Mawarra taking Australian Hereford genetics to the world

There is no denying the Sykes family’s Mawarra brand has had a significant impact on both the Australian and global Hereford industry with genetics infused into many herds world-wide.

Their dedication to the beef industry spans four generations and more than 60 years.

The family is committed to producing seedstock that offer a range of industry leading genetic options and performance driven traits to ensure clients can genuinely improve and diversify their own breeding programs and profitability.

In 2023, Mawarra notched up its 50th anniversary bull sale, celebrating the milestone surrounded by family, friends and clients on March 20.

The stud was founded by Robert and Helen Sykes using early influential sires including Clear Springs Caesar, Ardno Ablution, Ardno Clunes, Standard Britisher 39D, Franz Joseph Lieutenant 2 and Charvel Lawful, with their inaugural bull sale taking place on May 29, 1974, in Bairnsdale, Vic.

Trading as Mawarra Genetics, the business is now in the hands of the second generation, Peter and his wife Deanne, with support from their children, Brandon and wife Brittany, Logan, and Taylah and her husband Hayden Brunt.

Peter and Deanne share a love of agriculture, strong personal drive, keen eye for detail and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to their chosen industry.

Deanne’s business management and marketing skills have helped take the business to another level.

“We strive to present bulls and females that offer a range of genetic options and performance traits, enabling our clients to purchase from the same farm gate while continuing to improve and diversify their own breeding programs,” she said.

“We are encouraged by the passion and enthusiasm our children have for Mawarra and the beef industry. Together we are committed to consistently breeding modern, efficient, profitable cattle to meet the needs of our clients and the greater beef industry.”

In marking the golden milestone, matriarch Helen Sykes recalled her father L.C. (Dick) Rogers, helping run the family herd in the bush around Black Mountain Station, in the far East Gippsland, in the early 1900s.

“Herefords, the prevalent breed of the era, were ideal for these conditions, and my father’s preference for them would continue throughout his life,” she said.

Growing up at Wulgulmerang, Helen was surrounded by Herefords and sheep until the family moved to Swan Reach to concentrate on founding their stud, Norwood Herefords.

“There was no showing or special feeding – just naturally raised cattle offered by a recognised cattleman,” Helen said.

Norwood went on to become the foundation genetics for Mawarra when Helen was given the opportunity to select and buy seven of the most successful cows.

With the purchase of stud sire Silverton Cyclone in 1963, Helen and husband Robert Sykes founded Mawarra Herefords.

“Looking back nearly 60 years, Rob and I could never have predicted where this decision would take us. Never did we dream of being dependent on the stud for our living, or of the highs and lows that went with it,” she said.

“We never thought of shows and sales, of championships or record prices, or of Mawarra genetics being used in international breeding programs. But I had married a cattleman, and we had a son of the same ilk, and these things, in time, became part of our family life and Mawarra.

“I remember the anticipation of waiting to see the first calves of a new sire, and those cold snowy nights when occasionally the newborns needed help to get to their feet for that first drink. Sometimes it was our lounge room fire that warmed them up.”

Mawarra’s first sale in 1974 was recalled by David Phelan, Phelan Herefords, when 4 female lots sold from $500-$1800, 16 bulls from $500-$2050 and commercial PTIC heifers to a top of $280.

Working for Elders Bairnsdale at the time, David bought two PTIC females, both out of foundation cow Norwood Bisetta 15 and went on to miss just one sale in 50 years.

“Each year I would see the same top cattle breeders such as John Rogers, Jim Treasure, Viv Scott, Lachie Hodge, CJ Prendergast, John White, the Henderson, Woodgate and Newcomen families, Alex McArthur, Neville Beasley, Kent Park, Jambro Pastoral, Keith Davies and Alex Patterson. A lot of these families are still buying bulls at Mawarra today,” David said.

Industry legend Dick Green worked for Norwood/Mawarra and was on the halter in 1979 when Mawarra won their first broad ribbon at a Royal Show with Mawarra Overseer in Adelaide.

Commercial producer Leon Wheeler, Wallacedale, has purchased 19 bulls from Mawarra since 2013.

“The Sykes family has built a trusted brand that breeds bulls for all markets. I prefer larger-framed cattle which you need, if like me, you want to achieve those early-maturing weights in order to sell calves under two years of age,” Mr Wheeler said.

Now approaching 90, Helen paid tribute to son Peter, his wife Deanne, and their family for bringing the stud to the point where it is today.

Helen’s granddaughter, Taylah, has founded her own Hereford stud called Norwood in honour of her great grandparents.

Her other grandchildren Brandon and wife Brittany operate Mawarra B stud, and Logan operates under the Mawarra prefix.

Mawarra Genetics topped the 2022 Herefords Australia National Sale Wodonga with Mawarra Ultra Star R182 by US sire NJW 79Z Z311 Endure 173D at a record breaking $130,000 to Devon Court Herefords. The Sykes family were the most successful exhibitor, won grand champion bull with R182 and averaged $38,700 for their 10 bulls.

In 2022, Mawarra Genetics sold 81 whiteface bulls on-property and at Wodonga to average $15,604 and 32 heifers to a top of $9000 and average of $6250. At the 2022 Mawarra Genetics Ladies Day, 134 females sold to $30,000 and averaged $7224.

Semen has been exported to New Zealand, Uruguay, the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.

Mawarra Emperor L336 sired Australia’s 2020 $100,000 top-selling Hereford bull, Talbalba Emperor P043, and the $103,000 top-selling bull, Mawarra If Only Q264, at the 2021 Wodonga National. L336 was accepted into the Herefords Australia Young Sire program, the BIN progeny test – 7th cohort, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries Southern Multi-breed project.

Another modern influential sire is Mawarra Terminator Q274, bought by Morganvale and Oak Downs in 2021 for $53,000, and the New Zealand semen rights purchased by Stoneburn Herefords. Semen has sold to 20 studs nationwide and his sons led the 2023 sale draft.

The Mawarra Genetics blood cattle are backed by strong maternal lines.

Mawarra Miss Titania 054 is one of the most successful cows in the breed with her progeny including retained sires Showtime and Private Eye, Terminator ($53,000) and Rhinestone ($40,000). A daughter Miss Titania 188 sold for $30,000 in 2022 to Newcomen Herefords.

Speaking on behalf of the third generation of the family at Mawarra, Brandon Sykes said they were honoured to be part of something that has influenced industry, both at home and overseas.

“We are constantly reminded of the positive impact our family’s efforts have had and continue to have on others –whether it is clients producing lines of Mawarra blood calves or seeing the Mawarra name in the pedigrees of bull sale catalogues from Australia, the UK, Europe and beyond, we couldn’t be prouder,” he said.

1. Royal Adelaide Show 1979 with Anita, Helen and Robert Sykes and on the halter of Mawarra Overseer is Dick Green. Images: Sykes family

2. A teenage Helen with Norwood calves at the family property at Swan Reach.

3. Robert Sykes with Widgiewa Falleen 61 purchased at the Widgiewa dispersal in the 1980s.