A drive for excellence is behind the Morgans grand vision for Arubial Wagyu

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Over the past decade, the Morgan family's Arubial Wagyu program has evolved into one proudly known for its transparency and data collection.

Founded in 2015 by Laird and Sonia Morgan, despite little understanding of the Wagyu breed in the early years, the family's multi-generational dedication to the beef industry, alongside a focus on data-driven genetics, has solidified Arubial as a leader in the field.

Since those formative years, the Morgans have focused on breeding Fullblood Wagyu genetics that prioritise maternal performance and elite carcase traits.

The seedstock enterprise, which is based on the Morgan's family property, Arubial, at Condamine, is operated over four properties in South East Queensland. The stud functions alongside substantial farming and feedlot enterprises.

Mr Morgan said they currently run more than 4000 Fullblood Wagyu females, "a number that reflects a commitment to scale, genetic depth, and selection pressure".

"Arubial Wagyu's breeding objectives are centred around fertility, maternal efficiency, and carcase excellence," Mr Morgan said.

"We also prioritise the well-balanced Breeder-Feeder Index because we want to focus on producing a functional self-replacing herd that has elite carcase traits," he said.

"The program aims to develop high-performing females that can maintain consistent calving intervals, produce above-average milk, and pass on elite marbling genetics without sacrificing structure and longevity."

To assist in the objectives Arubial has been at the forefront of genomic selection, feed efficiency trials, and real-world carcass data analysis by utilising:

• GrowSafe technology for Net Feed Intake data collected through Lillyvale Feedlot, which has allowed for the identification of more efficient animals.
• Carcase data collection on more than 100 fullblood Wagyu carcases per month, using the MIJ mobile objective grading camera to provide direct insights into genetic performance.
• Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer (MOET), Ovum Pick Up (OPU), artificial insemination, and embryo transfer programs, to accelerate genetic progress by multiplying elite maternal lines. Arubial reliably makes between 300 to 400 embryo calves a year, using either MOET or OPU.
• On their Beaudesert property, Echo Hills, the Morgans run a contributor herd of 500 cows where conception rates, calving, and carcase data are recorded for the Australian Wagyu Association's Progeny Test Program.

David McNamee, McNamee Group/Lemontree Feedlot, Millmerran, Qld, owns and manages 4000 commercial Angus cows, bred using the Morgans Arubial Wagyu bulls.

"This program has yielded consistently excellent results. In 2023, we sold 400-head to Lillyvale Feedlot, and achieved an average marbling score of 7.4 at Kilcoy Global Foods, Kilcoy," Mr McNamee said.

"We also now feed them at our Lemontree feedlot, where they've reached an impressive average marbling score of 7.9," he said.

"This success is attributed to the strong Angus foundations complemented by superior Wagyu genetics from Arubial Wagyu."

Arubial Wagyu was built on measurable performance data, ensuring that purebred and crossbred programs benefit from proven genetics, fertility, and efficient feed conversion.

"Our focus on balanced breeding objectives means that Arubial genetics enhance carcase value and provide practical maternal attributes, making them highly adaptable to a variety of commercial and seedstock operations."

Arubial maintains a high fertility rate, with conception rates averaging close to 92 per cent in well-managed groups across the properties.

This high level of conception has been accomplished through strict selection pressure on fertility traits, consistent quality nutrition, regular pregnancy testing, reproductive health monitoring, early heifer joining, and structured breeding programs to maximise genetic gains.

Arubial Wagyu females and bulls have been sold to every state in Australia. Internationally, genetics from Arubial-bred animals have been exported to North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia, further solidifying the studs global footprint.

The Morgans will offer a select draft of Arubial Fullblood Wagyu heifers and bulls in 2025. These will be featured at The Marble High Wagyu Sale, where buyers will have access to some of the highest-performing genetics in the herd.

As Arubial Wagyu marks its 10-year milestone in 2025, the Morgans are proud to have built a herd name synonymous with innovation and excellence in Wagyu breeding.

Mr Morgan said Arubials key partnerships with Kilcoy Global Foods and ABS Global, had reinforced the family's confidence and commitment to the Wagyu product.

"These partnerships strengthened our brand and received industry-wide recognition. Kilcoy Global Foods' Jade product was awarded Grand Champion at the 2023 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition.

"ABS Global has also played a pivotal role in promoting Arubial Wagyu's elite sires, including Macquarie Prelude, Arubial Bond, and Arubial United.

"These are our flagship bulls that elevated the Arubial brand to a global scale.

"As with any progressive breeding program, the true success of these sires lies in their progeny, which continue to surpass their sires in performance, reinforcing the value of our carefully selected genetics."

The Morgans passion remains on delivering premium Wagyu beef in its finest forms: on the plate at a high-end restaurant or the family dinner table.

"We focus on delivering premium Wagyu genetics, embracing cutting-edge technology, and supporting clients with industry-leading insights.

"With a commitment to objective measurement, transparency, and customer success, we look forward to the milestones of the next decade."

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