Company to you in our 2017 Annual report and CEO presentation to the Annual General Meeting on the 20th of November 2017. For the 2016-2017 Financial Year, our total member numbers had increased from 439 at the 1st of July 2016 to more than 600 by 30th of June 2017. The calendar year statistics as reported by the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (as shown in Figure 1) now qualify the AWA as the 4th largest Breed Association in Australia and we are now characterised as a ‘large’ Breed Association. Our membership base is the foundation of our Association and is based on annual subscription. At November 2017, 94% of our members had renewed their annual membership, indicating that membership for the 2017-2018 Financial Year will continue to underpin a strong AWA growth position with additional new members continuing to join our association. Our Herdbook registrations targets for the 2017-2018 Financial Year are 13,000 new registrations, which are 20% above the previous years KPI targets. As at the 30th of November 2017, registrations stand at 5,510 which is in line with the full year KPI target to date of 5,400 registrations. Once again, I would like to highlight that a key focus at the Association is ensuring that our customer service to members and our ability to assist you in making best use 10
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
MEMBERSHIP RECORDED with AWA for the 2016 calendar year
No. of members 600
TOTAL MEMBERS FULL MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS LIFE MEMBERS
500 400
As of November 2017, 94% of our members had renewed their annual membership with the AWA.
300 200 100 0
2005
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Source: Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association – 2016 Membership Report
No. of registrations 30,000 25,000 20,000
REGISTRATION TRENDS within AWA Herdbook, Content and Slaughter Registers per calendar year HERDBOOK CONTENT SLAUGHTER TOTAL
prediction
15,000 10,000 5,000 0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Source: Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association – 2016 Registrations Report
of our products and services is high. The rapid and continued growth seen in our membership and registration levels does challenge our human resource capacity and our internal processes. We are continuing
to review our services and process so that we can improve in line with our business growth. Our business growth is dependent on the success of our members. Our registration numbers have quadrupled
over the last 4 years and we have seen a 50% increase in new members. We are working hard to assist our new members integrate their business needs with the services of the Association and to continue to deliver effective services to our long-term members.
2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND GENETICS & GENOMICS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP Our AGM and Genetics & Genomics Technical Workshop held at Gatton on the 20 and 21 November saw 120 Australian Wagyu Association members come together to hear from internationally renowned researchers including: Professor Rob Banks Director of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit University of New England Professor Ben Hayes Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation University of Queensland Stewart Bauck - Vice President of Agrigenomics, Neogen, Michigan USA
capture technologies relevant to Wagyu. A more detailed overview of the AGM and technical workshop will be provided later in this Wagyu Update.
GENOTYPING SERVICES UPDATE: GENESEEK AUSTRALASIA Geneseek Australasia (GAA) have now completed their acquisition of the University of Queensland Animal Genetics Laboratories. The AWA has been working closely with GAA as they have been implementing new processes regarding sample processing and genotyping so that our data handling system can be automated as much as possible to streamline entry of data into the AWA and minimize delays with AWAs systems and processes. We updated our members with regard to changes to turn-around times for DNA testing through GAA laboratories expecting SNPs to take approximately 6-7 weeks and MiPs to be 2-3 weeks. Please consider these delays when planning your DNA testing. Please also note that the AWA can only complete member transaction requests once we receive all the necessary information
A high calibre line-up of Australian industry speakers included:
from our genotyping service partners.
Hamish Chandler Program Manager for Genetics at Meat and Livestock Australia
Request form in October 2017. This can
Darren Hamblin Principal of Strathdale Wagyu Carel Teseling and Steph Grills Australian Wagyu Association Mark Morton and Chris Hinks Practical Systems With our annual Wagyu Industry conference in May of each year, the focus of the Genetics and Genomics technical workshop is to provide an additional point of engagement with our members that specifically focuses on educating members on advances in genetic, breeding and data
The AWA have released a new DNA Test be found on the AWA Website, under the Membership and Forms.
www.wagyu.org.au
MEMBERSHIP & FORMS > FORMS, GUIDES AND USEFUL TOOLS
For instructions on how to fill out the form including postage details for your samples, please refer to the green tab on the bottom left of the excel spreadsheet once you have downloaded it from the website. To assist members in streamlining the DNA testing process, an electronic copy of the DNA Test Request Form can be submitted to the AWA office and a hard copy can be printed and sent with your samples to the
GAA lab. The submission details are also listed in the green instructions tab of the form. It is important to note that the AWA can only process your requests once we have all the information from the genotyping service provider and from the member. As mentioned earlier (Australian Wagyu Association Growth), our Herdbook registrations have quadrupled in 4 years and the service provider landscape has changed and will continue to change. We need to continuously improve our systems to meet the needs of our members. Please do note that if we are not aware of your DNA testing requests with a service provider, we can only act on the information that is provided to us after the fact and we are unable to assist in streamlining your DNA testing to ensure that the tests you request and pay for will provide the necessary information to provide the outcome you are seeking from AWA. This is the reason why we are seeking our members to submit DNA test requests through the AWA.
GENOTYPING SERVICES UPDATE: OTHER PROVIDERS The AWA is developing and automating our data platforms so that we can specify data requirements for each of our processes accurately. This will allow us to accept equivalent data from a range of service providers that can be used for delivering services for our members. We are working with potential genotyping providers to develop data transfer arrangements to enable this.
RESEARCH PROJECT UPDATE The Wagyu Association has 3 very significant research projects funded with Meat and Livestock Australia through the MLA Donor Company. These projects utilise Wagyu Association funds and those provided by industry participants THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
11
to leverage Australian Commonwealth funding 50:50 for conducting red meat industry research and development. This model allows us to direct far greater research for the improvement of Wagyu genetic services, with far greater scale and impact than we would otherwise be possible under our own means. Through the Wagyu Collaborative Genetics Project Stage 2, we now have a stream of DNA SNP genotype information along with carcase information which has delivered records on an additional 1,000 individuals to the Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU) this year. Our research projects have now provided more than 4,000 Fullblood carcase records and to AGBU who have used these to further develop Wagyu BREEDPLAN EBVs and to trial the use of the use of genomic information within Wagyu BREEDPLAN. Using genomic information, along with pedigree and performance records is called “Single-Step” and preliminary results from this analysis in Wagyu BREEDPLAN was reported by Professor Rob Banks of AGBU at our November Genetics and Genomics Technical Workshop. SingleStep BREEDPLAN for Wagyu will improve the accuracy of EBVs across all our traits and deliver early-in-life EBV predictions for animals. The Net Feed Intake Progeny Test Program has completed its first intakes of progeny in which funds from the MLA Donor Company Funding have been used to reduce the cost to members for testing animals for efficiency. Darren Hamblin from Strathdale Wagyu reported on his findings at the November Genetics and Genomics Technical Workshop including a report on animals being tested through Kerwee Feedlot then slaughtered for carcase data within November 2017. A maximum of 30 sires can be evaluated through each round and entries for the January 2018 Sire Progeny Test Program are now open. Please see our website for details.
www.wagyu.org.au
BREEDING WAGYU > SIRE PROGENY TEST PROGRAM
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
The Wagyu Crossbred Data Collection & Analysis project which commenced in June 2017 has completed its first intake of 1,500 crossbred Wagyu data records. In total, 9,500 crossbred Wagyu SNP genotypes and carcase records from F1 slaughter progeny covering the major cross-breed types will be collected to evaluate the use of crossbred data within Wagyu BREEDPLAN. This data will enable the assessment of data integration from F1 supply chains to inform EBVs for sires registered with the association. We are looking to work with industry partners to identify a significant number of groups of Bos indicus, Bos taurus and dairy F1 Wagyu slaughter cattle.
