One to Watch finalist Spotlight: Breanna Harrigan
From the processing floor to international markets, Breanna Harrigan has built her career by embracing every opportunity to learn, lead and challenge expectations.
A finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award, proudly supported by HR Legal, Breanna has forged a career that combines operational expertise with commercial strategy, helping strengthen Australia's premium beef industry both at home and overseas.
Her journey began on the processing floor at Teys Australia, where she gained hands-on experience across a range of operational roles, including knife hand, slicer and safety officer. Since then, she has progressed through production planning, logistics, sales coordination and account management before taking on her current role as Export Sales & Production Manager at Andrews Meat Industries.
That broad experience has given Breanna a unique understanding of the entire supply chain — from paddock to plate — and shaped the commercial mindset she brings to every challenge.
One of her most significant achievements has been designing and implementing a structured production planning system that transformed the way export orders were managed across multiple international markets.
Recognising there was no centralised planning framework, Breanna developed a comprehensive rolling three-month production planning tool that improved forecasting, identified oversold product lines, highlighted market opportunities and strengthened communication between sales and production teams.
The result was greater visibility across markets, improved forecasting accuracy and more strategic revenue optimisation, helping position the business for sustainable growth.
While Breanna's role isn't defined by managing people, she believes leadership is measured by the impact you have on those around you.
When a colleague expressed interest in moving from logistics into a commercial role, Breanna took the initiative to mentor and encourage her. She shared market insights, industry resources and practical knowledge to build her confidence and broaden her understanding of the export supply chain.
"For me, leadership is not defined by title but by the ability to elevate others' confidence and ambition."
Today, that colleague is actively pursuing new opportunities and participating in broader commercial discussions.
Throughout her career, Breanna has also challenged assumptions within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Early on, she recognised that credibility would come from demonstrating technical expertise rather than simply talking about it. Building on her formal slicing training, she developed specialist knowledge in carcase breakdown, cut specifications and premium Wagyu production, allowing her to engage confidently with production teams, chefs and international customers alike.
That expertise was showcased during a live slicing and educational demonstration in Jakarta, where she combined technical precision with brand storytelling to promote Australian Wagyu to hospitality professionals and influencers.
"By mastering and showcasing a skill not commonly associated with women in the sector, I strengthened internal and external confidence in my expertise."
For Breanna, capability has always been the strongest way to challenge stereotypes.
Looking to the future, she believes attracting the next generation of talent will be critical to ensuring the industry's continued success.
She is passionate about showcasing agriculture as an innovative, globally connected industry that offers careers across export, technology, sustainability, branding and commercial leadership.
"We must strategically invest in youth and reposition agriculture as an innovative, global and high-performance career pathway."
Breanna believes education, stronger industry visibility and structured leadership development will help build a skilled workforce capable of driving the industry forward.
Her own motivation comes from the pace, complexity and opportunity the meat industry offers every day.
"There is so much possibility in this sector, and I am motivated to contribute to its evolution, advocate for its future, and help shape a modern, innovative perception of Australian beef on the global stage."
We congratulate Breanna on being named a finalist in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award and look forward to celebrating alongside all finalists at the Australian Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on 28 July at the RACV City Club, Melbourne, where the winner will be announced.
Celebrate with us in Melbourne
Kira is one of five outstanding finalists in the 2026 Meat Business Women Australia One to Watch Award. You can catch up on our 'Spotlight Series' here.
The winner will be announced at the MBW Australia Gender Representation Report Insights & Awards Evening on Tuesday, 28 July, at the RACV Club, Melbourne.
Join industry leaders from across the meat and food supply chain for an evening of networking, thought-provoking insights from the 2026 Gender Representation Report and the celebration of women helping shape the future of our industry.
Tickets are on sale now.
One to Watch Award Proudly supported by HR Legal
HR Legal is proud to support the Meat Business Women One to Watch Award, recognising emerging female leaders across the meat and food supply chain.
The latest Gender Representation Report highlights that women represent just 32% of the meat and poultry workforce, reinforcing the need for targeted action to strengthen the leadership pipeline.
At HR Legal, we partner with manufacturing and supply chain employers to build compliant, high-performing workplaces and address workforce challenges practically. Supporting initiatives like the One to Watch Award helps recognise potential early, invest in emerging talent and build a more sustainable, future-ready industry.
