STAKEHOLDERS interested in attending the information-packed Australian Wagyu Association’s 2025 Wagyu Edge Conference in Perth in April need to act quickly to secure an early bird discount on registration.

Early bird rates officially close on Wednesday, 5 March, but Beef Central has been able to secure an extension – saving $200 off the full registration price – until midnight on 12 March for readers, using the registration code BC2025 when registering via this link.

The Wagyu industry’s major annual conference showcase heads west this year for the first time, in recognition of the considerable momentum being seen in Western Australia’s Wagyu industry.

Big, heavily committed players in the WA Wagyu industry like Bruce Cheung’s Pardoo Wagyu, and Stone Axe Pastoral will play prominent roles in this year’s conference, taking place between 9 and 11 April in Perth.

This year’s conference theme is Global Trends Impacting Wagyu, focussing on the big issues facing the future of the sector.

During the conference program the Australian Wagyu Association will launch new tools to underpin the sustainable development of Wagyu genetics, and bring opinion leaders and experts from around the world to delve into societal, political and economic forces that will shape Wagyu’s future.

Over two-and-a-half days and 11 conference sessions, delegates will see and hear updates on a range of topics include innovations and technologies for Wagyu, food security and impacts on luxury products, Wagyu in the West, global trade and economics, Wagyu market dynamics, nutrition and lotfeeding of Wagyu, seizing opportunities in Wagyu, trends in Akaushi, global perspectives, future Wagyu leaders, and a look at what’s coming that will revolutionise the industry.

Food Security and Global Trade

Australian Wagyu’s success depends not only on trade conditions, but also on global perceptions of our products and farming practices. As consumer and political opinions change, stakeholders must proactively address challenges and strengthen our position as a preferred global supplier, while maintaining high standards to preserve our international reputation.

This session will delve deeper into this topic with two presentations: one focusing on the economic trends affecting Australian agriculture, and the other examining international pressures on livestock agriculture.

Innovations Update

The Australian Wagyu industry invests heavily in new projects and innovations focused on the global development and enhancement of Wagyu cattle. In this session, attendees will learn about several significant innovations the association is implementing to improve efficiency in Wagyu production and increase profitability, instilling a sense of security and confidence in the future of Wagyu cattle production.

Social and networking events for a major part of every Wagyu Edge conference, and the 2025 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition Awards dinner on 9 April will be no exception, offering a full evening of entertainment and the best of Wagyu beef. The following night will include the 2025 Elite Wagyu Sale beside an informal gathering. The final night will feature the Wagyu Industry Dinner celebration black-tie event.

Just some of the prominent international and Australian speakers this year will include:

Prof Peer Ederer, the founder and director of GOALSciences, which is the Global Observatory of Accurate Livestock Sciences. The organisation aims to investigate and disseminate scientific findings regarding the role of animals within the global food system.

Alison Van Eenernam is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in the field of Animal Genomics and Biotechnology in the Department of Animal Science at  the University of California, Davis where she has been on faculty for over 20 years.  Her research and outreach program focuses on the use of animal genomics in livestock production systems. She has a multifaceted research program that includes work on the uses of DNA information and biotechnologies in beef cattle production systems, and genome editing approaches for ruminants.

JoJo Carrales, Vice President, HeartBrand Beef, grew up on a commercial cattle operation in Texas and earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in 2006. He then received a master’s degree in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University, where he was the livestock judging coach. In 2009, he joined HeartBrand, where he has established one of the most recognised brands in the Wagyu industry, managing 2500 Fullblood mother cows and selling seedstock worldwide. HeartBrand also has a branded beef program focused on DNA and source verification, with cattle fed through a natural program.

Erin Borror is

Erin Borror is Vice President of Economic Analysis with the US Meat Export Federation. Erin became part of USMEF in July 2006 after earning her Masters in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University. She also holds a B.S. in Agribusiness from California Polytechnic State University. As the Vice President of Economic Analysis at USMEF, Erin is pivotal in managing red meat export forecasts, analysing trade policy, conducting global market assessments for U.S. exporters, and evaluating US market conditions for international clients.

• Both the pre-conference tour, including farm visits to Stone Axe, Irongate Wagyu and the Margaret River wine region, and post-conference tour to Pardoo Wagyu and Broome have sold out.