Three generations of the Sykes family at Wodonga National 2007.  Robert (standing), Peter, Logan (10yrs) & Brandon (12yrs)

Robert & Helen founded Mawarra Herefords in 1964 with females & a sire from the "Norwood " stud of Helen's father, well known cattleman L.C. (Dick) Rogers. their first production sale was held in 1974. Robert has always been active in Hereford organisations. He initiated the formation of the Gippsland Hereford Group, becoming its first President, and was for many years a member of the Southern Committee of the Hereford Society, serving a term as Chairman. He sat on the Board of Directors of the Australian Hereford Society for eleven years. Robert has judged at many shows throughout the country. Helen has also been an active member of the Gippsland Hereford Group & the Southern Committee. Robert & Helen were both awarded Honorary Life Memberships of the Gippsland Hereford Group recently in recognition of their contribution to the Group and wider Hereford industry. Helen worked along side Robert on the farm & attended to the administration & advertising aspects of the business. Robert & Helen were keen supporters of both Royal & Local Shows & travelled extensively throughout Australia, Canada & Europe visiting fellow Breeders.  They are semi retired now & have reignited  their interest in travelling as well as being a continued support to Peter & Deanne & their other children. They attended the last World Hereford Conference and associated tours, they visited Sweden, Finland, Denmark and also took a short trip to St Petersburg. More recently the travelled to New Zealand and took time out from relaxing (& paragliding!) with family to visit herds there too!

Peter & Deanne are now at the helm of Mawarra Herefords. Peter has always shown a keen interest in stud Herefords, & has, on two occasions, travelled to the USA & Canada, gaining further experience working with registered herds there. Peter is past President of the Gippsland Hereford Group, a member of the Wodonga Show & Sale Committee, & has attended the 'Young Guns' conference in Brisbane organised by the Australian Hereford Society. Peter has judged in Victoria, NSW & WA including a Royal Show Judging assignment at Melbourne, where he presided over the Herefords & was one of the panel of Interbreed Judges.  Peter married Deanne in 1993. Deanne now takes care of the office administration & promotional aspects of the business including full catalogue and website production, utilizing Peter's photography skills. She served a five year term as Secretary of the Gippsland Hereford Group & is currently the President of the Longford Primary School Council. The couple have three children, Brandon (15), Logan (13) and Taylah (10), all at this stage showing a keen interest in Herefords, perhaps there will be a third generation Mawarra Herefords! Peter & Deanne recently enjoyed five weeks in Canda where they toured  twenty herds of Hereford and Poll Hereford cattle. Stay tuned to the website for details of new genetics they are importing to add to their sire battery!.

Brandon Hereford National 2010	At age 15 Brandon has a keen interest in Herefords and Cricket. The highlight of his cattle career to date was the recent Hereford National Show & Sale where he paraded Mawarra Virginian who was awarded Junior & Grand Champion! He then led Virginian in the Sale ring where he recorded the highest price of the Sale $40,000. Another highlight was being awarded the Young Herdsperson Award at the 2009 Berwick Show.He Brandon has won the Junior Handler Competition at the Bairnsdale show and competed for placings at numerous others throughout Gippsland. He has competed in the Junior Judging at Berwick for placings and at the Wodonga National in 2009 he was awarded 2nd place. Brandon enjoys showing the cattle and is Dad's right hand man on the farm as well as part of the team at the Wodonga National each year. He is looking forward to exhibiting a steer at the Melbourne Show in September. His cricket highlights occurred during January 2009 & again in 2010 when he took part in U15 Country Week Cricket, representing Sale/Maffra the team went through the week undefeated and brought home the medallions two years running! The 2009/10 season sees him playing for Collegians U16's, Collegians Fourths, GCL U16's, Catholic All Schools. Brandon has recently embarked on an Agricultural Traineeship in addition to his Year 10 studies.
Logan Hereford National 2010	Logan, age 13, is a very keen worker and especially enjoys the week of the Wodonga National each year. He was awarded 2nd place in the Junior Judging at the Berwick Show in 2007 & 2009. He was placed equal fourth at Wodonga National in 2008 and equal third in 2009. He has competed for placings at numerous Junior Handler competitions throughout Gippsland including first at Berwick show 2008. He has paraded many class and broad ribbon winners at Gippsland Shows. Logan sold his first heifer at our sale in 2010. He is keen to save his hard earned dollars.  Logan was elected School Captain in his final year at Primary School.  He is currently in Year 8 at Catholic College Sale and he also likes playing for his Under 14's Cricket Team. His recorded his highest score, 19 at a recent game.
Taylah & her heifer	Taylah turned 10 in July, 2009 and is pictured here with her birthday present, Cherry Ripe 300. Taylah enjoys taking care of the heifer calves and she is very pleased to have a heifer of her own now, just like the boys. Taylah won the Junior Handlers Competition at Berwick Show in 2007. Taylah is in Grade 5 and enjoys netball, dancing and hanging out with her cousins and friends when not on the farm with the boys.

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