THIS April marks a rare opportunity for Wagyu breeders and enthusiasts alike—the complete dispersal of the renowned Gateway Wagyu herd and properties, including 1350 Registered Fullblood and Poll Wagyu cattle.

For more than a decade, the Erasmus family based near Gloucester in the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, has been committed to breeding elite Wagyu cattle, crafting a genetic legacy that has left a lasting imprint on the industry.

Gateway Wagyu has never been just a business; it has been a family passion. Carl Erasmus, alongside his wife, children, and extended family, has poured heart and soul into every aspect of the operation. From selecting elite genetics to hands-on cattle handling, each family member has played a vital role in shaping the herd into one of Australia’s finest.

The Foundation of Gateway Wagyu

Gateway Wagyu is built on two prime properties. The first, a 1300ha (3000ac) farm between Gloucester and Krambach, provides ideal conditions for breeding, with improved pastures of Rhodes, Kikuyu, and clover. Here, calves are weaned at approximately seven months, undergoing a specialized 10-day breaking-in program that ensures they are well-adapted to handling and feeding routines. Bulls, once fully conditioned, achieve daily weight gains of up to 2kg, while heifers gain between 1-1.2kg per day—testament to the superior feeding and management practices at Gateway.

The second property, spanning 2,700 acres, has undergone significant development, including 18km of new fencing and extensive roadworks. Boasting over 6.5km of river frontage and high annual rainfall, this property holds immense potential for future breeders, comfortably supporting 500 breeders with room for expansion.

A Family’s Passion for Wagyu

With a background in game farming in South Africa, the Erasmus family understood the value of superior genetics in achieving financial and breeding success. Wagyu was a natural choice, not only for its premium market value but also for the challenge of refining its genetic potential.

“When we started in 2015, we recognized that many breeders were working in isolation, using only their own genetics,” Carl explains. “We saw an opportunity to acquire and blend the very best genetics from leading Wagyu breeders. We didn’t just want to breed Wagyu; we wanted to develop a herd that stood out at the top level.”

Through strategic matings and meticulous selection, Gateway Wagyu incorporated elite bloodlines, including genetics from Peter Lee’s renowned herd and Sumo Wagyu, while maintaining a strong working relationship with industry leaders. Carl spent countless hours analyzing breed data, running mating predictions, and refining breeding strategies to achieve exceptional results. His family was equally involved—his wife managed the records and administration, while their children actively participated in mustering, feeding, and handling the cattle, ensuring that every animal received the best care possible.

Pioneering the Future with Polled Wagyu

One of Gateway Wagyu’s most ambitious projects was its investment in Polled Wagyu genetics—an area the Erasmus family identified as an emerging force in the industry as early as 2014. When the first Polled Wagyu semen became available in Australia in 2016, Gateway Wagyu was among the first to incorporate it.

“We believe the future of Polled Wagyu is incredibly bright. The global supply is still limited, which creates a tremendous opportunity for breeders to develop elite seedstock,” Carl explains. By selectively breeding Polled Wagyu with high-performing fullblood genetics, Gateway has contributed to advancing the quality of commercial Polled Wagyu worldwide. The entire family rallied behind this vision, with each member playing a role in ensuring the success of the breeding program.

The Road Ahead for Wagyu Breeding

Carl sees a promising future for the Wagyu industry, noting the increasing caliber of breeders entering the space. However, he emphasizes that success in Wagyu requires dedication, financial backing, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

“You can’t cut corners in Wagyu breeding. To prove sires, to refine genetics, to truly produce elite cattle—it takes time, investment, and passion,” Carl states. “The sires and dams that dominate today’s industry didn’t get there by chance; they represent years of careful selection and strategic breeding.”

A New Chapter for the Erasmus Family

The dispersal of Gateway Wagyu marks the end of an era for the Erasmus family. While the decision to step away from breeding has been difficult, the entire family is looking forward to spending more time together and embracing new adventures.

“This has been a true family endeavor, and we’ve all poured everything into it,” Carl reflects. “We have worked side by side, each of us playing a role in making Gateway Wagyu what it is today. But now, it’s time to reconnect with family and friends, to travel, to enjoy the life we’ve built.”

The Erasmus family is excited about the future and grateful for the relationships built within the Wagyu community. While their Wagyu journey is coming to an end, their legacy will live on through the genetics they’ve so carefully cultivated.

As the Wagyu community prepares for this landmark sale, one thing is certain—whoever takes on the Gateway genetics will inherit not just exceptional bloodlines, but a family legacy of breeding excellence that will shape the future of the industry for years to come.

Register here – Sign up now to receive notification of when registrations open

The sale is divided into four segments:

• The first three, described below, commence 4 April 2025
• Sale closes 14 April 2025 – Midnight Qld time

243 Registered Elite Fullblood Wagyu (click here for details)

757 Registered Premium Fullblood Wagyu (click here for details)

174 Poll Wagyu (click here for details)

Auction 30 April – TRLX and online via Stocklive

91 Registered Fullblood Wagyu bulls – the final Gateway Prestige Bull Sale (click here for details)

For inquiries about the cattle, contact George Lubbe, Premium Bovine Solutions at 0408 502 787.