Poll Wagyu Evolution Sale 2025: Proven Genetics, Backed by Carcass Data

Under chandeliers in a woolshed, the phenomenal team of Poll Wagyu turned the tides yesterday. The 2025 Poll Wagyu Evolution Sale has reaffirmed Poll Wagyu’s place as one of the most respected and data driven breeding programs in the Wagyu world.

Backed by the combined expertise of three of the most genuine families in the breed, the Hammonds of Robbins Island Wagyu (TAS), the Hamblins of Strathdale Wagyu (QLD), and the De Bruins of Mayura Station (SA), Poll Wagyu continues to deliver genetics where quantitative results match pedigree promise.

With more than 42,000 carcass records (yes, read that again.... 42,000 carcasses) underpinning their herd, Poll Wagyu is a global leader in breeding Wagyu that combines animal welfare with uncompromising carcass performance.

Poll Wagyu Evolution Sale 2025 Results

• Females: 10/10 sold | Top $100,000 | Avg $32,000

• Bulls: 23/23 sold | Top $48,000 (2 lots) | Avg $29,850

• Semen: 3/4 sold | Top $8,000 | Avg $3,333

• Clearance: 100 percent live animal clearance

• Overall average: $30,470

Female Highlight – Lot 3 PWYPPR596

The undisputed star of the sale was Lot 3 (PWYPPR596), a homozygous polled female who produced the 2024 EKKA Grand Champion Carcass with a marble score of 15.2.

Offered with a homozygous bull calf at foot (PWYP24VDA11) and back in calf to Kuro Kin Itoshigenami E2, this package epitomised Poll Wagyu’s philosophy: polled genetics with measurable carcass excellence.

She sold for $100,000 to James Parker of Parker Land & Cattle Co. (QLD), a long standing supporter of data driven Wagyu and a strong advocate for integrating carcass proven genetics into commercial programs.

Bull Highlights – Equal Top at $48,000

Two sires shared the top bull price of $48,000:

• Lot 8 – PWYP24VCF07

  • Homozygous, WGCT Free

  • Sired by Poll Wagyu R0068, out of Island Wagyu P0250

  • A standout phenotypically with proven performance across his entire pedigree.

  • Final bid: $48,000

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• Lot 30 – PWYP24VCF48

  • Homozygous, WGCT Free

  • Sired by Island Wagyu S0142, out of Island Wagyu P0280

  • Catalogued as “an exciting one,” directly out of a performing female with a pedigree packed with carcass performance.

  • Final bid: $48,000

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Both bulls underline where buyer demand lies: homozygous poll status, proven maternal lines, and hard carcass results.

Carcass Data vs EBVs: A Deliberate Position

One of the most striking aspects of this year’s catalogue was what it did not include: not a single Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) was published.

In a Wagyu industry where EBVs spark ongoing debate — admired by some as predictive tools, criticised by others as oversimplified or inconsistent with real world outcomes — Poll Wagyu’s stance was both bold and deliberate.

Instead, they chose to market genetics solely on quantitative carcass records and pedigree performance, and the result was emphatic:

• 100 percent live animal clearance

• Top female at $100,000

• Two bulls at $48,000

• An overall average of $30,470

  
  

This outcome shows that buyers responded positively to data integrity over index values, rewarding Poll Wagyu’s transparency and commitment to proven results on the rail.

Context: F1, Purebred, and Fullblood Markets

Globally, Wagyu production remains split and controversial across three tiers:

• F1s drive the largest commercial volumes but risk diluting consumer trust if marketed without transparency.

• Purebreds often sit in limbo, under valued despite offering strong commercial practicality.

• Fullbloods remain the gold standard, but rising concerns over EBV reliability, incomplete carcass data submission, and index inflation continue to stir debate.

  
  

For newcomers to the breed, polled Wagyu cannot be registered as Fullblood. The polled gene originates outside of pure Japanese Black lines, meaning Poll Wagyu genetics are classified within the Composite and Purebred registers, not the Fullblood herdbook.

Yet, the Evolution Sale made one point abundantly clear: registration status does not always equal eating quality or commercial return. Buyers demonstrated confidence that Poll Wagyu’s polled cattle, backed by extensive carcass proof, can compete with — and in many cases outperform — traditional Fullblood lines.

By offering homozygous and heterozygous polled cattle with verifiable carcass performance, for substantial benefit to a range of programs and operations, Poll Wagyu has positioned itself at the intersection of welfare improvement, genetic innovation, and commercial efficiency.

A Visit to Struggle Downs

In the lead up to the sale, 4C Consultancy attended the Inspection Day at Struggle Downs, the Hamblin family’s property and feedlot, on the 1st of August.

What was immediately evident was the world class standard of the facility and the cattle on feed. The younger sale lots had developed remarkably over just three weeks, presenting with structural integrity, feed efficiency, and exceptional feed conversion.

It was a powerful reminder that Poll Wagyu is not only producing elite genetics, but is also managing cattle in a system that rivals the best feedlots globally for performance and presentation.

Professionalism and Presentation

The success of the Evolution Sale was also underpinned by the professional management of Kennedy Livestock and the seamless online support of Stocklive, ensuring both physical and remote buyers could compete with confidence.

The venue, the renowned Ellangowan Woolshed, hosted by NRL Champion Shane Webcke and his family, added to the occasion. Their hospitality created a first class atmosphere, befitting the calibre of cattle and the weight of industry expectation surrounding this sale. Let alone the incredible lunch provided by the champions from the Royal Leyburn Hotel who delighted senses and smoked some exceptional POLLED wagyu for taste testing!

Final Word

At 4C Consultancy, I was both privileged and honoured to attend the 2025 Evolution Sale and the pre sale Inspection Day at Struggle Downs. From the professionalism of the sale management team to the depth of Poll Wagyu’s genetics, it was clear that these events were more than just a sale — they were a statement.

By presenting cattle backed by over 42,000 carcass records, Poll Wagyu has demonstrated that the industry is ready to place value on real performance and proven integrity.

With Robbins Island, Strathdale, and Mayura behind them, supported by Kennedy Livestock, Stocklive, Struggle Downs, and the Webcke family’s renowned Ellangowan Woolshed, Poll Wagyu is not just offering cattle. They are setting a new global benchmark for professionalism, transparency, and carcass driven performance.

This Wagyu Nerd delighted in the experience, catching up with old friends, making new acquaintances and overall indulging in the phenomenal world of Wagyu!

Warmest Wagyu Wishes!

Jessie Chiconi