Hartwood

26/03/2026

An update to some very good research done on the different attributes offered by different breed groups. If you would like to know more, feel free to reach out.

19/07/2025

Africa Cup Champions, Next Stop Brisbane, Rugby World Cup 2027. Well done Zimbabwe! Let's go Sables!!!!

20/06/2025

Scan to subscribe and join the new Solera Nature Positive Production Podcast. Episode 1 and 2 out already.

17/06/2025

https://youtube.com/?si=t9q6wd6qNLimaG6B

Welcome to Nature-Positive Beef – where we combine proven African Sanga genetics with regenerative grazing to raise cattle that thrive in tough conditions while healing the land. I’m Jack Milbank, a Zimbabwe-born producer based in Bundaberg, Australia. After decades of hands-on experience, a UQ ...

15/06/2025

Paradise...

11/06/2025

Millie the Hartwood Mascot - a Field Springer Spaniel helping socialise the weaners..

02/06/2025

Tuff as Tuli..

29/05/2025

What Makes Tuli Cattle a Superior Choice for Regenerative Farming

Tuli cattle are increasingly recognized as an optimal breed for regenerative farming, offering a combination of adaptability, efficiency, and environmental benefits that set them apart from other breeds.

Key Advantages of Tuli Cattle for Regenerative Agriculture

Exceptional Adaptability and Hardiness
- Tuli cattle are indigenous to southern Africa and have been bred for over 70 years to thrive in harsh, variable environments, including drought-prone and semi-arid regions. Their resilience enables them to maintain condition and productivity even under challenging climatic conditions, making them ideal for regenerative systems that rely on natural grazing cycles[1][2][5].

Low Input Requirements
- Their ability to thrive on native pastures and marginal forage reduces the need for supplemental feeding. Tuli cattle also exhibit natural resistance to ticks and diseases, which significantly lowers veterinary costs and chemical interventions[2][5].

Superior Fertility and Mothering Ability
- Tuli cows are renowned for their high fertility rates, early maturity, and excellent mothering instincts. This translates to more calves per cow, higher weaning weights, and increased overall productivity—crucial for sustainable, regenerative operations[3][5].

Efficient Grazing and Land Use
- Tuli cattle are moderate in size and practice indiscriminate grazing, allowing higher stocking rates per unit of land compared to larger breeds. This supports more efficient land use and enables producers to generate more calves and protein per hectare, a key principle in regenerative agriculture[5].

Meat Quality and Market Value
- Tuli cattle produce beef with superior tenderness and marbling, even when raised on grass and low-quality forage. This ensures premium market returns while supporting grass-fed, low-input production models[4][5].

Positive Environmental Impact
- Their adaptability and grazing behavior make Tuli cattle well-suited to adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing and other regenerative practices that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, enhance water retention, and sequester carbon[6]. By mimicking natural herd movements, Tuli herds help restore ecosystem function and resilience.

Comparative Performance

| Feature | Tuli Cattle Advantage | Compared to Other Breeds |
|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Adaptability | Thrive in harsh, variable climates; maintain condition in drought | Outperform larger, less hardy breeds |
| Fertility & Weaning | Higher fertility, earlier puberty, heavier weaners | 75% more calf weight than Brahman; 53% more than Angus; 21% more than Senepol [3] |
| Disease Resistance | Natural tick and disease resistance, reducing vet costs | Lower input costs than most breeds |
| Grazing Efficiency | Indiscriminate grazing, higher stocking rates, suitable for marginal lands | More calves per hectare |
| Meat Quality | Superior tenderness and marbling, even on grass diets | Outperforms Brahman crosses[4] |
| Regenerative Suitability| Ideal for AMP grazing, supports soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration | Exceeds conventional systems[6] |