MiP AND SNP STANDARDS FOR DNA PARENT VERIFICATION AND GENOMIC TESTING As advised in the September 2017 (vol 66) Wagyu Update, the Board has considered the need for minimum standards in both Microsatellite (MiP) and SNP technology for parent Verification for cattle for registration purposes, except those enrolled in the Slaughter register. The Board has resolved that the following minimum standards be applied to all parent verification: »» A minimum of 400 SNPs as specified by the AWA, or: »» A minimum of a 21MiP marker panel Conducting MiP and SNP testing can be confusing for members. It is important to note the following »» MiP testing can only be used for parent verification where the candidate parents also have MiP profiles. MiP testing cannot be used for any other purpose. »» The 500 SNP test is used to deliver the minimum of 400 SNPs required for parent verification and can only be used where the candidate parents also have 500 SNP profiles. 500 SNP profiles cannot be used for any other purpose. »» 50k SNP tests (50,000 SNP) can be used to do parent verification where the candidate parents also have 500 SNP
profiles or 50k SNP Profiles. 50k SNP tests can be used for other purposes, some of which include: i. Parent discovery - Where groups of parents (cows and bulls) are already profiled with the 50k SNP test, calves can be matched to their parents within mobs. ii. Further genetic testing – Following completion of a 50k SNP test, a member can request further analysis of the 50k data to determine status for a range of genetic conditions (horned, polled, recessives) or for a Crossbred Wagyu Test analysis. Spending money on MiP or 500 SNP tests is an expense to producers, it provides a one-off result for parent verification. The data derived from a 50k SNP test can be considered as a data bank. This information can be re-used again and again for current and future (not yet available) testing. Spending money on 50k SNP tests is an investment. This data can be used now for multiple analyses and purposes. It will also be valuable as the only way to generate genomically improved EBVs through Single-Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN. The AWA is working hard with our research partners AGBU to implement Single-Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN in 2018. Current and future registered animals with 50k SNP tests will benefit from genomically improved EBVs.
STAFF UPDATE - MEMBER SERVICES OFFICER RECRUITMENT I hope that many of you got to meet our new Member Services Officer (MSO), Caroline Triebe at the AWA Genetics and Genomics Workshop and AGM in Gatton Qld in November. Caroline has a degree in Livestock Sciences from the University of New England and has slotted straight in to the MSO role with us. Caroline started in August 2017 and has been a very quick learner of the complexities of Wagyu Breeding, the AWA systems and how to
assist members in dealing with their enquiries on a daily basis.
THE
Please do take the time to welcome Caroline to our team as she assists you with your enquiries. Our member services team now consists of Caroline and Steph Grills who are supervised by Carel Teseling, AWA Technical
AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
2-6 MAY 2018
MACKAY
Services Manager.
2018 AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR – THE WAGYU EDGE Planning for the 2018 AWA Conference & Tour is continuing. The 2018 conference will be held in Mackay in the first week of May 2018 and will cover many aspects relating to the latest information on Wagyu breeding, genetics, nutrition and management. The 2017 Wagyu Expansion Conference saw 480 attendees enjoy an excellent speaking and social program at Albury in NSW. The 2018 Wagyu Edge Conference will deliver this and more to a crowd of more than 500. Working closely with organisers at Mackay Regional Council and the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, the local community is looking to immerse itself in all things Wagyu, holding a “Wagyu Week” for local business and the Mackay community engage with us around the conference. This initiative will help to create a more involved community feel at the Wagyu Edge conference an make for a more meaningful engagement with the local community. The 2018 AWA Conference & Tour - The Wagyu Edge will have a top-shelf list of scientific and industry speakers befitting of our very high standards. Whether you are involved with Fullbloods, F1s, or anything in between, the Wagyu Edge conference will have something for you. The AWA Conference and Competitions Committee are finalising this list now along with a series of pre-conference workshops that will target animal management and nutrition. The conference will be followed by a tour south through a part of Central Queensland which has high levels of Wagyu production including properties belonging to prominent Wagyu industry figures Darren Hamblin. The tour will finish in Rockhampton to enable delegates to attend the 2018 Beef Australia event following the conference tour.
2018 AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR The 2018 conference with the theme ‘The Wagyu Edge optimising your production systems’ heads north next year to Mackay, a coastal city 340 kms north of Rockhampton in central Queensland. The conference will run from Wednesday May 2 to Friday May 4 followed by a tour on Saturday May 5 and Sunday May 6 south to Rockhampton where the week long Beef 2018 event commences the next day, Monday May 7. The two day post-conference tour will visit significant Wagyu operations between Mackay and Rockhampton where the tour will end with the option of departing from Rockhampton or staying on to attend Beef 2018. Event details for the 2018 conference is available on the AWA website. Early bird discounts apply on Conference and Tour tickets purchased now. Book early to avoid missing out.
www.wagyu.org.au
EVENTS > 2018 CONFERENCE & TOUR
Dr. Matt McDonagh Chief Executive Officer Australian Wagyu Association THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
13
2017 AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION SURVEY
PRODUCTION FORECASTS The AWA strategic survey was conducted over March to June 2017 asking respondents a range of questions about their interaction with the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), their use of genetic improvement tools and the composition, size and growth of their business out to 2022.
The survey was designed to obtain feedback from members on AWA services and products as well as obtain descriptive statistics on our industries growth dynamics and production forecasts. All of these pieces of information will feed into our mid-term Strategic Plan review in 2018. The survey obtained responses from 216 members, which amounted to approximately 40% of the total AWA membership at the time of the survey. Of these 216 members, approximately 90% were full members, representing approximately 50% of AWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full members.
AUSTRALIAN WAGYU INDUSTRY PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY CHARACTERISTICS The Wagyu industry is rapidly increasing in size, with 1 in 5 respondents to the AWA survey not involved in the industry at the time of the last AWA survey and 35% of respondents involved in the Wagyu industry for less than 5 years. The AWA membership base (which is mostly full members) is dominated by family operations, also with a significant number of family-owned corporates. Currently, 71% of operations are moderate to small in size (<500 head), however herd sizes are increasing rapidly and this number is likely to drop (through organic growth and potentially also amalgamation). Compared to producers with 1000 or more head of Wagyu on their farm in 2014 (11% of total respondents), the proportion of total respondents whose per farm herd size is now 1000 or more is 18% and will increasing significantly again to 27% by 2021.
YEARS INVOLVED IN WAGYU PRODUCTION 20+ YEARS 15 -19 YEARS 10 - 14 YEARS 5 - 9 YEARS < 5 YEARS WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES THE STRUCTURE OF YOUR FARM? ABOVE Photo taken looking to the north from the Big Bluff, Robbins Island in NW Tasmania, 7 mile beach and Walkers Island in view with polled Purebred Wagyu cows and calves grazing on the grassland.
