Acclaimed Gippsland beef cattle breeders Mawarra Genetics have received sponsorship to attend an international trade fair in Denmark later this month, in recognition of their achievement at this year’s Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards.
Three members of the Sykes family will attend Northern Europe’s largest agricultural trade fair, Agromek 2024, in the Danish town of Herning.
Mawarra Genetics’ study tour will be sponsored by Food and Fibre Gippsland in partnership with the Trade Council of Denmark in Australia and New Zealand.
Food and Fibre Gippsland chief executive officer Ben Gebert said the tour activities will strengthen and support valuable partnerships between Gippsland and Denmark, facilitating knowledge transfer in energy efficiency measures and sustainable farming methods.
“Insights from the Danish experience of agribusiness innovation and the transition towards green energy are highly relevant for adaption within our region,” Ben said.
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring Mawarra Genetics for their attendance at Agromek 2024.”
Mawarra exports genetics to New Zealand, the Americas and Europe and has been a trusted name in Hereford breeding for more than 60 years.
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Recognised by a panel of judges for their commitment to innovation and excellence spanning genetics, livestock, property and business management, the Sykes family claimed the category award for Innovation before being announced Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year at a celebratory evening in May.
Peter, Deanne and son Logan Sykes are now preparing to travel to Finland ahead of the trade fair, visiting farms of clients who are raising progeny of Mawarra bulls.
The planned trip has seen European linkages and opportunities continue to emerge for the Longford family’s agricultural business, with expanding overseas interest in the Mawarra brand.
Denmark is one of the world’s leading nations when it comes to innovative agricultural practices, waste management and biogas value chain solutions.
The Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards are a region-based awards program dedicated to recognising, celebrating and rewarding excellence in collaboration and innovation.
This unique program has a broad focus across the food and fibre supply chain, recognising businesses that have demonstrated exceptional business practices that maximise productivity and profitability while shaping the food and fibre future of Gippsland.
The competition adopts a two-tiered approach, with three premier awards and five category awards that are representative of the food and fibre supply chain.
The 2024 Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards attracted a strong field of applicants, from which 17 businesses were shortlisted as finalists.
In acknowledging Mawarra Genetics’ outstanding entry, the independent judging panel noted the Sykes family’s unparalleled success at the Herefords Australia National Show and Sale, including top price honours, numerous division accolades, and multiple Grand Champion and Most Successful Exhibitor awards.
Mawarra sells 100 – 120 bulls annually between their on-property sale, private sales and nationally-recognised beef industry sales events.
The Longford cattle breeding business is renowned for producing industry-leading genetics that meet market demands throughout the beef production chain.
Establishment of an Angus herd in 2018 has also been well received throughout the agricultural sector.
Mawarra currently run 550 breeding cows (a third each Horned Hereford, Polled Hereford and Angus), across 945 hectares on two properties at Longford and Traralgon in Gippsland.
With strong values around family and positive stakeholder relationships, the Sykes family see the success of their clients as the most rewarding aspect of their business.
