OWNERS of Shamrock Vale Station, a 4000 acre cattle operation in south east Queensland’s Kerry Valley, have bought Australia’s original specialist Tajima complete herd and all the genetic stocks from Goshu Wagyu founder Barbara Benjamin.
Widely respected as a pioneer of Wagyu breeding excellence, Ms Benjamin, of Haddon, Victoria, has spent 20 years assisting commercial producers to buy her bulls, which in 2016, “sired the world’s best steak”.
Shamrock Vale Station owner Robert McVicker, founder of the international catering firm Morris Corporation, said Goshu Wagyu had created a herd with a distinct, highly valuable and pure breeding pattern unequaled within Australia and globally.
“Barbara has dedicated more than two decades to adapting Wagyu genetics to their environment and building a herd that would be impossible to replicate today,” he said.
“Timing is everything in agriculture and we believe this is the perfect time to evolve this highly successful stud, with Barbara’s continued assistance, to the next stage.
“This purchase was not a cheap exercise but we are convinced that it is worth every cent. Our vision is to continue to heavily invest to ensure we are international market leaders in our breed.
“The outstanding collection of independent carcass data from Goshu clients’ FI progeny is irrefutable proof that Barbara’s selection is second to none in producing the best Wagyu breeding stock in the country.
“The data is so good many of the world’s biggest meat processors tell producers to head straight for Goshu Wagyu genetics.”
With orders already out for 2019 bulls, Ms Benjamin said Goshu has not only enjoyed the endorsement of major processors but a highly successful association with many long term clients.
“When Goshu Wagyu commenced breeding in the early 1990s the timing was also ideal. I had good advice from Japan and foundation cows from a specific gene pool designed for a specific purpose,” she said.
Mr McVicker said Shamrock Vale Station will now produce Australia’s only source of line bred Tajima Wagyu bulls, domestic and export accredited semen and embyros and make improvements to its existing commercial Wagyu herd.
“This outright purchase allows Shamrock Vale Station to develop the stud further while developing increasing genetic gains,” he said.
The Goshu Wagyu females are direct descendants of the most famous meat quality bull in Japan, Tajiri, born to Fukue-Go in 1939.