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
74.5% FAMILY OPERATION
6.7%
18.8%
CORPORATE OWNED OPERATION
FAMILY OWNED CORPORATE
0% OTHER
HERD SIZE PER FARM
100%
0% 2%
90%
1% 1% 8%
11%
1,000 +
12%
8%
80%
1%
5% 18%
1,000 +
4% 4%
50,000+
18%
10%
70%
27%
60%
10,000 - 49,999
1,000 +
27%
18%
5,000 - 9,999
50% 1,000 - 4,999
43%
40%
42%
30%
500 - 999
54% 20%
100 - 499
28%
10%
13%
0% 3 YEARS AGO
TODAY
Wagyu industry producers rely on Wagyu for most or all of their income (average 67%). This is especially the case for those involved in seedstock/genetics. There is significant crossover between Fullblood/ Purebred production, crossbred production, and seedstock/genetics, with only 36% mentioning only one type of income-generating activity. Commercial
0 - 99
IN 5 YEARS production of Fullblood and crossbred animals accounts for 73% of producer income, with 27% of income from seedstock/genetic sales. The 2017 survey indicates that in terms of both commercial and seedstock production, Fullblood/Purebreds will be responsible for an increased share of income over the next 5 years. Domestic Fullblood and Purebred joinings are projected to double over the next 5 years and there are similar projected increases in the proportion of FB/PB cattle on feed projected by feedlotters and very strong growth is forecast in sales of semen straws and embryos, especially in export markets.
% OF FARM INCOME DERIVING FROM WAGYU 60 50
AVERAGE = 67%
MEDIAN = 80%
40 30 20 10 0
10
11
11
11
3
18
0-9%
10-19%
20-29%
30-39%
40-49%
50-59%
7
5
60-69%
70-79%
13
20
56
80-89%
90-99%
100%
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
15
2017 Australian Wagyu Association Survey
TOTAL PRODUCTION PROJECTIONS BASED ON MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA AND AWA MODELS The above data was used to inform the 2014 AWA model to predict annual joinings and turnoff figures through to 2022. In considering the model outputs, data was collected on major export supply chains to provide approximate annual total Wagyu beef outputs. These were estimated at 24,000 tonnes for the FY2017, suggesting that the survey captured approximately 70% of total meat sales. The total predicted from the production model was 23,777 tonnes for FY2017, which increased to 74,703 tonnes by 2022. This amounts to an average increase in production of 21% per year for the 6 years to 2022. The total production predicted by the updated model is significantly less than the original model (30% annual growth per year) due to lower than predicted growth in supply over the period 2014 to 2016. The proportion of Fullblood/Purebred to Crossbred (XB) for export and domestic markets is shown in the next figure. The following figure provides the current estimated and forecast Fullblood/Purebred numbers vs Crossbred joining numbers for the 2017 AWA production model out to 2022. As a proportion of total Wagyu numbers, FB/PB joinings are approximately 30% of the estimated National total. The Australian Wagyu Association sincerely thanks the more than 200 members who took the time to respond to this survey and provide the Australian Wagyu Industry with the best source of information relating to our current situation and the projected future scenario for our industry. The generosity in providing your time and in providing you business data is greatly appreciated. Thank you to the staff from Meat and Livestock Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Communication, Marketing and Industry Insights team for supporting and assisting the AWA in the conduct of the survey and in the analysis of the data. 16
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
TOTAL PRODUCTION ESTIMATES (TONNES)
tonnes 30,000 25,000
ORIGINAL MODEL UPDATE MODEL
20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
TOTAL PRODUCTION ESTIMATES (TONNES)
80,000 70,000 60,000
DOMESTIC BEEF PRODUCTION (TONNES) - FB/PB DOMESTIC BEEF PRODUCTION (TONNES) - XB EXPORT BEEF PRODUCTION (TONNES) - FB/PB EXPORT BEEF PRODUCTION (TONNES) - FB/PB
50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
FB/PB, XB AND TOTAL WAGYU JOININGS 900,000
TOTAL FB/PB XB
800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017 2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
- EXCELLENCE IN BREEEDING LFDFY0004 Ideal for lifting marbling in F1 and Full Blood production Outstanding cow family Very fine coated calves Quiet progeny Great bull for heifers
DING
TAN OUTS
.0 LE +2 MARB 79 FTI $3 GL
BW
200
400
600
EBV
-1.2
-1.4
-3
-2
-5
Acc
75%
93%
91%
87%
88%
MCW
MILK
SS
CWT
EMA
RIB
RUMP
-6
-3
77%
64%
RBY
MS
-0.8
-9
+3.7
-0.0
-0.0
+0.7 +2.0 +0.59
66%
84%
65%
75%
75%
67%
84%
LONGFORD 004
WKSFMO164 WORLD K’S MICHIFUKU
WKSFMO 139 WORLD K’s HARUKI-2
IMUFP0102 KANADAGENE 102D
LFDFT0480 LONGFORD MUTSU
72%
JUNE 2017
IMUFAJ2810 KITATERUYASUDOI ETJ003
SEMEN FOR SALE BOTH SIRES
MF
1-10 DOSES 11-50 DOSES 51+ DOSES
$80 +GST $75 +GST $65 +GST
WKSFL0976 WORLD K’s SUZUTANI 976
WESFZ0278 EXPORT SEMEN AVAILABLE
Very high carcass weights High retail beef yield AA for the best fat Free of all genetic disorders Extremely quiet progeny TRAIT
Great milking daughters
ER
LEAD
5 TH +4 GROW
+8 MILK .1 2 RBY +
200
400
600
MCW
MILK
SS
CWT
EMA
RIB
RUMP
RBY
EBV
+1.2 +4.3
GL
BW
+22
+36
+45
+40
+8
+2.2
+29
+1.6
-2.6
-4.0
+2.1
-0.2 +0.06
Acc
80%
96%
96%
96%
94%
95%
88%
92%
85%
89%
90%
83%
77%
96%
WESTHOLME HIRASHIGETAYASU Z278
MS
MF
71%
SIRE - IMJFA12351 HIRASHIGETAYASU ETJ001 GRAND SIRE IMJFAJ2810 KITATERUTASUDOI ETJ003 GGS IMJFA2703 ITOMORITAKA ETJ002
b.robertsthomson@bigpond.com
|
Barbara Roberts-Thomson
|
www.academyredwagyu.com
Armidale NSW 2350
|
02 6772 1856
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
17
testing process
CAREL TESELING
NEW DNA TESTING PROCESS AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR AWA MEMBERS In September 2017 GeneSeek (Neogen) acquired the Animal Genetics Laboratory of the University of Queensland (now called GeneSeek Australasia or GAA).
This significant change to the genotyping landscape in Australia has brought with it a substantial reduction in the cost of SNP genotyping, streamlining the genetic testing process and services to AWA members. The following information is intended to help members understand the new process required by the AWA and GAA. The new DNA Test Request form provides the required information, correctly formatted to allow for a seamless upload and use within the AWA database.
HOW TO USE THE NEW REQUEST FORM 1. The AWA DNA Test Request form can be found on our website. It's essential that you download the form every time you submit - we are unable to import the old AGL or GAA forms due to formatting issues and are frequently making improvements to this form.
www.wagyu.org.au
MEMBERSHIP & FORMS > FORMS, GUIDES AND USEFUL TOOLS
DNA TESTING PROCESS Collect samples
2. A printed, hard copy must be sent with your samples to the lab. An electronic copy can be emailed to the AWA at dna@wagyu.org.au 3. Please note: In the past, Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs) were only single use DNA samples. However, with new equipment installed, GAA can now use TSUs for multiple DNA extractions. 4. Upon receipt of your DNA Test request, a Member Services Officer (MSO) will review the details to ensure there are no inconsistencies between the requested tests. If any inconsistencies are found the MSO will oďŹ&#x20AC;er advice on the different options available. 5. Once your test request is finalised, it's loaded into our system and you will be invoiced at this point. A request file will be automatically submitted to the lab for processing based on the details submitted into our system.
