The Farm

In the spring of 1827, John Dewar was born into the bustling household of John Dewar Sr. and Jane Paterson. Young John was the vibrant middle child in a family of nine. His early childhood was marked by adventure and change when, at the tender age of three, he voyaged from Scotland aboard the Warrior, landing on the shores of Western Australia on March 12, 1830.

As the years unfolded, John’s connection to the land deepened. In March 1851, seizing the spirit of opportunity, he purchased his first 15 acres of land in Gingin, a place he would come to shape and be shaped by. Four years later, his life intertwined with Selina York, and together, on August 21, 1855, in a simple ceremony in Gingin, they started a partnership that would nurture a growing family and a flourishing enterprise.

John Dewar was not merely a farmer; he was a visionary who expanded his holdings to over 7,000 acres, managing a vast pastoral empire and a thriving dairy operation. His 700-strong cattle herd and extensive flocks of Merino sheep and horses set the standard in the region. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at farming—he ventured into the business community, opening a butcher’s shop in Perth in 1864, serving on the Board of Education, and investing in local infrastructure.

Despite his business ventures, John’s heart remained on the farm, and by the end of 1866, he returned full-time to farming. His life was a testament to hard work and dedication, not only to his land but also to his large family of 16 children with Selina. They lived out their days on the fertile plains of Dewar Flats, a name synonymous with quality beef cattle.

John Dewar’s legacy continued through his children, with his property thoughtfully divided among them before his peaceful passing on June 25, 1911, in his home on Weld Street. He left behind a legacy rich with agricultural prosperity and community service.

Fast forward to 1997, the echoes of John’s commitment to the land were still felt when Maxine Dewar, a descendant five generations removed, inherited the family farm.

Today, Maxine’s three daughters, Jules, Penny, and Georgie, continue to nurture the family legacy.

Jules, the owner of Gingin Beef, Penny, who manages the family farms, and Georgie, who oversees operations at Gingin Beef, all contribute to a business that supports four families and carries forward many generations of dedicated farming.

Although the days of the traditional butcher shop may be numbered, we still like to offer the same genuine customer service and quality that shoppers have grown to know and love, whether it’s in person at your local farmers market, or chatting online through our website.

So whether you’re after restaurant-grade meats, don’t have time to shop, or like the convenience of home deliveries, visit us for the best in quality meats.