The Sykes family, Mawarra Genetics, have been producing Hereford seedstock for the Australian beef industry for over 50 years. Their reputation for producing seedstock that improve maternal traits, carcase attributes, weight-for-age, and their client’s bottom line, is based on the consistency with which their cattle perform for commercial and stud herds across Australia, and internationally. The results of their clients speak for themselves; sale-topping, market-driven, industry-recognised performance. Recently expanding to include a registered Angus herd, the first Angus sires were sold at the stud’s 2020 Annual Sale. Peter’s parents, Robert & Helen, established the stud in 1963, and now the third generation of the family is employed in the business. Peter & Deanne’s son, Logan, works full-time while their other two children, Brandon and Taylah, both remain engaged in support roles while they follow their own careers.

Mawarra offers, on average, 100 bulls per annum between their annual on-property sale held in March, the annual Herefords Australia National Show & Sale (Wodonga) in May, and private sales throughout the year. A selection of registered females are offered annually and every three years a feature female sale is held. The livestock operation is run over two properties, 487ha at Longford, and 470ha at Traralgon East in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The properties are a mix of dryland, including river flat, and 88ha under centre pivot irrigation with plans for expansion.

Peter and Deanne manage all aspects of the business between them with Peter’s focus being the breeding, pasture, and irrigation management while Deanne oversees administration, finance and marketing.

• Livestock breeding, genetics and sales
• Seedstock production
• Marketing livestock
• Pasture and farm management