Email the AWA your form
dna@wagyu.org.au
6. When the lab completes the testing, results will be loaded into our system.
The AWA submits your DNA test to GAA lab Post samples and printed copy of request form to the GAA lab
7. SNP parent verification and parent discovery is now done by the AWA office,
GAA lab begins processing
loaded into our system and reported to you. CWT tests require further analysis, which could take another week to be
SNP results sent to the AWA
MiP and additional test results sent to member and AWA
completed. Once CWT results are available, it gets loaded into our system and reported to you.
PV completed at AWA and sent to member
Member uses test results (PV) for registration
8. All MiP PVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and additional trait testing will be completed and reported by the lab to you and AWA.
18
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
Award winning “ALFA Feedlot of the Year” Over 25 years of Wagyu feeding Bespoke ration program available Currently welcoming custom feeding inquiries
Part of the
Head Office: “Wonga Plains” Bowenville Qld 4404 Ph: 07 4663 7730 Eml: info@cammgroup.com.au
ad.indd 3
14/03/2016 10:40 AM THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE 19
ELITE FULLBLOOD EMBRYOS FOR SALE
WANT TO MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE WAGYU INDUSTRY? • Embryo transfer is a time efficient and economical solution to growing your fullblood herd numbers.
EMBRYOS SIRED BY:
• Market leaders Sumo Wagyu have proven genetics available with top terminal carcase index’s, that will add value to your herd. • Corrective mating has ensured embryos rank highly for Carcase Weight, Marble Score and Milk EBV’s. • Female sexed embryos also available. Collected from over 100 of Sumo’s top donor cows, embryos are available by famous Tajima, Shimane Tottori and Kumamoto (Red) foundation sires.
ICHIRYUNO SUMO ITOSHIGENAMI C151 SUMO ITOSHIGENAMI X0065 SUMO ITOSHIGENAMI X0081 SUMO MICHIFUKU F126 SUMO MICHIFUKU F154 SUMO SHIKIKAN D233 TAKEDA FARM FUKUTSURU 004 TAKEDA FARM ITOHANA 38/1 TAKEDA FARM ITOMICHI 1/2 TAKEDA FARM ITOMICHI TAKEDA FARM ITOSHIGEFUJI TAKEDA FARM ITOSHIGENAMI TAKEDA FARM KIKUHANA 37/2 WORLD K’S MICHIFUKU KUMAMOTO RED SIRES
VIEW THE FULL LIST OF EMBRYOS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: WWW.SUMOWAGYU.COM
CONTACT: DR SIMON COATES (B.V.Sc) (B.Sc) E: SIMON@SUMOWAGYU.COM M: 0438 200 294 P: (07) 3715 6602
www.s umowagyu.com 20
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
THE
MACKAY
EXCITING PROGRAM FOR 2018 CONFERENCE The 2018 Wagyu Edge conference at Mackay in central Queensland is shaping to be the best ever with planning well advanced.
Image courtesy: DestinationsNSW
2-6 MAY 2018
Image courtesy: DestinationsNSW
AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
WAGYU EDGE TOUR
The tour covers the country from Mackay south to Rockhampton and includes visits to:
The conference will run you from May 2 to 4 and the post conference tour from May 5 and 6 ending in Rockhampton where delegates may choose to stay on for the triennial Beef 2018 exposition which runs from May 7-11.
»» Strathdale (Hamblins) with its on-site campdraft
Brilliant facilities at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre will ensure the expected 500 delegates are able to absorb the latest developments in the rapidly growing Wagyu Industry.
»» Vickivale (Bo & Lisa Hatfield) started with Wagyu
The broad range of accommodation to suit all requirements is within walking distance of the Convention centre.
»» Pandanus (Hamblins) for a demonstration of one
Speakers will explore the growing markets for Wagyu beef in Australia and overseas with some of the industry’s biggest names explaining how to make the most of the expanding market. The importance of marbling and melting points will be discussed by leading scientists. A theme of the 2018 conference will be Fullblood breeding and management with demonstrations and explanations on how to obtain optimum performance from Fullbloods in long fed programs. Because Wagyu calves are so valuable, survival rates are critical and one of the breeds most prolific producers of fullbloods and crossbred will explain how to manage calves to eventually produce carcasses of the top value. The once every five years Wagyu show in Japan earlier this year was attended by thousands including an Australian delegation. The popular Q&A session at the 2018 will include observations from some of the attendees on today’s Japanese Wagyu with questions invited from the floor. The Elite Wagyu sale will again be one of the conference highlights and the agents report strong enquiry for potential vendors with highly credentialed cattle and genetics for sale.
arena. Cattle display and IVF breeding techniques explained. in 1996 and now home of a purebred herd with only AI and ET used. of the breed’s largest poll breeding programs »» Nebo’s modern campdraft grounds for dinner and campdraft demonstration with Wagyu cattle »» 10 Mile (Paul Harris) joining 1500 Fullbloods producing bulls for sale, 7000 acres of Leucena. Stock Book demonstration. »» En route passing through significant Wagyu properties including Hughes Pastoral’s Tierawoomba for 90 kms and Wally Rae’s The Overflow. Commentaries on these will be broadcast on the coaches. »» Beef Breeding Services, Rockhampton, a semen collection centre handling significant numbers of Wagyu sires.
FOR DETAILS ABOUT REGISTERING
www.wagyu.org.au
EVENTS > 2018 CONFERENCE & TOUR
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
21
Workshop report
GENETICS AND GENOMICS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP WAGYU the marbling breed
The 2017 Genetics and WAGYU Genomics Technical Workshop was held over 2 days at the University of Queensland Gatton campus. 120 of our members enjoyed some visionary presentations from internationally renowned researchers and key Australian Wagyu industry influencers. the marbling breed
the world’s best tasting tender beef
AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION
Professor Rob Banks Director of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit University of New England Prof. Rob Banks Rob presented an overview of how Wagyu BREEDPLAN calculates Estimated Breeding Values for cattle performance traits and took the audience through how the technology has developed to enable use of genomic information (from high density SNP chip panels such as the 50k SNP test) within BREEDPLAN.
Rob highlighted that the goal of BREEDPLAN was to enable comparison of animals that are treated alike so that the difference between animals that are due to genetics can be determined. A comparison of height in humans was used, in which 2 brothers, full siblings but born 10 years apart, have very similar genetics (50% from mum and 50% from dad), but if measured at the same date (one being 7 years old and one being 17 years old), they will have different
UQ Animal Genetics Lab is now part of Neogen® The University of Queensland’s Animal Genetics Laboratory (AGL) was recently acquired by Neogen — the world’s largest provider of animal genomic services. AGL’s existing customers will receive the same high level of products and services they have enjoyed in the past — from the same staff in the same location in Australia.
large global company can provide. AGL became Neogen’s fourth animal genomics laboratory, joining locations in the U.S., Scotland, and Brazil.
The main difference will be an increased portfolio of products and services specifically tailored to the Australian market, facilitated by the technological support of our U.S. colleagues coupled with GeneSeek® Australasia’s in-depth local knowledge and excellence in customer service.
