This International Women’s Day (2026) we recognise women whose work shapes their families, their communities and the land they care for. Four Daughters is a family beef business from western Queensland that stands as a true example of everyday leadership and purpose.

Four Daughters was created by Dan and Karen Penfold and named for their four daughters Bonnie, Molly, Jemima and Matilda, who have grown up learning the work of the land and the value of thoughtful farming. Their vision was to produce high quality Australian Black Angus beef in a way that cares for animals, the environment and future generations.

Wearing: Sky Frill Neck Cotton Shirt - White, Misty Ladder Detail Cotton Blouse - Pink A Boo, Classic Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Shirt - Dark Navy/White, Bloom Oversized Basic Shirt - Pink A Boo

Based around cattle properties and feedlots near Meandarra, Talwood and Yaraka in Queensland, the business focuses on Premium Black Angus beef that can be traced from their family paddocks all the way to tables in Australia and overseas. Their approach is paddock to plate and reflects their belief that good beef production means looking after country, animal welfare and the people who depend on both.

Over time the family has adapted to challenges such as changes in export markets and global events by finding new ways to connect with customers and share the story of where good food comes from. Through all of this, the daughters have taken active roles in managing operations and shaping the future of the business while carrying forward a deep connection to land and community life.

Wearing: Sky Frill Neck Cotton Shirt - White, Misty Ladder Detail Cotton Blouse - Pink A Boo, Classic Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Shirt - Dark Navy/White, Bloom Oversized Basic Shirt - Pink A Boo

We talk with the girls about Women in Agriculture, Family, Farming, The Environment and Business.

The name Four Daughters carries such meaning. What does it represent to you today?

To me it represents the bond we have as sisters and as a family. How, at times it seems as though we are one, rather than four. We work together so well due to all having been taught everything by Dad.
- Bonnie

How has being part of a family business shaped you as a woman?

Being part of the family business has shaped me as a woman as it has given me self-confidence and belief in my own abilities. It has enabled me to know that even though I might not currently know or be able to do something, I will be able to work it out and succeed. I have also been raised to believe that my opinion matters, that I have a voice and I should use it.
- Bonnie

Wearing: Sky Frill Neck Cotton Shirt - White, 5 Pocket Jeans - Dark Navy

What lessons from your parents or grandparents still guide your decisions?

My parents have always shown us the importance of family and I believe that is why we all are where we are today. We have very strong relationships and are able to work almost seamlessly together whilst running a business. Now that I have my own family I want to ensure that we raise our kids with the same love and respect that we were raised with.
- Molly

Wearing: Bloom Oversized Basic Shirt - Pink A Boo, 5 Pocket Jean - Indigo Denim

How do you balance tradition with new ideas and innovation?

It can still be difficult to balance tradition with new ideas and innovation but I think as younger women we are in the best position to make changes. We are always looking at new and better ways to do things and have been so fortunate that our parents are also just looking for ways to stay ahead of the game. You need to keep moving with everything if you want to stay competitive. Saying this, sometimes things were done a certain way because they are the best way to do things, not everything has to be changed, but you do always have to be aware of new innovative ways.
- Jemima

Wearing: Stockman Denim Dress - Dark Indigo

What do you hope the next generation takes from this chapter of your family story?

I hope the next generation can see how much we have grown and come together as a team. I want them to understand how we built a strong, structured foundation and to carry forward the work ethic that defines us.
- Matilda

Wearing: The Local 1/2 Zip Cotton Rugby - Dark Navy/White, 5 Pocket Jean - Dark Navy

What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a woman in agriculture?

International women’s day means a lot for women like us that live this life everyday. It gives us an opportunity to show others how we live our lives and why we love it so much. It still can be surprising for some people that we do everything that we do but slowly as we keep showing them that we can achieve the same as men, we keep proving people wrong. It shows just how far we have come as women in this field but also that we have so far to go. It shouldn’t be crazy that we do this. It should be normal.
- Jemima

Wearing: Misty Ladder Detail Cotton Blouse - Pink A Boo

Have you seen the role of women in farming change over the years?

Personally, I’m not sure I’ve seen the role of women in farming change firsthand, largely due to my age and the way I was raised to believe that both men and women are equally capable. However, the role has certainly evolved, and it’s encouraging to see more women receiving recognition for the hard work they put into running farming businesses.
- Matilda

Wearing: Classic Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Shirt - Dark Navy/White

How do you approach sustainability within your business?

We are the third generation working on these properties and plan to pass them on to the next generation, therefore sustainability, both in terms of environmental and business sustainability is of utmost importance to us. We understand that we are responsible for looking after our land in a sustainable way to ensure it is there for many generations to enjoy and work as we have.
- Molly

Wearing: The Heritage Quilted Vest - Travertine Micro Check

What are you most proud of in terms of environmental stewardship?

I am most proud of the fact that this land and area is my home. It is where I feel a deep connection to the environment and believe that it is my job to look after it, work it and improve it from what it currently is. I am proud that I am working with my family to make the country we have more productive and improve the quality of it for future generations. I love that we use natural products such as manure from cattle to improve soil quality and grass production, and I feel proud that we are working to improve soil quality and water resources through a variety of old and new farming practices.
- Bonnie

How has the business evolved since those early days?

Since Penfolds started at “Mamaree” the original family place 70km out of Meandarra, so much has changed. The country has been fully developed, which involved pulling most of the country to plough and farm originally. From farming, running sheep and just a few cattle to feeding and selling over 12,000 head of cattle every year it has been a big journey. Our parents ability to think big and continually prove we can do anything we put our minds to are to thank for everything. If people aren’t laughing at your dreams, they’re not big enough.
- Jemima

Where do you currently stock your products?

We currently are not selling direct to consumers, just feeding cattle for Australian supermarkets. While not currently selling to consumers we continue to maintain connections with people right across Australia and the world through the use of our social media. Aiming to spread the word and work of agriculture and the people in it, as well as shining a light on the positive impact agriculture plays within the world.
- Bonnie

What’s next for Four Daughters?

Next for Four Daughters includes the constant expansion of our business through new property acquisitions as well as improvements and developments on existing properties. We will continue working together and spending time with each other for enjoyment, while raising the next generation of dedicated, passionate farmers.
- Bonnie

Wearing: The Local 1/2 Zip Cotton Rugby - Pink A Boo/Sage, The Traditional Cotton Rugby - Pink A Boo, The Local 1/2 Zip Cotton Rugby - Dark Navy/White, The Original Cotton Rugby - Pink A Boo/Sage