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ToolBox Podcasts Joe-Head-Shepherd
47 min

Turning Grass Into Money - This Time With Cattle, With Joe Kerin

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By Head Shepherd
Turning Grass Into Money - This Time With Cattle, With Joe Kerin
Blogs neXtgenminiseries Stocking-rate-no-text
Kerin Poll Merino
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Stocking Rate - With Mark Ferguson neXtgen Agri
Hear Nigel and Mark Ferguson from neXtgen Agri on how Merinos are changing the game. Today’s ewes can be run at higher stocking rates and bounce back in condition faster than ever, lifting lamb survival to over 86 percent.
Nigel explains that decades of measuring and culling have paid off, turning invisible traits into visible progress. From predicting weaning percentages at scanning to stacking the one percenters, he says the last five years have taught him more about breeding sheep than the previous forty.
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Stocking Rate - With Mark Ferguson neXtgen Agri
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Kerin Wagyu
Kerin Poll Merino
Toolbox
Technology - Gimmick or Game Changer?
No matter what industry you are in, science and technology have created the shortest road to success. Nothing could be truer than that of the livestock industry, which has a host of new technology that helps us to make decisions on time, ahead of time, all the time.
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Technology - Gimmick or Game Changer?
Previous Webinar

15 Jul

The Breeder's Toolbox: Successful Early Weaning Webinar
Latest Blog:
Industry Start - With Mark Ferguson from neXtgen Agri
Hear Nigel and Mark Ferguson from neXtgen Agri share their views on what drives profit in sheep businesses.
Mark explains that fertility and fast growth are the fundamentals. Without lambs on the ground there is no cash flow, and if they are not growing quickly the whole system becomes costly through extra feed and labour.
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The Breeder's Toolbox
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Welcome to Kerin Wagyu

About Kerin Wagyu

We've been working on building the foundation of our Wagyu stud since early 2023, with research and development beginning well before that. We see both opportunity and potential for us to build an animal that ticks all the boxes needed to be successful in the modern agriculture business environment.

Find out more about the Kerin Wagyu

video-thumbnails wagyu-about-us-thumbnailtoolbox
Our Commitment

Our Wagyu cattle represent more than just livestock; they're the result of our commitment to excellence that puts quality and performance first. Our metric for success in our breeding program is through the measurable benefits seen in the growth and profitability of our clients' businesses.

Wagyu 2025-photos xWagyu-Bulls-5101
quote

Never start a business to make money.
Start a business to make a difference.

Marie Forleo
Wagyu 2025-photos x2025-wagyu-heifers-4251-v30v10v28
Wagyu 2025-photos xWagyu-Calves-4181
With the help of experienced Wagyu consultants, we are ensuring our Wagyu will:
icons Brand-icons-v04 Icon-Carcass-Weight-4
Achieve superior growth rates and optimal carcase weights
Our Wagyu cattle are bred to achieve superior growth rates and optimal carcase weights, ensuring they grow efficiently without excessive mature cow weights. This approach not only meets the quality standards expected in the market but also enhances the overall sustainability and effectiveness of our breeding program.
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Have strong
maternal traits
Strong maternal traits, such as milk production, are needed to support a high-performing calf and ensure the fertility required to reliably produce a calf each year.
icons Brand-icons-v04 Icon-Marbling-score-4
Have superior carcase quality driven
through the marble score
Have superior carcase quality driven through their marble score and EMA WBVs. This is what makes Wagyu a Wagyu and something that we see as critical and to be ever improving.
icons Brand-icons-v04 Icon-Data-Collection-Point-4
Have every available
data point collected
and submitted to Breedplan
Being able to offer a genetic package that will reliably deliver what we promise is the Kerin Agriculture difference. The best way to do this is through the collection of data throughout the life of our herd from birth to carcase data. This provides the reassurance we need to deliver results to our clients.
Understanding the Data Values
Wagyu 2025-photos Wagyu-Calves-1-4981

Gestation Length (GL)

(Days) Estimate of genetic difference in length of time from conception to calving and is based on AI records. Lower (negative) GL WBVs indicate shorter gestation lengths which generally relate to lighter birth weights and easier calving.
Wagyu 2025-photos Wagyu-Calves-4184

Birth Weight (BW)