Sample Submission The sample submission process has changed slightly, please contact the Australian Wagyu Association office staff to discuss the changes and receive all the necessary instructions and new documents.
With the acquisition, AGL customers will benefit from the expedited product and price improvements that belonging to a
GeneSeek Australasia Pty Limited Building 8114 Level 2 • UQ Gatton Campus Gatton QLD 4343 • Australia 07 5460 1960 gaa@neogen.com • genomics.neogen.com/au
AU0002 Australian Wagyu Update_HP_1017.indd 1
22
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
10/24/2017 10:36:30 AM
height. Hence, it is important to take into account things such as age in genetic analysis. Wagyu EBVs also take into account the performance of individuals relative to each other within a group of contemporaries. That is, a group of animals that have all shared similar management and treatment. This allows the ranking of individuals relative to each other once non-genetic effects such as age are accounted for as described above. A particular characteristic of the Australian Wagyu industry is that the genetics of extremely well known sires such as Michifuku and Itoshigenami are used across the majority of contemporary groups and this can be used to link or benchmark the performance of contemporary groups to each other. Wagyu BREEDPLAN uses all of this information, in addition to the pedigree information for registered animals in calculating EBVs for traits. The future of Wagyu BREEDPLAN was described for the audience. This is the Single-Step revolution. Single-Step refers to combining genomic information on individuals with their performance data, and pedigree information for non-genotyped animals, to more accurately estimate or determine the genetic merit of each animal in the analysis. Currently routine Wagyu BREEDPLAN does not use genomic information in this way. The improvement in accuracy of the EBVs comes from more precisely knowing the genetic relatedness of animals that have genotypes. The new analysis will produce genomically improved EBVs for all animals with 50k SNP tests completed, as well as distributing the extra accuracy that comes from using genomic information through the entire pedigree, according to the relationships amongst animals. Prof. Banks demonstrated the
testing of Single-Step Wagyu Breedplan on Marble Score (MS) EBVs in which including genomic information improved the accuracy in MS EBV by an average of 10%. Figure 1 (taken from the presentation of Prof. Banks), plots the accuracy of the original EBV for MS on the bottom or x-axis vs. the new Single-Step MS EBV on the vertical or y-axis. This figure demonstrates the improvement seen in accuracy of predicting MS EBV within testing of Single-Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN. Any individuals above the red dotted line that passes through 0 on both axes is gaining a benefit or lift in accuracy for MS EBV through the Single-Step process. For animals with lower accuracies (below 50%), this lift is on average, greater than 10%. These are the animals that we have little performance data on (eg. newly born bull calves) and these animals will benefit the most from Single-Step, Professor Ben Hayes Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland Professor Ben Hayes Prof. Ben Hayes is one of the noted founders of the modern genomics era in livestock. Ben was a co-author on the seminal publication “Prediction of total genetic value using genome-wide dense marker maps”, that was published in the scientific journal Genetics in 2001. The processed defined by Ben and his co-authors is now being used in livestock and crop genetic improvement programs globally. Ben presented to the AWA members the results of an analysis he has been conducting
FIGURE 1 Demonstrates the improvement seen in accuracy of predicting MS EBV within testing of Single-Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN.
with the Australian Wagyu Industry leader, Mr. David Blackmore and his daughter Danielle. This powerful collaboration has resulted in a whole-of-herd genomic analysis in which high density SNP information and accurately recorded carcase traits are being analysed using genomic prediction. Trait
Validation accuracy
HOT CARCASE WEIGHT
0.71
MARBLING SCORE
0.43
FAT COLOUR
0.15
RIB FAT
0.62
EYE MUSCLE AREA
0.57
P8FAT
0.46
Prof. Hayes described the high degree of validation accuracy obtained through genomic prediction within the Blackmore herd for critical traits that underpin profitability of Wagyu Fullblood carcase production. Moderate to high levels of prediction accuracy were possible within this herd for traits including carcase weight, MS, rib fat, eye muscle area and P8 fat. For example, for hot carcase weight, genomic prediction of carcase weight across a range of animals explained 71% of the variation in carcase weight in that group. In other words, Ben, David and Danielle can estimate final carcase weight with a high degree of precision based on a DNA sample of an animal from the Blackmore herd. Applications of this technology would be to take DNA samples on very young animals and to use genomic prediction of their carcase traits to better identify elite animals for breeding and manage variation in groups of animals for optimal market outcomes. Stewart Bauck Vice President of Agrigenomics Neogen, Michigan USA Dr Stewart Bauck made the trip to present to the AWA Genetics and Genomic Technical Workshop audience all the way from Lincoln Nebraska in the USA. Stewart is the Vice President of agrigenomics with Neogen and is responsible for management of Neogen’s subsidiary company GeneSeek. The GeneSeek laboratory in Nebraska is the largest animal genomic testing laboratory in the world. GeneSeek have recently established in Australia at the GeneSeek AustralAsia Laboratories at UQ Gatton. >>> page 25
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
23
After a decade as a practising physiotherapist in southern Queensland, Kate Bates could not resist the attachment to her rural background and has just completed a Master of Agribusiness at Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marcus Oldham College. This is another example of young people being attracted to work in agriculture. Her major research report, looking at crossbred F1 Wagyu in the Australian supply chain, gained a high distinction. The report looked at facets of sustainability for commercial F1 Wagyu producers. Following are some of the findings.
PHYSIO RETURNS TO FARMING
Access to and use of carcase data is the most significant way Australia's beef industry supply chain can support commercial F1 Wagyu breeders to produce cattle that yield beef that meets market specifications and ensure sustainability in the Wagyu crossbred F1 industry. This was one of the findings by recently graduated Master of Agribusiness student Kate Bates who hails from a cattle and cropping property at Wallumbilla 440 kms north west of Brisbane. While this finding may not be surprising, it is a strong message to those who are investing heavily in the rapidly growing Wagyu industry where sustainability is imperative for all sectors. The research was designed to evaluate functionality of the supply chain in producing quality beef that meets consumer expectations. It examined the barriers and opportunities for F1 Wagyu breeders.
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24
MOC0356_Wagyu_Resize_185x129.indd 2 THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
21/11/2017 12:32 PM
The report highlighted the need for the F1 Wagyu industry to be differentiated from the traditional beef sector and be well positioned to respond to the growing expectations and preferences of the premium market to sustain longevity. It found that higher marbling and heavier carcase weights generally added value to the supply chain. Apart from genetic estimation, there is no accurate tool available to commercial breeders to determine marbling in a live animal, Bates found. This means producers are reliant on retrospective carcase information to make informed breeding decisions to meet market specifications. Carcase data offers a distinct advantage in redistributing the balance of power along the supply chain, particularly pertaining to influencing market access and price. The Wagyu breed has experienced significant growth in Australia
138,000
largely driven by consumer demand, particularly in the international
average number of daily genotypes collected in 2007
market, for quality highly marbled beef. Bates found the unique ability to produce highly marbled beef gives an F1 Wagyu breeder a competitive advantage in differentiating it from most other breeds.
