Mark Hook revives the Boran and Nkone societies, strengthening the Zimbabwe cattle industry

Nkone cattle registered with the ZHB Zimbabwe breeders society

By Staff Reporter — Mutorashanga, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe

Veteran breeder Mark Hook has played a pivotal role in reviving the Boran and Nkone cattle societies, restoring momentum to Zimbabwe’s livestock sector from his Doonside Farm in Mutorashanga. Hook’s leadership as chairperson of the Cattle Producers Association, the Nkone Cattle Breeders Society and the Boran Breeders Society, and as a member of the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) executive committee, has helped re‑register breeders, rebuild herds and re‑establish breeding standards across the country.

Revival of the Boran Society and growth in registered stock

The Boran breed was first introduced to Zimbabwe at Forrester Estates, Mvurwi, in 1993, when about 600 embryos were imported from Kenya, producing nearly 300 calves and prompting the formation of the Boran Breeders Society. The society became dormant after the 2000 land reform exodus, but in 2011, Hook and colleagues Dave Jobson, Solomon Zawe, and Les Mallett relaunched it as the Zimbabwe Boran Breeders Society. Hook became chairperson in 2014 and has overseen growth from two breeders to 89 members, with over 8,600 Boran animals now registered with the ZHB, making Boran the country’s second‑largest breed after the Brahman.

Hook’s herd, breeding strategy, and performance targets

Born in Harare and a Chibero Agricultural College graduate (1982, first‑class distinction), Hook acquired Doonside Farm and transitioned from crops to cattle from 1993. He introduced Boran cattle to his farm in 2005, initially acquiring 11 animals from Forrester Estates and later adding 33 more. Today, his herd comprises roughly 650 Boran, 250 Beefmasters, and 100 Nkone.

Hook praises Boran for fertility, disease resistance, and heat tolerance. “Ninety percent of cattle in Zimbabwe are raised in rural areas, where conditions are very hard, with little grass and high competition for food,” he said, noting Boran cattle can endure extended periods without water because of their large stomach capacity. His herd follows two bulling seasons a 63‑day summer season starting in January and a 42‑day winter season starting in June with targets of an 80% weaning rate and an 85% pregnancy diagnosis rate. Cows failing to conceive after both seasons are culled to maintain genetic quality.

Re‑registration of the Nkone Society and national impact

After the Nkone herd was deregistered in 2017, Hook and colleague George Hulme retrieved records and located about 50 Nkone cows, enabling the society’s re‑registration in 2019. The Nkone now has 600 cattle registered with the ZHB across seven breeders, reflecting renewed interest in indigenous and adapted breeds. Hook’s work has helped rebuild breeder networks, improve record‑keeping, and promote breed standards through the ZHB.

Challenges, resilience, and outlook for Zimbabwe cattle production

Hook highlights persistent threats such as veld fires, which he estimates prevent 200,000 calves from being born annually, and land tenure uncertainties that complicate herd management and long‑term planning. Despite these constraints, his strategic breeding, culling discipline, and emphasis on disease resistance and adaptability provide a model for resilience. Hook’s leadership at national breeder societies and the ZHB continues to guide farmers, safeguard livestock heritage, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s capacity to scale quality beef production.

Mark Hook Boran Nkone revival