(kg) Is based on the measured birth weight of animals, adjusted for dam age. The lower the value the lighter the calf at birth and the lower the likelihood of a difficult birth. This is particularly important when selecting sires for use over heifers.
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200-Day Weight (200D)

(kg) is calculated from the weight of animals taken between 80 and 300 days of age. Values are adjusted to 200 days and for dam age. This WBV is the best single estimate of an animal's genetic merit for growth to early ages.
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400-Day Weight (400D)

(kg) Calculated from the weight of animals taken between 301 and 500 days of age, adjusted to 400 days and for dam age. It is the best single estimate of an animal's genetic merit for yearling weight.
Wagyu 2025-photos Wagyu-Bulls-5100

600-Day Weight (600D)

(kg) Calculated from the weight of animals taken between 501 and 900 days of age, adjusted to 600 days and for dam age. It is the best single estimate of an animal's genetic merit for growth beyond yearling age.
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Net Feed Intake (NFI)

Estimate of genetic difference in feed intake versus weight gain.
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Mature Cow Weight (MCW)

(kg) Based on the cow weight when the calf is weighed for weaning, adjusted to 5 years of age. This WBV is an estimate of the genetic difference in cow weight at 5 years of age and is an indicator of growth at later ages and potential feed maintenance requirements of the females in the breeding herd. Steer breeders wishing to grow animals out to a larger weight may also use the Mature Cow Weight WBV.
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200 Day Growth Maternal (200DM)

Estimate of genetic difference in weight of animal at 200 days due to the maternal contribution of its dam, including milk production, temperament, behaviour and maternal instincts.
Wagyu 2025-photos Wagyu-Bulls-4801

Scrotal Circumference (SC)

(cm) Estimate of genetic difference in scrotal circumference measurement taken between 300 to 700 days, adjusted to 400 days of age. SC is an indicator of male fertility in regard to semen quality and quantity in Western breeds of cattle. Higher (positive) WBVs indicate higher fertility. There is also a small negative correlation (desirable) with age of puberty and fertility in female progeny. The relationship between SC and fertility in Wagyu is assumed, but not proven.
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Carcase Weight (CW)

(kg) Based on abattoir carcase records and live weight measurements (particularly 600 Day weight) and is an indicator of the genetic differences in carcase weight at the industry average slaughter age of 990 days. Larger positive values are more favourable.
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Eye Muscle Area (EMA)

(cm²) Estimates genetic differences in eye muscle area at the 12th/13th rib site of a 420kg dressed carcase. A higher positive WBV indicates larger eye muscle area and therefore higher retail beef yields. Ultrasound, Aus-Meatand Japanese Digital Image Camera measured Eye Muscle Areas from slaughter animals contribute to this WBV.
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Rump Fat (RUMP)

(mm) Estimates the genetic differences in fat depth at the P8 site of a 420kg dressed carcase. A higher positive WBV indicates more subcutaneous fat and earlier maturity.
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Marble Score (MS)

(Aus-Meat Marble Score) Is an estimate of the genetic difference in the Aus-Meat Marble Score in a 420kg carcase. Marble Score WBV utilises Aus-Meat Marble score on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is equivalent to an Aus-Meat Marble Score grading of 9+. Where results from the Meat Image Japan digital carcase camera are available, Camera Marbling Percentage and Marble Fineness are also used to calculate Marble Score WBV as the genetic correlations between these measures and Aus-Meat Marble Score are very high. Larger positive values are more favourable.
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Marble Fineness (MF)

Estimates the genetic differences in the Marbling Fineness Index (degree of fineness of marbling fat) as measured by the Japanese Digital Image Camera. A higher more positive WBV indicates higher levels of marbling fineness.
Wagyu 2025-photos Wagyu-Calves-4207

Breeder-Feeder Index (BFI)

BFI is designed to select animals that balance growth, maternal traits, and carcase quality. It promotes high post-weaning growth and Carcase Weight while moderating Birth Weight extremes. The BFI places positive emphasis on Milk and Scrotal Size, slightly discourages high Mature Cow Weight, and strongly emphasizes both Carcase Weight and Marble Score. This index is suitable for breeders aiming to produce animals with superior growth rates, moderate birth weights, good maternal traits, and high marbling potential.
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Fullblood Terminal Index (FTI)

