WAGYU seedstock registrations continue to grow rapidly in Australia, with a 26 percent lift in numbers from 2013 to 2014, according to latest data released by the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association.

The increase follows an 11pc jump in registrations the previous year.

With 6657 registrations in 2013, Wagyu remains the fastest growing major breed in the nation, moving up to eighth position in the ARCBA breed heirarchy, from tength the previous year.

Figures released by ARCBA indicate Wagyu registrations have doubled over the past decade and the growth shows no signs of abating according to Australian Wagyu Association executive officer Graham Truscott.

“Membership has grown, especially in the eastern states, and demand for Wagyu genetics, cattle and Wagyu beef both in Australia and overseas continues to grow,” he said.

“There are herds of up to 40,000 high-content Wagyu commercial cattle in Queensland and some herds of Fullblood registered Wagyu that now run thousands of breeders.”

Overseas interest had also been strong for Australian Wagyu genetics and beef and there is growing interest in the live export trade for breeding heifers to compliment the existing export trade of Wagyu influenced feeder steers.

Source: Australian Wagyu Association.