200,000,000
She found that commercial cattle breeders are joining Wagyu bulls
average number of daily genotypes collected in 2016
to their existing cow herds of other breeds with the expectation that the resultant progeny will demonstrate a higher level of marbling than can be achieved by joinings to traditional beef breeds. Since July 2015 it has become obvious Wagyu F1s have been attracting price premiums ranging from 75% to 95% above the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator in the feeder market for steers and heifers in the 200 to 400 kg lightweight range. This profitability is likely to have been a key driver to increase Wagyu F1 production by commercial breeders. The lack of barriers to entry into the F1 Wagyu market for existing commercial producers was also a likely contributor to the F1 Wagyu industry growth. Bates found that the F1 Wagyu industry was well positioned to differentiate itself from the commodity based approach of the traditional beef industry, largely related to marbling. Insufficient marbling was identified as the greatest challenge in meeting the quality requirements of purveyors, retailers and restaurateurs. Bates urged the Wagyu industry to consider how to best drive and communicate the value of marbling to the whole supply chain. While objective carcass measurement is improving, the report claims that currently there is no proven method of accurately measuring marbling in live cattle. The report indicated that to evolve and remain competitive in the premium beef markets, the F1 Wagyu industry may need to evaluate how to meet quality, productivity and economic drivers to assist supply chain functionality. Those downstream in the supply chain have the advantage of dealing with the carcase where prices reflect marbling score and carcase weight. Further upstream those in the supply chain are dealing with a live animal with no way of accurately measuring marbling in live cattle. Pricing is based on the traditional approach of cents per kilogram or dollars per head.
<<< from page 23 Dr Bauck provided an overview of the development of genomics within the livestock industries starting with the original genome sequencing project of the Cow “Dominette” which started in 2003 and completed in 2009. Since then, genomic information and the study of it “genomics” has revolutionised genetic improvement in livestock. Stewart described the rapid increase in genomic testing activity globally, increasing from 138,000 daily genotypes being collected in 2007 to 200 million per day in 2016. With this increase in throughput, the costs of genotyping have reduced remarkably. The audience heard that along with the increase in genomic testing throughput and speed, there was a need to increase the efficiency of tissue and hair sample receipt and processing. Dr. Bauck described the development of robotics to handle tissue sampling units and how this had streamlined sample processing in the US labs. Dr Bauck said “We realize that AWA members have many thousands of DNA samples stored at our facility on hair cards and that using hair cards is still the standard industry practice in Australia. Historical and future hair card samples will be able to be used for DNA extraction into the future.” However, since robotics are already being introduced into GAA labs, sample processing efficiency will be increased with samples received in tissue sample units, and costs for hair card processing in the future will reflect true costs for labour and overhead. GAA predicts that over year or so, tissue sample units will become the new normal practice for taking samples from animals for genomic testing. THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
25
KERWEE NOTCHES UP 60 YEARS, AS FEEDLOT UNVEILS MAJOR EXPANSION The Hart family’s Kerwee business, with its major involvement in the Wagyu industry, notched up a double celebration in late October, marking 60 years of operations in the cattle industry, while unveiling a major redevelopment of the company’s feedlot of the same name near Jondaryan on Queensland’s Darling Downs. About 220 guests joined the Hart family to mark the occasions at a celebration near Jondaryan. Included were a collection of key overseas customers – many of them trading with Kerwee/Stockyard Beef for 20 years or more – plus primary suppliers, service delivery personnel, staff, local and state government representatives and other stakeholders. Kerwee/Stockyard’s long and productive history started when company founder and chairman Robin Hart and his new bride Del (nee Langmore) settled at Kerwee station near Eidsvold in Central Queensland in November 1957, establishing their trading entity, Kerwee Pastoral Co.
Jon Condon Beef Central
In the early 1960s they added a second property Berwick, near Jondaryan. As one of the industry’s pioneer lot feeders, Robin Hart started grain feeding cattle at Berwick in 1965. Much of that was for drought mitigation purposes, feeding small mobs of up to 200 head for domestic slaughter for local butchers. The original 500-head capacity feedlot continued
26
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
LEFT Lachie and Robin Hart with Feedlot Manager Steve Martin at Kerwee's feedlot expansion launch. ABOVE Wagyu cross cattle on feed at Kerwee feedlot.
to expand over the years in a number of stages to its recent capacity of 11,100 Standard Cattle Units. Despite its 52 years of continuous cattle feeding, Kerwee today is a modern, efficient and highly regarded feedyard feeding both Wagyu and Angus programs, under the management of Steve Martin. Recent regulatory changes in Queensland, based on computer modelling for odour disbursement, have allowed the Kerwee business to almost double its existing capacity to 20,200 Standard Cattle Units.
EARLY PIONEER IN BRAND PROGRAMS Kerwee’s subsidiary company, the Stockyard Beef trading business, was launched in 1973. Now 44 years old, Stockyard stands as one of the earliest commercial beef brands in use in Australia. “We are currently significantly under-supplying demand for the Stockyard brand, and that’s what’s given us the confidence to invest heavily in expansion of the feedlot operations,” managing director Lachie Hart told the recent anniversary gathering. Most of that demand was from existing markets – primarily Japan, the Middle East, Korea and southeast Asia, but the Kerwee/Stockyard businesses service 18 markets in total. Chairman Robin Hart was a pioneer in Australian brand programs, recognising the need to distinguish quality grain fed beef from generic beef in the market. Stockyard was the pioneer in export of chilled grain fed beef into Japan. At that point chilled beef exports to Japan had already started, but all product prior to that was grass fed, much less suited to Japanese market requirements.
NEW TRANCHE OF SIRE PROGENY TESTING AT KERWEE The overall project represents an investment of around $8 million in infrastructure, before any consideration on the value of livestock to fill it. $8 MILLION INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE, BEFORE FEEDER PURCHASES The feedlot expansion viewed by the visitors at the anniversary gathering, is now very close to completion. The additional pens will be used for both Wagyu and Angus longfed programs, in roughly equal proportions. The new infrastructure has seen not only the addition of new feeding pens, but also an additional steam-flaker to join the two already in operation at the site. Storage capacity for grain and other commodities has also been expanded, and total grain use is anticipated to rise to around 250 tonnes per day. The overall project represents an investment of around $8 million in infrastructure, before any consideration on the value of livestock to fill it. Although feeder cattle prices have tracked downwards somewhat over the past six months, an additional 11,000 head of feeders will amount to a significant outlay. Occupancy is currently on hold at around 16,000 head until the commissioning of the mill upgrade is completed this month, before edging closer to full capacity sometime in January or February. The additional 11,000 head on feed will
require an additional ten full time staff, taking total personnel numbers to 35. An economic benefit analysis carried out as part of the expansion proposal to Council suggests a broader $50 million additional annual impact on the local community from the project. That will come in the form of transport and logistics, neighbours supplying grain and roughages, contract seasonal labour and countless other ways. “It’s been a great year for the Kerwee/ Stockyard businesses,” Lachie Hart told the gathering. “Not only is the Kerwee business celebrating its 60th year, and the feedlot expansion has almost doubled the yard’s
The January 2018 Sire Progeny Test Program is now open. We are calling for test sires to be nominated and delivered to Kerwee Lotfeeders. All data collected will be entered on your behalf directly into Wagyu BREEDPLAN. The Wagyu Sire Progeny Test Program helps identify promising sires for feed efficiency and carcase quality, delivering the data directly into Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis. Whether your Wagyu herd comprises ten, 100 or 1000 cows and if you are breeding Wagyu bulls and are in it for the long haul, then this program is a must for you. AWA will stage three Wagyu Sire Test rounds per year. The July 2016 Sire Test was fully subscribed by Darren Hamblin’s Strathdale Wagyu operation in Central Queensland. Nine key industry sires were tested with 180 progeny going through the program’s Net Feed Intake (NFI) facility at Kerwee Feedlot. Darren is keen to quickly discover the feed efficiency potential of his team of high indexing sires and receive accurate carcase data at slaughter. You could have sires that are equal in growth and carcase but have not been able to identify which one converts feed to weight most efficiently. More information:
capacity, but Stockyard beef this year achieved the unique feat of claiming the
SIRE PROGENY TEST PROGRAM
grand champion grain fed beef trophy at
Carel Teseling
Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Shows’
AWA Technical Services Manager
branded beef competitions in the same
year, with Stockyard Black Label Wagyu product. That has never been achieved before,” he said. Stockyard has been a consistent major prize winner at branded beef competitions across Australia over the past decade, and each year those competitions get harder and harder to win, making the feat all the more remarkable.
