Strong female and embryo results | Australian Wagyu Association

The Australian Wagyu Association’s (AWA) 2025 Elite Wagyu Sale (EWS) showcased the best of the breed last night, with strong results particularly in elite females and embryos.

Held live at the association’s annual industry conference, WagyuEdge ’25, conducted by Ray White Livestock Dalby and simulcast by Stocklive — the sale offered 44 meticulously selected lots, including bulls, females, semen, and embryos. Each lot was backed by detailed pedigree, EBV data, the newly launched Genetic Diversity and Genomic Inbreeding scores and comprehensive health records.

The Elite Wagyu Sale is open to only animals representing the top 5% of Wagyu EBVs in each trait category (carcase, growth and maternal), and a Breed $Index in the top 1% as registered with the Australian Wagyu Association.

Sale Highlights
The highlight of the evening was a standout Circle8 Fullblood Wagyu female, Lot 1, which achieved the top price of $95,000. Competitive bidding was seen across elite females and embryo lots, underlining the demand for quality maternal genetics.

In total, 99 buyers registered for the online sale through Stocklive — 79 domestic and 20 international — with strong interest from the USA. A further 334 viewers tuned in to watch the auction online, while spirited bidding in the room reflected the strong support for top-end genetics. Online bidders contributed $280,000 to the final sale result, with the top online price being $27,500 for Lot 22, purchased via AWN Squires.

AWA CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh, said the sale delivered a solid result that reflected current market dynamics.

“Tonight, we saw a solid sale, realistic of current commercial conditions, highlighting particularly strong results for elite females. Quality in elite semen and embryo lots was recognised, and high value was placed on genetics geared towards top-end commercial and seedstock production. Top-ranking marbling and rib eye genetics were particularly sought after,” said Dr McDonagh.

L to R: AWA CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh, vendors, Circle 8 Fullblood Wagyu owners, Carmen and Jeremy Cooper, winning bidder Keith Hay with selling agents David and Amy Felsch from Ray White Livestock Dalby and Auctioneer Lincoln McKinlay.

“The sale was strong on the female section, however bulls and genetics were indicative on the current market conditions.” said David Felsch Ray White Livestock Dalby.

Top lot seller Jeremy Cooper from Circle8 Fullblood Wagyu credited attention to detail and preparation as key to a successful result.

“For us, we put a lot of time and effort into preparing animals to ensure they are displayed at their most optimum level. Our female lot was scrupulously tested, providing peace of mind for the buyer, and her strong genetics is reflective of years of careful selection and innovation.

As a fourth-generation beef producer, to be recognised at this level is an honour. Tonight, our focus on preparation and marketing really shone through — proving that you don’t need to be the biggest to be competitive,” Mr Cooper said.

EWS Auction stats

Total sold $810,425
70% clearance
Lots offered: 44
Lots sold: 31
51 onsite bidcards
Highest clearance rate: Semen 100%, Embryos 75%, Females 73%
99 buyers registered for the sale, with 79 domestic registrations and from every state and territory
20 internationals logged in with strong representation from the USA.
Attendance was also strong, with 334 logged-in viewers (separate to buyers)
75 per cent of lots received online bids.
Online injected $280k into the sale
Top online price achieved, lot 22: $27.5k purchased through AWN Squires

Important Notice and Disclaimer

It is very important that you appreciate when viewing the AWA database that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Index values, is based on data supplied by members and/or third parties.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information reported through AWA, AWA officers and employees assume no responsibility for its content, use or interpretation. AWA disclaims all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the use by you of the data on this AWA database and the information supplied by ABRI and AGBU being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.

Regarding EBVs and Index values, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

EBVs are derived using Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN technology developed independently by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), using the information contained within the AWA database.
AGBU is a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of New England, which receives funding for this purpose from Meat and Livestock Australia Limited.
AWA relies solely on advice provided by AGBU and ABRI in accepting Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN software.
EBVs published in Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype.
EBVs can only be directly compared to other EBVs calculated in the same monthly Wagyu Group BREEDPLAN analysis.

Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

Pedigree and DNA data submitted and supplied to AWA may have errors in it which cannot be detected without further DNA testing.
Technology may have advanced since a particular test was undertaken so that previous inaccuracies which were not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology.
AWA estimates that less than 1% of the pedigree entries, ownership or breeding details in the AWA Herdbook may have errors or which may be misleading. For this reason, users ought to consider if they need to obtain independent testing of the relevant animal (if possible) to ensure that the data is accurate.

Regarding prefectural content, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

Prefectural content is based on the estimation of prefectural origin from Japanese breeding records of 201 foundation sires and 168 foundation dams. As genotype-based parent verification is not used in Japan, and full Japanese registration certificates are not available for all foundation animals, exact prefectural composition for these sires and dams cannot be validated.
The calculation of prefectural content for Australian Herdbook animals relies on the accuracy of pedigree records and DNA samples provided by AWA members.
The reporting of prefectural content for animals within the AWA Herdbook relies on the calculation provided by ABRI.

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and extent of the data provided on this website or the EBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek independent expert advice.