Perth to host Australian Wagyu Association's 2025 Wagyu Edge Conference
The Australian Wagyu Association's 2025 Wagyu Edge Conference is scheduled to take place in Perth from 9 to 11 April 2025. This year’s conference marks its inaugural visit to Perth, reflecting the significant growth and interest in Western Australia's Wagyu industry. Major entities within the local industry, such as Bruce Cheung's Pardoo Wagyu and Stone Axe Pastoral, are expected to have pivotal roles throughout the event.
The central theme for this year's conference is "Global Trends Impacting Wagyu," which will explore key issues that may influence the future of this premium beef sector. The Australian Wagyu Association is set to unveil new tools aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of Wagyu genetics, alongside insights from opinion leaders and experts worldwide regarding societal, political, and economic forces affecting the Wagyu industry.
Over a span of two-and-a-half days comprising 11 conference sessions, delegates will engage in discussions covering a wide range of topics, including innovations and technologies in Wagyu production, food security and effects on luxury products, the dynamics of Wagyu in Western Australia, global trade implications, and nutrition and lot feeding of Wagyu cattle. Also on the agenda are discussions about market dynamics, emerging opportunities in the Wagyu sector, trends in Akaushi cattle, and the future leadership of the Wagyu industry.
One of the critical sessions will focus on food security and global trade, detailing how Australian Wagyu's success relies not only on trade conditions but also on the global perception of Australian products and farming practices. This session will feature two presentations addressing the economic trends influencing Australian agriculture and examining international pressures on livestock farming.
In another segment, attendees will learn about significant innovations currently being pursued by the Australian Wagyu Association, which aims to enhance efficiency in Wagyu production and bolster profitability. These advancements are designed to sustain confidence in the future of Wagyu cattle farming.
As a staple feature of the Wagyu Edge conferences, social and networking events will be significant this year, including the 2025 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition Awards dinner on 9 April, which promises an evening of entertainment and exceptional Wagyu beef experiences. The following night will showcase the 2025 Elite Wagyu Sale, accompanied by a casual gathering, while the final night will culminate in a black-tie Wagyu Industry Dinner celebration.
Notable speakers slated for this year’s event include Professor Peer Ederer, founder and director of GOALSciences, who aims to explore the scientific role of animals in the global food system; Alison Van Eenernam, a distinguished professor at the University of California, Davis, known for her work in animal genomics and biotechnology; JoJo Carrales, Vice President of HeartBrand Beef, who has established a prominent brand within the Wagyu industry; and Erin Borror, Vice President of Economic Analysis with the US Meat Export Federation, involved in red meat export forecasts and trade policy analysis.
The 2025 Wagyu Edge Conference is poised to be a vital platform for industry stakeholders, providing insights and fostering connections within the ever-evolving Wagyu sector.