02 6773 4222 0439 368 283 carel@wagyu.org.au
FEEDLOT PRODUCTION AND CARCASE GRID PRICING
Steve Martin General Manager Feedlot Operations Kerwee Lot Feeders Pty Ltd.
07 4692 2277 0437 569 765 smartin@kerwee.com.au THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
27
Steve Martin
General Manager Feedlot Operations
P 07 4692 2277 M 0437 569 765 E smartin@kerwee.com.au Lachie Hart
Managing Director Stockyard and Kerwee Lot Feeders
P 07 3623 2803 M 0408 467 803 E lachieh@stockyardbeef.com.au
connect with us ï&#x2026; stockyardbeef visit us at www.stockyardbeef.com.au
FAMILY FARMING FOR 60 YEARS PIONEERS IN LOT FEEDING PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY GRAIN FED WAGYU BEEF Expanded to 20,200 head to meet customer demand First class facilities, with superior proven performance, competitive prices and professional service Quality grain fed Wagyu beef Diverse business offering direct consignment, forward contracting custom feeding or share feeding
ACHIEVING THE TRIFECTA IN 2017 Holding all three Champion Awards for grain fed beef at Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney Royal Shows with Stockyard Wagyu brands.
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
HOW TO DECIDE ON MiP OR SNP TESTING Historically, Microsatellite technology (MiP) has been used for parent verification. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) is now the technology which has emerged for DNA testing of the future.
There are several benefits for testing on 50KSNP: 1. In addition to only parent verification (SNP500), 50KSNP will allow for accurate parent discovery. 2. Access to Wagyu specific DNA tests at cheaper rates than stand-alone testing 3. When Wagyu Single Step Breedplan is implemented, having a 50KSNP result will allow the calculation of genomically enhanced EBVs for the animal. One of the main hurdles when migrating from MiP to SNP for DNA testing and parent verification, is that the animal and parents must be tested using the same technology. Therefore, if you wish to test your calves on SNP’s, the parents must be ‘upgraded’ from MiP to a SNP profile if not done so already (see figure 1 below).
MiP + MiP
SNP + SNP
MiP + SNP
the original MiP and stored at the lab. If the sample still have sufficient quality and quantity of hairs available, there will be no need to recollect a sample. Please be advised that the sample may be exhausted and in that case a new sample will have to be supplied. Parent Verification (PV) for SNP’s are now run by AWA. All MiP PV’s are still run by the GAA lab. To check if an animal already has a SNP profile you can use our animal search facility on the AWA website (see figure 2 below). Figure 2 shows where to find the MIP and SNP DNA Case numbers on the Animal Details display. It is sometimes difficult to decide whether MiP or SNP testing is more appropriate for you. The following flowchart has been developed to assist in a situation where you plan to register the animal. FIGURE 2
FIGURE 1 illustrates the concept that calves and both parents must be on the same technology to allow parent verification. To “upgrade” animals from MiPs to SNPs, it is often possible to use the existing hair sample that was used to do
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
29
THE DECISION POINTS IN THE FLOWCHART ARE
Q
Do you want to do a new registration?
YES. This flowchart will help you decide which DNA test to choose based on your specific circumstances.
YES. I WISH TO FUTURE PROOF MY HERD. Test your calves on SNPs.
1. Parents MUST be upgraded to a SNP profile. Please submit a NEW DNA Request Form listing the parent’s IDs and requesting either a SNP500 or 50KSNP test on them.
2. There are two types of SNP Profiles currently offered by the AWA - SNP500 and 50KSNP.
3. SNP500 can ONLY be used for parent verification.
4. 50KSNP can be used for parent verification OR for parent discovery. See other 50KSNP benefits above.
Q
Do you mother up your calves at birth?
YES. I check my calving cows at least every 24 hours and I can confidently match the calf to its dam. I then also identify the calf by tagging it so there is no confusion in future. Use PARENT VERIFICATION. NO. I do not identify dams and calves at birth and therefore I am not able to confidently identify dams and their calves. Use PARENT DISCOVERY. Parent’s 50KSNP’d ONLY.
Q
Do you want to future proof the DNA testing of your herd?
Microsatellite technology (MiP) is an ageing technology where new investment is no longer occurring on a global scale. The GeneSeek AustralAsia (GAA) lab have advised that they foresee their machines to withstand a maximum of another two years of testing, cautioning that breakdowns may not be feasible to fix and/or may take an extended period. As MiP testing is being phased out at an industry level, the costs of testing will also increase accordingly. If the animals you are currently testing are breeding stock, we suggest you consider migrating to SNP testing now. These animals will need upgrading to SNP profiles in the future, which will come at a cost at that stage.
30
NO. I DO NOT WISH TO FUTURE PROOF MY HERD AT THIS STAGE. Continue testing using MiPs. Parents must continue to be MiP’d, which is most likely already done for most current parent animals.
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
Please take care when selecting SNP500 or 50KSNP on your DNA Test Request.
CROSSBRED WAGYU TEST (CWT) Used when one or both parents have Wagyu content and: »» You’re unable to access DNA from the Wagyu parents or parents are unregistered and are unable to be registered. »» Both parents are Wagyu and only one parent is registered and the progeny can be verified to it. Must be done after 50KSNP.
MORE INFORMATION To read more about the CWT please see Australian Wagyu Update magazine article - ISSUE 65, APRIL 2017 - page 28.
