The Wagyu sector’s annual conference and tour is the largest conference on the beef industry calendar. Organised by the Australian Wagyu Association, it attracts between 400 and 600 attendees annually.
The annual WagyuEdge Conference and Tour is a mecca for the global Wagyu industry. The AWA now has more than 150 international members.
Each year, a large contingent of international Wagyu breeders and supply chain representatives attend the conference, like the Wagyu sector’s leading global event.
The conference is an opportunity to bring together all components of the Wagyu sector in a forum of learning and networking to help our industry to advance Wagyu – the World’s Luxury Beef.
The Australian Wagyu sector is the leading producer and exporter of Wagyu to international high-end markets. Delegates from Australia can attend to hear speakers with a high level of expertise covering topics in Wagyu production, genetics and marketing.
DAY ONE – Tuesday 26 April
Registration desk opens midday
AWA technical update
3pm to 5pm
Session speakers
Dr Matt McDonagh, AWA CEO
Emily Rabone, AWA Marketing and Communications Manager
Laura Penrose, AWA Genetic Projects Manager
AWA MSO Team
WagyuEdge WELCOME DINNER and CHARITY AUCTION
Time 6.30pm – 10pm
Venue The Park, Albert Park Melbourne
Dress code Smart casual
The function includes drinks and a buffet WBBC BBQ dinner featuring some of the best Wagyu in the country! (is considered to be a casual stand up dinner) and Charity Auction.
DAY TWO – Wednesday 27 April
Registration desk opens 7.30 am
SESSION 1: Australia’s position in the global Wagyu sector
8.30am to 10.35am
Peter Hughes Owner, Hughes Pastoral and Georgina Pastoral
Mark Harris Stanbroke Beef, Sales Manager
Scott Cameron Group Industry Insights and Strategy Manager, Meat and Livestock Australia
SESSION 2: Technology application in the field
11.15am to 12.45pm
Enoch Bergman Director/Veterinarian, Swan Vets
Linda Woodford Founder and CEO, AxiChain
Kerryann Kocher Chief Operating Officer, Vytelle
SESSION 3: Facing the challenges of tomorrow
1.45pm to 3.10pm
Dr David Nation Managing Director, Dairy Australia
Mick Bevea Woodland Wagyu
Dr Kenneth Olson Professor/Extension Beef Specialist, Department of Animal Science, SDSU Extension, West River Research Extension Center
SESSION 4: Opportunities for Wagyu in a carbon future
3.45pm to 5.10pm
Dr Stephen Wiedemann Principal Research Scientist, Integrity Ag & Environment
Frank Mitloehner Director, Department of Animal Science at UC Davis
Louisa Keeley Director, Carbon Farmers of Australia Pty Ltd
ELITE WAGYU SALE and COCKTAIL DINNER
Time 6pm – 10pm
Venue The Pullman Albert Park (Ballroom)
Dress code Semi-formal/cocktail
The function includes dinner, drinks and entertainment featuring the AWA Elite Wagyu Sale.
DAY THREE – Thursday 28 April
Registration desk opens 8.30 am
SESSION 5: The international Wagyu sector perspective
9 am to 10.45am
Ken Kurosawatsu Wagyu Sekai
Gerard Hickey Firstlight Foods
Jess Edwards Wyndford Wagyu
SESSION 6: Current research in Wagyu – new traits and research Directions
11.30 am to 1 pm
Simone Rochfort Agriculture Victoria
Dr Keisuke Sasaki Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Japan
Dr Kirsty Moore Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit
SESSION 7: Current research in Wagyu – commercial application of R&D
2 pm to 4 pm
Dr Heather Smyth University of Queensland
Sarah Stachan Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)
Aaron Van den Heuvel Carcase Camera Technician, AWA
WagyuEdge GALA DINNER and WAGYU BRANDED BEEF AWARDS
Time 7.30pm – 11.30pm
Venue The Pullman Albert Park (Ballroom)
Dress code Formal
The dinner includes a three-course dinner, drinks and entertainment plus the announcement of the 2022 Wagyu Branded Beef Awards