($) FTI has increased weighting on the Marble Score WBV and can be used to select bulls for the production of profitable slaughter animals where no progeny are retained for breeding. The FTI is suited to commercial producers of Fullblood cattle who provide supplementary feeding to grass-based production system before feedlot entry. The FTI targets to produce steer and heifer progeny of average feedlot entry weight and Marble Score significantly higher than 8.
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F1 Terminal Index (F1TI)

($) F1TI has predominant weighting on the Marble Score WBV and can be used to select bulls for the production of profitable slaughter animals from cross-breeding where no progeny are retained for breeding. The F1 Index is suited to commercial producers of crossbred slaughter cattle using Fullblood bulls and non-Wagyu females. The F1 Index targets average carcase weight for steer progeny of 420kg and 387kg for heifers with above average F1 Marble Score (higher than 6) based on high marbling genetic merit of the sire.
2025 Wagyu Bulls
Select
arrow
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages

2025 Average Data Set
Wagyu Bulls

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
26
42
22
35
25
36
18
28
11
16
mcw
  cwt
  600
  400
  200
 
480
400
320
240
160
80
0
247
451
167
314
190
355
bfi
  f1ti
  fti
 
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
-0.2
-0.6
3.3
6
0
1
1.3
1.7
-0.2
-1.6
ss ema milk bwt gl
-3
-2.5
-2
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.24
0.43
1.3
2.5
0.4
0.8
-0.2
-1.4
mf ms rby rump
2024 Wagyu Bulls
Select
arrow
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages

2024 Average Data Set
Wagyu Bulls

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
25
44
20
38
24
44
18
33
11
20
mcw
  cwt
  600
  400
  200
 
360
300
240
180
120
60
0
181
317
135
203
148
228
bfi
  f1ti
  fti
 
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
-0.2
-0.2
2.8
4.2
0
0.3
1.3
2.4
-0.2
-1.2
ss ema milk bwt gl
-3
-2.5
-2
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.21
0.3
1.2
1.9
0.2
0.6
-0.1
-1
mf ms rby rump
2025 Wagyu Heifers
Select
arrow
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages

2025 Average Data Set
Wagyu Heifers

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
26
47
22
40
25
41
18
31
11
19
mcw
  cwt
  600
  400
  200
 
480
400
320
240
160
80
0
247
423
167
289
190
337
bfi
  f1ti
  fti
 
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
-0.2
-0.5
3.3
4.8
0
-0.2
1.3
2.3
-0.2
-1.2
ss ema milk bwt gl
-3
-2.5
-2
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.24
0.41
1.3
2.3
0.4
0.7
-0.2
-1.6
mf ms rby rump
2024 Wagyu Heifers
Select
arrow
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages
Industry Averages
Kerin Wagyu Averages

2024 Average Data Set
Wagyu Heifers

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
25
50
20
44
24
49
18
37
11
22
mcw
  cwt
  600
  400
  200
 
360
300
240
180
120
60
0
181
339
135
211
148
239
bfi
  f1ti
  fti
 
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
-0.2
-0.2
2.8
3.4
0
-1
1.3
2.9
-0.2
-1.3
ss ema milk bwt gl
-3
-2.5
-2
-1.5
-1
-0.5
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
0.21
0.34
1.2
2
0.2
0.4
-0.1
-1.4
mf ms rby rump
Wagyu CattleQuote-flipped
quote
It is not the strongest nor the most intelligent of species that survives, but the one that is most adaptable to change
Charles Darwin

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ToolBox Podcasts Joe-Head-Shepherd

Turning Grass Into Money - This Time With Cattle, With Joe Kerin

What does a cow actually cost to run?

At Kerin Ag, every kilogram of utilisable feed has a value attached to it. That allows Joe Kerin and the team to measure whether an animal is genuinely paying its way.

In this episode, Joe joins Mark to discuss how putting a dollar value on each kilogram of grass they grow led them to choose Wagyu over Angus. As any Kerin would, Joe has done the numbers and compared Wagyu cows with larger recipient cows, based on the weaning weight of their calves relative to the kg of dry matter consumed by the cows. And, as predicted, the moderate-sized cow is far more efficient than the larger Angus X recipients.

Joe also discusses the role of genomics in Wagyu breeding. As they are a breed with a very narrow gene pool and are bred for carcass-related attributes, genomics is incredibly important, and Joe utilises it to its fullest.

Tune in to learn how to turn grass into money- this time with cattle.
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