www.wagyu.org.au
NEWS & RESOURCES > READ WAGYU UPDATE MAGAZINE ONLINE
SUMO WAGYU SEMEN DELIVERS RESULTS
TOP 1% TCI SIRES THAT WILL ADD CARCASE WEIGHT AND MARBLING TO YOUR HERD: Sire EBV’s
Marble Score
Carcase weight
Sumo Michifuku F126: [SMOFF0126]
+1.9
+19kg
Sumo Michifuku F154: [SMOFF0154]
+1.6
+27g
Sumo Michifuku L153: [SMOFL00153]
+1.7
Sumo Itoshigenami C0151: [SMOFC0151] Sumo Michifuku L29: [SMOFL00029]
Recessive Free
TCI
Price Per Straw
Domestic Semen
Export Semen
Sexed Semen
+$490
$132.00
✓
✓
✓
✓
+$462
$132.00
✓
✓
✓
+18kg
✓
+$442
$88.00
✓
+1.5
+9kg
✓
+$350
$88.00
✓
✓
✓
+1.3
+17kg
✓
+$352
$66.00
✓
✓
Domestic & Export Semen also available from outcross bull Sumo Shikikan D233: SMOFD0233 D233 EBV’s: M/S +1.1 & TCI: +$254
WANT A PROVEN TCI INCREASE ? WATCH WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MATE WITH SUMO SEMEN: EBV’s FOR A TYPICAL FULLBLOOD WAGYU FEMALE
EBV’S FOR SUMO MICHIFUKU F126
CALF PREDICTED EBV’S
M/S
WT(kg)
TCI(+)
M/S
WT(Kg)
TCI
CALF M/S
CALF TCI
RANKING
+0.6
+18kg
+$177
+1.9
+19
+$490
+1.25
$333
TOP 1%
Dr Simon Coates (B.V.Sc)(B.Sc) simon@sumowagyu.com M: 0438 200 294 P: 07 3715 6602
w w w. s u m o w a g y u . c o m THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
31
WAGYU & RURALCO The Ruralco group of livestock agencies throughout Australia are pleased to be working closely with the AWA and Wagyu breeders in providing a sales service for all types of Wagyu, Wagyu cross and Wagyu genetics. Ruralco are sole agents for the Elite Wagyu Sale, Mackay, QLD in May 2018 and the Premium Wagyu Sales on AustionsPlus regularly throughout the year. Next Premium Wagyu Sale is Friday 2nd March 2018.
Elite Wagyu Sale, Albury, May 2017
Premium Wagyu Sale, Sept 2017
Heifer calf in utero at Females average Embryos average Bulls average Semen average
Mayura L0010 $105,000 MS + 1.6 TCI + $395
$95,000 $25,570 $2,600 $20,799 $334
Macquarie M0480 $88,000 MS + 1.7 TCI + $468
Harvey Weyman-Jones, GDL Stud Stock Manager, Dalby, Queensland is the National Wagyu Coordinator for Ruralco Agencies throughout Australia.
Please call Harvey to discuss your needs.
Harvey Weyman-Jones 0414 941 788 hweymanjones@gdlrural.com.au
WWW.GDLRURAL.COM.AU
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
FOCUS SHOULD BE ON MEAT QUALITY For specialist Wagyu producer Takao Suzuki it’s all about the beef. "We’re all about consistently delivering the very highest quality meat we can for our customers,” Mr Suzuki said. “As the Wagyu breed moves forward in Australia it is very important all producers ensure meat quality is the absolute focus.” Mr Suzuki has spent the past three decades working with Wagyus in both Japan and in Australia and now owns and operates an integrated breeding and feedlot operation. His highly prized Suzuki Farm Wagyu beef is supplied to high-end Sydney restaurants as well as in Shanghai and Dubai. Key to the operation is an 840ha breeding block at Bathurst, NSW, which runs 300 Fullblood Wagyu cows. Tajima bulls are used over Kedaka influenced females to achieve heavier carcass weight and marbling. Progeny destined for the under cover Japanese style feedlot are sent to Yamboon Park at six months and fed a pre-mixed ration including cracked barley and corn, wheat straw, lucerne and ryerass hay. Japanese Wagyu feeding techniques are used to ensure optimum performance. The diet also includes the Alltech feed additives Yea Sacc and Actigen, which are specifically used to improve fibre digestion and gut health. “If the animal has access to the right nutrition from a young age it allows the rumen to develop properly, which ultimately helps maximise the growth rates and develop the marbled beef we strive to produce,” Mr Suzuki said.
Mark Phelps Queensland Country Life
also critical, but the end game is always the consumer. “That’s the real success of the Wagyu industry: it’s ability to produce a beef eating experience that just cannot be found anywhere else. That has to be the industry’s focus.” In addition to his work in Australia, Mr Suzuki has clients in Middle East who have been operating a Wagyu farm under his management. He also analysed Japanese traditional Wagyu bloodlines to better understand and maximise the performance of the distinctly Japanese breed. Mr Suzuki is regularly called on to help development individual businesses and to maximise the performance of the distinctly Japanese breed.
Specialises in breeding large size high tajima fullblood stud bulls
“Yea Sacc and Actigen are essential because they help ensure the animals reach their genetic potential.” Yea Sacc has been used in over 100 Wagyu operations in Japan for more than 20 years. The feeders are switched from a grower to a finisher ration at 13 months to produce growth rates of 0.9-1kg liveweight/day. At 30 months and weighing about 750kg, they are processed at Casino. The carcases are grading at up to marbling score 9. After focusing on beef and dairy production during his studies at University in his native Japan, Takeo Suzuki moved to Australia in 1991 to take up a position with Rangers Valley Feedlot at Glen Innes. Driven by a passion for producing highly marbled beef, he was soon instrumental in helping develop Rangers Valley’s industry leading Wagyu feedlot program. “It's always all about the meat, focusing on producing exactly what the customer actually wants,” the globally recognised industry consultant said. “Of course the cattle and genetics are
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
33
WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION
MAKE YOUR WAGYU BRAND EVEN BIGGER Wagyu brands dominate the elite levels of the food industry and the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition, run in conjunction with the annual Wagyu conference, identifies excellence in this specialist high end market.
The announcements of the winners at the gala dinner at the annual conference guarantees exposure not only to the 500 delegates in attendance but also to a much wider audience through the media. Championship winners and those with gold, silver and bronze awards utilise these accolades in promoting sales of their Wagyu brands both in Australia and overseas. The tastings of the entries is a conference highlight generating even more exposure for brands entered. Over the years the competition has been refined and is now the ultimate arbitrator in four different market segments. Class 1 FULLBLOOD WAGYU 100% Class 2 CROSS BRED WAGYU Class 3 COMMERCIAL WAGYU STEAK (MS 5-7) Class 4 GOURMET WAGYU SAUSAGE GRAND CHAMPION WAGYU BRAND
ENTRY AND COMPETITION INFORMATION? Entries are now open and close on February 16, 2018. Entries in classes 1, 2 and 3 need to be delivered to Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane, between March 5 and 9, 2018. Entries in class 4, the gourmet Wagyu sausage, need to be delivered no later than 5 pm on March 13. Class 1, 2 and 3 judges are provided with a formatted judging card to complete for each exhibit scoring for tenderness, flavour, juiciness and overall liking. Prior to cooking, each judge will score each exhibit on the visual assessment out of 30 points. The protocols for judging the sausage class differs from the first three classes because of the product differences. Gold, silver and bronze will be awarded based on cut-off levels decided by the Australian Wagyu Association steward, the Chief Steward and the Chief Judge. The awarding of medals reflects the well tried system in wine competitions where several gold medals or no gold medals can be awarded. This ensures all entries of superior quality receive recognition. Full details of the judging protocols and further information can be found on the website.
www.wagyu.org.au
EVENTS > 2018 WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
W B B
CO
MACQUARIE DOWNS LEYBURN QUEENSLAND 4365
a feedlot devoted to product excellence 2 0 14
FEEDLOT OF THE
Specialist feeders of Wagyu cattle and providing a Custom Feeding Service Macquarie Wagyu are welcoming new clients.
YEAR
Fullblood cattle are given the option of housed pens.
Anthony Winter mobile 0400 337 472 anthony.winter@macquariewagyu.com COVERED PENS
CUSTOM FEEDING SERVICE
PRODUCT EXCELLENCE
www.macquariewagyu.com
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
35
Producers of the finest quality Wagyu beef
LD GO
ME DA L
2 0 14
aaco.com.au