Conclusion

Tuli cattle combine resilience, efficiency, and premium beef quality with low-input, regenerative-friendly traits. Their proven performance in challenging environments, coupled with their positive impact on land and ecosystem health, make them a superior choice for regenerative farming compared to other breeds[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Citations:
[1]https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/67305776/92551d87-4812-447d-b48f-49f07a4b0cbf/Australian-Tuli-2022-30-yrs-research.pdf
[2] https://www.africanfarming.com/2025/04/19/regeneration-in-action-an-inspiring-story-of-farming-with-tuli-cattle/
[3] https://www.thecattlesite.com/breeds/beef/91/tuli
[4]http://www.tulicattle.co.za/images/photos/Tuli_2010_3.pdf
[5] https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/animals/cattle/zimbabwes-tuli-cattle-make-financial-sense-and-are-easy-to-farm/
[6] https://worldwithoutcows.com/the-power-of-soil-and-cows-to-be-a-climate-solution/
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26hoEJZAuvw
[8] https://africacontemporaryfarming.com/bred-for-resilience-the-tuli-cattle-of-zimbabwe/
[9] https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/regenerative-agriculture-across-continents-same-principles-different-systems/
[10] https://malenyblackangusbeef.com.au/regenerative-farming-key-practices-and-importance/
[11] https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1171&context=pubns

28/02/2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian agriculture, the intersection of cattle breeding, genetics, animal behaviour, and technology is reshaping how we produce beef efficiently and sustainably. Through my journey as a Nuffield Scholar, agronomist, and advocate for nature-positive farming, I’...

26/02/2025

Hartwood Agriculture expands to service nature-positive farming and livestock products and services.

Bundaberg, QLD – February 2025 – Hartwood Agriculture, a pioneering force in nature-positive agriculture, livestock genetics, and natural capital solutions is expanding. With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and profitability, Hartwood Agriculture is set to evolve the agricultural industry through its four core divisions: Hartwood Cattle, Hartwood Technology, Hartwood Nature, and Hartwood Advisory.
Driven by “Naturally Innovative Agriculture,” Hartwood Agriculture integrates advanced genetics, biodiversity strategies, and cutting-edge technology to create resilient farming systems and premium grass-fed beef. The company specializes in breeding Tuli, Mashona, Boran, and Solera composite cattle, alongside direct-to-consumer branded beef and genetics.
“Our goal is to positively contribute to the agricultural industry in sustainable livestock breeding, regenerative soil management, and nature-based solutions,” said Jack Milbank, Founder of Hartwood Agriculture. “By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional knowledge, we’re creating a future where agriculture is both profitable and environmentally responsible.”

Hartwood Agriculture’s key areas of expertise include:

* Livestock & Genetics: Stud cattle, premium beef, and reproductive services.
* Technology & Innovation: Analytical reporting, individual animal management and indexing, environmental DNA (eDNA), and remote biodiversity monitoring.
* Environmental & Nature based Solutions: Carbon credits, biodiversity certificates, soil health programs, compost and microbial enzymes for livestock, cropping, and rehabilitation.
* Agronomy & Advisory Services: Livestock consulting, Nature-positive farming, and public speaking.

With integrity, innovation, and environmental stewardship at its core, Hartwood Agriculture is positioned to deliver naturally innovative products, services, and solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability for Australian farmers and beyond.

For more information, visit www.hartwoodcattle.com.au or contact 0434678228 at [email protected]

17/02/2025

Since 2021 Hartwood founder .milbank has been a partner in the development of the method "Enhancing remnant vegetation restoration" pilot which is intended to inform the appropriate structure of the emerging "Nature Repair Market" . Preserving, restoring and managing sensitive ecosystems, such as the mangrove wetlands as a wading bird sanctuary and hyper carbon sync on Hartwood farm is a thankless task, and this effort goes some way to building recognition and value into nature repair. One day people will value the 52 species of wading birds on private land adjacent to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Why don't we make that one day, sooner rather than later. Projects like this need to co-habitate with existing agricultural enterprises like Hartwood Cattle Co's Tuli, Mashona, Boran and Solera cattle so that the cross pollination of expertise, experience, cashflow, effort, resources, appreciation and reward can be accomplished. It all starts with communication. Reach out if you want to chat. Or check out the new Nature Repair platform - https://planr.gov.au/ thanks to