The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) was formed in 1989. For more than 30 years the work the Association has undertaken in maintaining a continued focus on genetic improvement has underpinned the progress of the Wagyu sector. Our global member base is now more than 1,000 members from 30 different countries. Our vision for the future is to support our membership, promote the Wagyu sector and advance production to benefit the entire Wagyu community.
The AWA maintains the world’s largest Wagyu database for parentage and genetic analysis with over 22,000 sires and 150,000 dams registered in the system. Each year, more than 25,000 calves are added into the database. Analysis is undertaken by a leading genetic evaluation system on 14 key Wagyu production traits and four selection $indexes reporting the results every two weeks so breeders can make the informed breeding decision with the latest information. Over 100,000 genotypes are included in this analysis across 250,000 animals spanning up to ten generations.
The AWA is at the forefront of research and development for Wagyu. Projects that have contributed to the past decade of enhanced value in Wagyu include:
The Australian Wagyu Association began from humble beginnings but has grown in knowledge and reputation due in part to the tireless efforts of our past presidents and members, honoured with Life Membership, Hall of Fame or 25-year membership awards.
Chief Operating Officer
Senior Finance Officer
Communications Officer
Member Services Officer
International Office and Data Systems Manager
President
Laird is the owner/operator of Lillyvale Feedlot and Arubial Wagyu. A fourth-generation beef farmer, he is a graduate of Marcus Oldham and will bring to the Board an understanding of Wagyu strengths in comparison to the beef industry.
President
Genetic Improvement Committee Member
Audit and Finance Committee Member
Corporate Affairs Committee Member
Conference and Competitions Committee Member
Genetic Improvement Committee Member
Conference and Competitions Committee Chair
Robyn is a third-generation beef producer, running Sunnyside Wagyu alongside her partner and parents. Located in Northern NSW, Sunnyside runs a Fullblood herd selling seedstock as well as a F1 and F2 commercial herd. Robyn has off farm qualifications in law, business and mediation with skills in legal analysis, risk assessment, critical analysis, negotiations and business communications. Robyn is a passionate Wagyu producer and will look to add value to the board by promoting collaborative and constructive governance in the continued development and innovation of the Wagyu sector.
Senior Advice President
Corporate Affairs Committee: Chair
Genetic Improvement Committee Member
Treasurer
Audit and Finance Committee: Chair
Corporate Affairs Committee Member
Damien Curr, is a fourth-generation cattleman, that has been involved in the Wagyu industry as a breeder since 2016. His family business runs approximately 500 Angus cows, 1,000 PB cows and 500 Fullblood cows. This variety gives him a good insight into the Wagyu industry at all levels.
Melinee Leather, plans as an AWA Director, to champion strong governance, strategic policy and collaborative leadership to advance the Wagyu breed. Her focus is on continuous genetic improvement, market access, and global recognition driving best practices and sustainable innovation to continue the position of Wagyu as a premium, progressive breed for future generations.
Corporate Affairs Committee Member
Conference and Competitions Committee Member
Director
Director
The Australian Wagyu Association governing documentation is outlined within these documents and provides directives on how we operate, how we serve our members and how we plan to support, advance and promote Wagyu.
The Bylaws outline our day-to-day operations and the responsibilities of our Members and updated regularly in alignment with AWA Board directives.
Through the Appeals process, and in line with our Constitution and Bylaws, the AWA undertakes formal investigations within the principles of natural justice.
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It is a condition of use of this database that you accept these terms and conditions.
It is important that you appreciate when accessing the Australian Wagyu Association Limited (AWA) database (which may be hosted on an external website) that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) and Index values (together called Database Information), is based on data supplied by AWA members and/or third parties.
Whilst sincere effort is made to ensure the Database Information is accurate and complete, to the extent permitted by law, AWA, its officers and employees, shall not be responsible for its use or interpretation, and you use the Database Information at your own risk. Please be aware of the following limitations of the Database Information.
Regarding WBVs and Index values, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:
Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:
Regarding prefectural content, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:
Regarding DNA testing and genetic condition results submitted to the AWA, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:
If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and/or implications of the data provided on this website or the WBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek expert advice. Note there is substantial technical information and articles on the Wagyu website to assist our members.
AWA’s liability for any loss or damage, consequential or otherwise, suffered or incurred by you or your related business, arising directly or indirectly from your use of Database Information, to the extent permitted by law, is limited to AWA providing you with a refund for the fees paid for the service (if any), or AWA re-performing the service, where possible, at the election of AWA.
AWA administers this database in good faith to support AWA members and the industry. AWA does not represent or warrant that the animals recorded in this database, or animals breed from them, will achieve any particular genetic or phenotype performance.
THIS DISCLAIMER HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 03/02/2026, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ IT IN DETAIL