Our Research
We design and deliver applied research that tests where native breeds add measurable value on farm, across supply chains, and within wider agricultural systems.
Our work combines field trials, performance data, and environmental indicators to generate practical, transparent evidence that supports real-world decision making.
We focus on questions that matter directly to farmers, supply chains, and policy.
Nutritional value
How meat, milk, and fibre from native breeds differ in composition and quality, and what that means for nutrition and product positioning.
Animal health & robustness
Resilience, longevity, fertility, and welfare outcomes in native breeds compared with higher-input systems.
Environmental impacts
Greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, biodiversity, and landscape outcomes in grazing systems based on native breeds.
Production systems & performance
How native breeds perform in regenerative, low-input, and pasture-based systems, including growth, finishing, and carcass traits.
Supply chain integrity
Traceability, verification, and breed-linked claims that connect products to specific breeds, farms, and landscapes.
How we work
Our approach is structured, science-led, and field-focused.
- Co-designed trials with farms and producer groups to address defined research questions and measurable outcomes.
- Standardised data collection across sites to enable meaningful comparison of breed performance and system impacts.
- Integrated field and laboratory measures covering productivity, health, environmental indicators, and product quality.
- Clear reporting and benchmarks to ensure findings are usable by farmers, supply chains, and policymakers.
Whether a small on-farm comparison or a multi-partner research project, the aim is the same: generate credible evidence that keeps native breeds relevant, productive, and valued.
Current research priorities
Our current and emerging priorities include:
- Native breeds in regenerative grazing and low-input systems
- Roles for native genetics in climate adaptation and system resilience
- Mineral and micronutrient status in pasture-based systems
- Carcass and eating quality in native and native-cross beef
- Breed- and origin-linked labelling, traceability, and transparency
- Practical tools and datasets that help farmers and buyers make better decisions about breed use and land management.
Collaboration
We welcome collaboration with:
- Producers and producer groups wanting to test or demonstrate the value of their livestock.
- Universities and research institutes looking for applied partners and field sites.
- Retailers, processors, and food businesses interested in breed-based sourcing, verification, and storytelling backed by data.
- Policy and NGO partners working on climate, biodiversity, animal health, and rural development.
If you are interested in partnering on a trial, data project, or research – please reach out