Leading sustainability globally

Central Queensland producer, Melinee Leather

Central Queensland producers Melinee and Rob Leather, along with their family, are dedicated to leaving their land in a better condition for future generations. Their business, Leather Cattle Co, was recently recognised as one of the most sustainable cattle enterprises in the world, earning the prestigious Success Through Collaboration Award at the Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.  

Melinee, her husband Rob, son Adam and daughter-in-law Chloe operate a beef breeding and backgrounding business across three properties spanning 17,500ha from Banana to the North Burnett region.

The Leathers manage a Brahman-based herd, crossed with Limousin, Belmont and Angus cattle. They’ve also invested in a fullblood Wagyu herd and Angus cattle to support an F1 Wagyu program. With Teys Grasslands and EU accreditation, the family relies on the feeder markets during the less favourable seasons.

At the heart of their business is a commitment to sustainable management, ensuring their land is well cared for and minimising environmental impact.

Hard work rewarded

Leather Cattle Co received the Success Through Collaboration Award at the 2024 Global Conference on Sustainable Beef, held in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

The award recognises businesses that embody the foundational principles and goals of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) and lead collaborative efforts to advance beef sustainability.

For the Leathers, the connection between environmental health and the prosperity of grazing enterprises is clear, driving their focus on sustainable practices across their operations.

Implementing positive change

Through building extension and adoption networks in their community, the Leathers have enhanced their business while strengthening the broader beef industry.

“What really brought our local community together was realising that we are a like-minded group of producers who wanted to focus on sustainability," Melinee said.

"We could see that sustainability was going to be critical for the future of the beef industry. With significant changes in the climate – hotter and drier conditions and prolonged droughts in Queensland – producers came together to share learnings and information about technology.” was going to be something that was going to be critical for us going forward.

The Leathers’ property management reflects their belief that productive cattle enterprises can work hand in hand with addressing climate change.

“Beef producers manage over 50% of Australia's land mass, so we have a huge responsibility to manage it collaboratively and sustainably,” Ms Leather said.

“It is an absolute privilege to be recognised with this award. Organisations like the GRSB [Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef] help define our sustainability goals and actions.”

Bob Lowe, President of the GRSB, praised the Leathers’ efforts during the awards ceremony on 2 October 2024.

“Leading by example, Melinee Leather and Leather Cattle Co strive to implement positive change by building extension and adoption networks to enhance, strengthen and protect not only their business but also the capacity of the broader industry,” Mr Lowe said.

“They have demonstrated practical steps towards achieving the GRSB’s goals and are truly deserving of this global recognition.”

With sustainability embedded in their operations, the Leathers continue to demonstrate how the beef industry can balance productivity with environmental stewardship.

Read more about Melinee Leather in a story featured in Feedback Magazine Credentials back sustainability action