Become a Member
Multiple Membership Options Available
The American Wagyu Association, Inc (AWA) is a not-for-profit organization which provides programs and services for members and customers, while promoting the Wagyu breed and supporting education, youth, and research. Membership is available to those who would utilize the American Wagyu Association Animal Registry and Marketing Services, and who are also interested in the breed and its activities as a whole. Our extensive membership listing includes:
- Ranchers
- Backgrounders
- Feedlots
- Processors, Packers, and Butchers
- Wholesalers and Marketers
- Purveyors
- Chefs, Restaurants, and Retail
- Multi-National Corporations
- And other Wagyu Enthusiasts
Membership Renewal Instructions
Renewing your membership is a simple task to be completed once a year. Prior to any new work being submitted members will need to renew their membership. This includes prior to recording, DNA testing, registering, or transferring any animals.
Benefits of Membership
Membership with the American Wagyu Association gives you access to a wide range of services offered in commitment to its vision of stimulating the production and promotion of American Wagyu genetics and beef. Benefits of membership include but are not limited to the following:
- Registration of Wagyu Animals
- Participation in Performance Programs
- Marketing and Promotion via Print, Electronic, Website, and other media
- Assistance with the Procedures and Processes as outlined in the Bylaws and Members Handbook
- Access to Educational Information including Technical Papers, Presentations, etc.
- Permission to use, subject to applicable restrictions, trademarked logo and marketing material
- General Inquiries
Membership categories and fees can be found below.
Full membership with the American Wagyu Association gives you access to the range of services that the Association offers in commitment to its vision of stimulating the production and promotion of American Wagyu Beef. An applicant for full membership shall be a person or corporation involved in the breeding and/or production of Wagyu or Wagyu cross cattle or is involved in the food service industry. As a full member you are entitled to record and register Wagyu cattle. Full members are also eligible to be elected as a member of the Board and, have voting rights.
Full members shall be entitled to all services including:
- Record Wagyu and Wagyu cross cattle in the available registers maintained by the Association and have their data linked to the online database
- Full Voting Rights
- Discounted DNA testing services through American Wagyu Association endorsed laboratories
- Receiving Publications and Official Notices
- Receiving Communication via email
- Discounted Member Rates
- Advertising on the Website of the American Wagyu Association
- Permission to use, subject to applicable restrictions, American Wagyu Association Trademarked Logo and Marketing Material
An applicant for Associate membership shall be a person or corporation interested in the Wagyu breed or involved in associated industries like wholesale / retail meat distribution and/or hospitality. Associate membership is not available to persons involved in the breeding and registering of Wagyu or Wagyu cross cattle. In accordance to our Bylaws, Associate members shall not be eligible to be elected as a member of the Board or have voting rights.
Associate members shall be entitled to selected services including:
- Receive American Wagyu Association Publications and Official Notices
- Receive American Wagyu Association Communication via email
- Discounted member rates to events hosted by the Association
- Advertising on the American Wagyu Association website
- Permission to use, subject to applicable restrictions, American Wagyu Association Trademarked Logo and Marketing Material
Junior membership with the American Wagyu Association gives you access to the range of services that the Association offers in commitment to its vision of stimulating the production and promotion of American Wagyu Beef. An applicant for Junior membership shall be a person (under the age of 21) who maybe involved in the raising or showing Wagyu or Wagyu cross cattle. As a junior member you are entitled to record and register Wagyu cattle. Once you have reached the age of 21 you are required to register as a Full Member.
Junior Members shall be entitled to selected services including:
- Recording Wagyu and Wagyu cross cattle in the available registers maintained by the Association and have their data linked to the online database
- Opportunities to participate and compete in programs specifically designed for our Junior Membership
- Receiving American Wagyu Association communication via email
- Discounted DNA testing services through American Wagyu Association endorsed laboratories
- Receiving American Wagyu Association publications and official notices
- Receiving American Wagyu Association communication via email
- Receiving discounted member rates to events hosted by the Association
- Advertising on the American Wagyu Association website
- Permission to use, subject to applicable restrictions, American Wagyu Association Trademarked Logo and Marketing Material
Like the Full Membership, the International membership with the American Wagyu Association
gives you access to the range of services that the Association offers in
commitment to its vision of stimulating the production and promotion of
American Wagyu genetics and beef. An applicant for international membership
shall be a person or corporation involved in the breeding and/or
production of Wagyu or Wagyu cross cattle or is involved in the food
service industry. As a full member you are entitled to record and
register Wagyu cattle.
International members shall be entitled to all services including:
- Record Wagyu and Wagyu cross cattle in the available registers maintained by the Association and have their data linked to the online database
- Full voting rights
- Discounted DNA testing services through American Wagyu Association endorsed laboratories
- Receiving American Wagyu Association publications and official notices
- Receiving American Wagyu Association communication via email
- Receiving discounted member rates to events hosted by the Association
- Advertising on the American Wagyu Association website
- Permission to use, subject to applicable restrictions, American Wagyu Association Trademarked Logo and Marketing Material
Domestic Members:
Full Membership* (Jan - Dec): $200
Prorated Membership (after July 1st): $108
Associate Membership (Jan - Dec): $75
Junior Membership - under 21 years (Jan - Dec) $75 (Free for 2023)
* New Members joining after Dec 1 will include coverage in the next calendar year. Associate Membership is limited to the services available. Refer to the Membership Application form for further information or contact the friendly staff at the American Wagyu Association office.
International Members:
International Membership: USD $250 (US Funds check / Credit Card)
Late Membership Fee (after March 1): USD $275
Prorated New Membership (after July 1): USD $198
How to Become a Member
Please fill out the Membership Application form (PART A, B, C & D) and return it with your payment to the American Wagyu Association. Once you have received official confirmation of your Membership and issued with a four (4) digit Membership #, your information can be accessed via the online database inquiry.
Please check periodically that your contact information is current and this can be done by going to Member Lookup on the website of the American Wagyu Association.
If you have any questions about membership or how to complete the application form, please do not hesitate to contact the office at 208-262-8100.
Download Membership Application
There has never been a better time to be a member of the American Wagyu Association. Active, Junior, and Associate memberships available.