WA Wagyu producer Bruce Chung from Pardoo addresses last year’s Wagyu Edge event

BRISBANE will host the global Wagyu community next month when WagyuEdge’26 takes place from 15-17 April.

The flagship conference of the Australian Wagyu Association will this year carry its most ambitious program yet, bringing together producers, scientists, global market experts and industry leaders.

The event will explore the future of luxury beef production through a dynamic program of innovation, insight and connection.

Across three days, WagyuEdge’26 will deliver nine timely sessions examining the opportunities and challenges shaping the premium beef sector, from genetics and reproductive technologies to global trade, market intelligence and next-generation Wagyu innovation.

Speakers include some of Australian agriculture’s most influential voices, including the President of the National Farmers Federation and Managing Director of McIntyre Agriculture Hamish McIntyre – himself a prominent Wagyu producer -, and Catherine Raper, First Assistant Secretary and Australia’s Chief Negotiator for Global Trade Negotiations and the AU–EU FTA at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It’s likely that Australia will have completed its EU FTA by the time the conference is staged.

Some of the others speaking on a packed program this year will include:

• Dr Samantha Allen, CEO of Animal Health Australia
• Dr Ross Ainsworth, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Buffalo Industry Council Inc and regular Beef Central columnist
• Lotfeeder Charlie Mort, head of Mort & Co lotfeeders, one of the nation’s larger Wagyu feeders and brand managers
• New Zealand geneticist Daniel Garrick, founder and CEO of Helical
• Analysts Simon Quilty (Global AgriTrends) and Matt Dalgleish (Ep 3)
• Animal reproduction expert Bruno Valente Sanches, VP of Operations, Vytelle Advance
• Danish Wagyu producer Sebastian Christensen, Norlin Wagyu.

Australian Wagyu Association CEO Dr Matt McDonagh said the conference represented a major moment for the industry as global demand for premium beef continues to grow.

“WagyuEdge’26 is shaping up to be the largest conference the AWA has ever delivered,” Dr McDonagh said.

“There is enormous interest in the Wagyu industry both locally and internationally and bringing the sector together in Brisbane will allow us to share knowledge, tackle challenges and showcase the innovation driving our industry forward.”

The conference program reflects a rapidly evolving industry, with sessions exploring everything from the latest breakthroughs in Wagyu Breeding Values and reproductive technologies to the realities of global trade and the expansion of Wagyu production systems across Australia.

“The timing of WagyuEdge’26 coincides with significant change in the global trade landscape, including shifts among our major trading partners and ongoing geopolitical tensions,” Dr McDonagh said.

“As the highest value component of Australia’s red meat exports, Wagyu sits at the centre of these developments, and this conference will explore both the opportunities and the risks facing the sector.”

Delegates will also gain insight into the changing face of Australian Wagyu production, with panel sessions featuring leaders from some of the country’s largest and most diverse Wagyu feeding operations, alongside perspectives on northern and southern production systems and trends influencing commercial supply.

The conference will also feature a commercial trade showcase, with more than 40 exhibitors from across the agricultural supply chain. From genetics and animal health to technology, nutrition, and market services, the showcase will bring together the businesses and service providers that support and drive innovation within the industry.

Designed as a central networking hub throughout the event, the showcase will provide delegates with opportunities to connect directly with leading suppliers, discover new technologies and solutions, and build valuable relationships that support the continued growth and success of the Wagyu sector.

Beyond the conference sessions, WagyuEdge’26 will deliver a series of standout social events designed to celebrate the industry and strengthen connections across the global Wagyu community.

The evening of 15 April will see the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition Awards, hosted by internationally renowned meat expert Jess Pryles, the Hardcore Carnivore, where the industry will gather to celebrate Australia’s best Wagyu branded beef.

On 16 April, the Elite Wagyu Sale, will showcase a select offering of elite Wagyu genetics in a live and online auction event expected to attract strong interest from breeders and investors.

The evening will finish with a cocktail function and Wagyu beef cooking demonstration and tasting with Jess Pryles.

The conference will conclude with the Industry Gala Dinner, celebrating outstanding achievements within the Wagyu community, including the induction of an AWA Honorary Life Member and a culinary showcase featuring world-class Wagyu from Stanbroke, the 2025 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition Grand Champion, and Mayura Station, Reserve Champion.

Following the conference, delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in a post-event tour through Southern Queensland, visiting leading Wagyu producers, feedlots and processing facilities to see firsthand the scale and innovation behind Australia’s premium Wagyu sector.

“WagyuEdge has always been about more than just a conference,” Dr McDonagh said.

“It’s about bringing together the people who are shaping the future of Wagyu, sharing ideas, building relationships and celebrating the excellence that defines this industry.”

WagyuEdge’26 will be held in Brisbane from 15–17 April 2026.

Click here for more details and to register

2027 RNA Paddock to Palate Wagyu Challenge entries closing

Meanwhile, entries for the 2027 Brisbane Show Paddock to Palate Wagyu Challenge close this Friday, 20 March.

Hosted by JBS Australia at the company’s integrated Beef City feedlot and processing facility near Toowoomba, the competition will carry $14,000 in prizemoney.

Each entry comprises seven steers, competing  in one of two classes – Crossbred Wagyu F1-F3, and Fullblood/Purebred Wagyu. Steers must be 0-2 teeth 450kg or less at entry.

Up to 600 head can be accommodated across both classes, with feeding for about 390 days.

Exhibitors will get access to world-class data insights to benchmark their cattle and be part of one of the world’s most commercially relevant competitions of its kind.

Delivery of entries is due by Monday 25 May, with the competition proper starting Wednesday 27 May.

The feedlot field day at JBS Beef City will happen on 15 June 2027, with animals processed two days later.

Awards will be presented on Thursday 5 August 2027, at the Royal International Convention Centre during the annual Brisbane Show.

Click here to download the competition schedule.