Peter Gilmour’s prominent Irongate Wagyu operation listed for sale

A unique offering that includes everything from land to cattle to a genetics inventory and cold-storage infrastructure is expected to generate significant interest — and multimillion-dollar bids.

One of the biggest names in the Australian Wagyu industry is looking for a buyer for his family’s entire operation, with a package deal that includes 1037 hectares of land, 2700 fullblood Wagyu cattle, a genetics inventory and cold storage infrastructure.

Peter Gilmour’s Irongate Wagyu business, based near Albany in Western Australia, is being marketed as “one of the most advanced” of its kind in the country — the result of more than two decades of development.

The operation began with just 40 cows, growing into a vertically integrated Wagyu enterprise.

Mr Gilmour, a former America’s Cup sailor, said his fascination with the breed began while coaching and sailing with Japan’s national team in the late 1990s.

“It began as a passion project — but over time, it became a serious business,” he said.

“Our family has poured everything into building herd quality, genetics and the Futari Wagyu

beef brand.

“We collect a significant amount of data per head, tracking their performance from birth, maternal attributes right through to carcass and eating quality, allowing us to make data driven decisions with the pursuit of always improving the herd quality.”

With his son, Lachy, now working on the farm alongside a dedicated team, Mr Gilmour said the business was ready for new ownership.

“(It) presents a unique opportunity to hand it over to someone who can take it to the next stage,” he said.

The Gilmours launched Futari Wagyu in 2018 to supply both domestic and international markets, developing a strong following in Asia and growing retail demand in Western Australia.

BDO food and agriculture national leader Peter Toll said the sale included the herd, land, cold-storage infrastructure, and an extensive genetics inventory stored across Australia and the US.

The Gilmour family is seeking a full sale of the business and properties, either as an asset or

share deal. The operation is being offered via expressions of interest, with price guidance yet to be released by BDO.

Irongate property, WA.

“This is one of the most advanced Wagyu platforms in the country, with a clear brand identity, full supply chain control, and enormous upside through feedlot development and genetics commercialisation,” Mr Toll said.

“We expect interest from major agriculture investors both domestically and overseas.”

Mr Gilmour is a former director of the Australian Wagyu Association and served as director between 2015 and 2018. In 2019 the association acknowledged his service to the industry, as an outgoing board member.

Under his tenure the AWA adopted single-step Breedplan, the transition to DNA testing and the commercial introduction of the objective carcass cameras.

According to the association, Mr Gilmour “drove the implementation of corporate governance standards and process improvements as the company grew significantly during that period” and “provided a high level of commercial diplomacy and professional leadership”.

Christine and Peter Gilmour on their Irongate Farm at Kalgan in Western Australia in November 2021. Photo: Supplied.