The reproductive and maternal performance of Hereford and Friesian x Hereford dams and the growth and carcase characteristics of their Hereford- and Friesian-sired calves in the Mediterranean environment of South Australia are reported. The two dam breeds did not differ in fertility and their calves had similar mortality rates. Even though calves from Hereford dams were lighter at birth than those from crossbred dams (30.8 vs 33.0 kg), Hereford dams required more assistance at calving (16% vs 8%). There were no differences in birth weight and incidence of calving difficulty of Hereford- and Friesian-sired progeny, but Friesian-sired progeny had a higher mortality rate (11% vs 5%). Calves from crossbred dams were heavier at weaning than those from Hereford dams (274 vs 235 kg) but Hereford- and Friesian-sired progeny were the same weight at weaning. Friesian-sired steers were heavier than Hereford-sired steers at 19- 21 months of age (478 vs 448 kg). The carcase characteristics of progeny of the two dam breeds did not differ significantly at either slaughter age. There were no significant differences in carcase characteristics of Hereford- and Friesian sired progeny slaughtered at 8- 10 months of age. When progeny were slaughtered at 19- 21 months of age, carcases of Friesian-sired steers were heavier (238 vs 222 kg) and leaner (0.49 vs 0.86 mm) than those of Hereford-sired steers. The practical implications of the use of Hereford and Friesian breeds in the southern Australian beef industry are discussed.