Melanie and Alastair Shannon own and operate their beef cattle business, Wirra Pastoral Co, across their two properties in Central Queensland. The couple breed and background Brahman cross cattle at their home, Wirra, in Banana Shire and at their other property Mt Bison, near Marlborough, Queensland.
The couple are passionate about stewarding their land well and leaving it in good condition for their daughters. They implement regenerative grazing practices, including time-controlled grazing for increased ground cover, greater pasture biodiversity, increased water infiltration and drought resilience. They are constantly seeking to improve ways they manage their business to be financially and environmentally resilient for the long term.
Melanie also facilitates a local producer group, the Barfield Road Producer Group (BRPG). The BRPG was formed in 2019 to help local producers attract training and opportunities, especially in relation to working towards the Red Meat Industry's goal for carbon neutrality by 2030. Melanie believes that rural communities can be instrumental in establishing a model for good stewardship which is increasingly important as producers are faced with environmental challenges and climate change.
