When we first began our operation, Japan was pretty much the only market for Australian Wagyu. The live cattle trade with Japan was almost 100% Wagyu and Wagyu infused animals. Huge markets existed for F1, F2 up to full blood live trade at prices considerably higher than offered in domestic markets. Cattle were shipped to Japan where they underwent long term lot feeding for up to a year or more before slaughter. There were several agencies throughout Australia offering contracts for supply of cattle for shipment overseas.
Since then, however, markets have opened up all over the world for good Wagyu genetics and even here in Australia, the domestic market has begun to flourish as restaurants and Foodies discover the vastly superior qualities of Wagyu steak. By 2005, the Australian feedlot industry was feeding more Wagyu cattle in Australia than were exported live to Japan.
Australian Wagyu boxed beef was exported to Japan, Korea, USA, EU and other countries after having been grain fed for up to 400 days in Australian feedlots. Suddenly, Australia was the biggest producer of Wagyu beef in the world outside of Japan. The domestic market for Australian Wagyu beef was also increasing dramatically as the demand for Wagyu steak increased exponentially throughout all levels of restaurant trade.
Live cattle trade with Japan is now almost 100% Wagyu and Wagyu infused animals. Huge markets exist for F1, F2 up to full blood live trade at prices considerably higher than offered in domestic markets. Cattle are shipped to Japan where they undergo long term lot feeding for up to a year or more before slaughter. There are several agencies throughout Australia offering contracts for supply of cattle for shipment overseas. Criteria for acceptance are usually specific weight range and age, health and configuration of cattle, but nothing unusual or onerous. (eg weight range of between 280 -320 kg, no white markings, etc). This trade has dropped off dramatically in 2008, but it is expected that once grain prices improve, the trade will return to previous levels.
The Australian feedlot industry now feeds more Wagyu cattle in Australia than are exported live to Japan. Australian Wagyu beef is exported to Japan, Korea, USA, EU and other countries. Australia is the biggest producer of Wagyu beef in the world outside of Japan. This market has also dropped off in 2008, but a stated above, it is expected that once grain prices improve, the trade will return to previous levels.
Despite these difficulties and challenges on the domestic scene, demand for the export of Wagyu embryos, semen and even live animals has taken “Lake Wagyu” into new territory. Thus “World Wide Wagyu” is now the thriving export division of our company. As mentioned, we have exported to the European market, the USA and several South American countries.