Tallow Now

Nestled in the heart of Porepunkah, not far from the majestic Mount Buffalo, where Ben learnt to ski, lies a small but powerful movement called Tallow Now. Founded by Jane Fewtrell and Ben Knox, Tallow Now transforms organic suet into nutrient-dense tallow balms that have become a game changer for people with sensitive or problematic skin. The story of Tallow Now is one of deep connections to the mountains, to sustainable farming, and to the natural healing properties of tallow.

Published 12th December 2025     Words and Photos Mandy Lamont

Jane and Ben’s journey began in the mountains, at Hotham in the 00’s, where they first met. Jane, a nurse, and Ben, a self-proclaimed “ski bum,” found themselves drawn together by their love for nature and a shared passion for natural living. Ben’s upbringing in Markwood, a small rural town nearby, laid the foundation for their connection to local, organic produce. Their tallow journey began by chance after being gifted some suet from Millawa Organic Beef, a farm whose meat they had enjoyed for years.

After years of struggling with inflammation, cracked skin, and unbearable itching, Ben’s condition reached a breaking point. The couple, who had both studied naturopathy, hesitated to turn to conventional steroid treatments and instead sought out natural alternatives. Jane stumbled upon the Weston A. Price Foundation’s recommendations for tallow as a topical treatment and realised their solution had been sitting in the freezer all along.

Their first batch of rendered suet was a revelation. Within a day of applying the homemade balm, Ben’s inflammation decreased, and his nightly itching subsided. Inspired by this rapid transformation, Jane and Ben decided to share their discovery with others. Thus, Tallow Now was born.

“The essence of Markwood is now in jars,” Jane reflects, as their operation began with rendering the suet they had initially stored away in the freezer. What started as a solution for Ben’s lifelong battle with severe skin issues is now their business.

At Tallow Now, every jar of balm is crafted with care, adhering to principles of sustainability, minimalism, and organic integrity. The couple is unwavering in their commitment to using only certified organic suet, sourced from grass-fed, regenerative farms.

“Certified organic is our one non-negotiable,” Jane explains. “We want to offer people the reassurance that every ingredient in our products is clean and nutrient rich.”

Finding high quality suet is no easy task. Unlike body fat, suet; the dense, nutrient-rich fat surrounding the kidneys of ruminants, is prized for its stability and high nutrient content. A single cow may produce only a few kilos of suet, making it a rare and valuable resource. With the closure of Millawa Organic Beef, Tallow Now’s new supplier in Gippsland continues the legacy of regenerative farming, ensuring that every batch of balm meets the couple’s rigorous standards.

Tallow Now’s product line now includes six varieties of balms, each tailored to specific needs. The “Naked” balm, made with unscented calendula oil, is especially popular among mothers seeking a gentle option for their babies’ sensitive skin. Other varieties include:

• Rose: Infused with organic rose petals for a lightly scented, soothing experience.
• Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, and Patchouli: A refreshing blend with antibacterial properties.
• Raw: A pure blend of tallow and avocado oil, safe enough for nursing mothers.
• Forest: A nod to the mountains, with Juniper, Bergamot, Patchouli, Lemongrass and Cedarwood.
• Lip Rescue: A lip balm with no essential oils and a low slow infusion of cinnamon quills and vanilla beans.

“Closely resembling our skin sebum, the oily substance that coats our skin, tallow provides a barrier and helps your body to retain moisture”, Jane tells me. “Having a healthy skin barrier is what maintains moisture and also skin integrity. From our personal experience, we’ve had antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal wins with it, relief from issues such as eczema, cracked heels, and even sunburn.” Customers have shared countless stories of healing, from soothing raw skin to eliminating the itch of mosquito bites.

For Ben, Tallow Now is deeply personal. After decades of hiding his skin issues and enduring discomfort, he describes the last three years as “a revolution” for his skin health. “I’ve finally relaxed in my own skin,” he says. Their growing community of loyal customers attest to the benefits of Tallow Now.  Stories from customers, like a mother whose child no longer wakes up with eczema sticking to their shirt, brought Ben to tears and reaffirm the couple’s mission.

Tallow Now’s ethos extends beyond their products. Their labels, designed by local Harrietville botanical artist Ngaire Briggs, incorporate impressions of the grasses eaten by the animals that produce the suet. This attention to detail reflects their commitment to connecting customers with the natural world.

The couple also emphasises the importance of education and community. “People don’t just buy tallow; they’re buying into a way of life,” Jane notes. “We’re creating something that resonates with people who value health, sustainability, and connection.”

As Tallow Now continues to grow, Jane and Ben remain true to their values. Their passion for health, nutrition, and sustainable living demonstrated in every jar. For those seeking a natural, effective solution for their skin, Tallow Now offers more than just a product, it is a testament to the power of nature, tradition, and community.

For more information and stockists visit tallownow.com.au

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