Where Australia’s Wagyu Story Began
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From vision to legacy
In 1988, Australia’s Wagyu journey was sparked by chance. Australian cattleman Wally Rea took an unplanned turn while travelling through Japan and stepped into a Wagyu auction house.
What he saw stopped him in his tracks – the beef was unlike anything he had witnessed; the marbling and quality only matched by the extraordinary prices it commanded. That chance encounter planted the seed of a vision.
By 1991, Wally had turned vision into reality - breeding Australia’s first fullblood Wagyu bull calf, Kaneyama. Sired by Haruki II and Suzutani both carrying prized Tajima heritage, Kaneyama became a foundation of a new chapter for Wagyu outside of Japan. Soon after came Katsumi, a second bull calf from the infamous Michifuku and Rikitani - another direct link to the pure Tajima bloodlines that define the world’s most sought-after beef.
It was the beginning of a legacy that paired the discipline of Japan’s most revered bloodlines with the rugged resilience of the Australian landscape.
Today, that legacy continues. First Herd Wagyu is a partnership between Wally Rea’s pioneering legacy and Andrew Shofay’s expertise working alongside the world’s leading distributors, chefs and markets for many years. Together, heritage and innovation unite – delivering Wagyu of exceptional consistency, integrity and depth. A true expression of “quality without compromise”.
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WHERE AUSTRALIA’S wAGYU STORY BEGAN
We welcome enquiries from chefs, distributors, and hospitality partners who share our passion for exceptional Wagyu. For details on availability, distribution, or to start a conversation, please complete the form below and a member of the First Herd team will be in touch shortly.