The reasons why 400kg Wagyu sired feeder steers are bringing premiums of $350 to $420/head over flatback British types will head discussions at the 12th Annual Wagyu Conference at The Pier, Geelong, Vic, from October 11 to 13.

“Drought pressures and the southern flow of northern cattle that usually go for live export have created downward pressure on prices for all types of cattle, with the exception of Wagyu,” Australian Wagyu Association president Scott Hughes said in a press statement.

According to industry analysts, there are more crossbred F1 Wagyu cattle being produced in Australia today than ever before, as producers chase premiums for Wagyu-infused cattle.

Interest in Australian Wagyu genetics and Wagyu beef has generated conference registrations from Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines and Malaysia, joining stakeholders from across the Australian beef supply chain from breeders to lotfeeders, processors, and food service and retail operators.

Mr Hughes said the conference would contain important information to all those interested in producing profit-driving premium quality beef for the premium Australian and overseas markets.

One prominent Angus seedstock producer, Lock Rogers, Wattletop, Guyra, NSW, who has an interest in Wagyu, will be a presenter at the conference. He breeds Fullblood Wagyu and uses Wagyu bulls over Angus cows to produce crossbred F1 terminals for which he says he receives a $300/head premium over straightbred Angus selling to feedlots or to the live trade to Japan.

It is estimated about 20,000 F1s are exported live to Japan each year, with more than 50,000 currently on feed at the three biggest Wagyu feedlot operations in Australia operated by Australian Agricultural Co, Rangers Valley and Stanbroke.

There is also high interest in Fullblood Wagyu with Fullblood feeder steers currently making 450c/kg live, a whopping $1000/head premium over conventional feeders, the Australian Wagyu Association’s release said.

Major buyers of crossbred Wagyu steers are encouraging suppliers to use Wagyu bulls over at least part of their Angus breeders. Many offer advice on the Wagyu genetics they prefer.

The Wagyu Conference opens with a welcoming cocktail part of Friday October 11, continues all day Saturday with presentations and a dinner, and concludes at lunchtime Sunday October 13. A great range speakers covering global markets, breed improvement, animal production, celebrity butchers, beef quality and the latest Japanese developments in genetic progress.

• For a full list of speakers, conference program and registration details, click here.