Yarns From the Paddock Podcast by AgForce Queensland

In part two of this special three-part series, host Sam Fryer sits down again with former AgForce Membership Officer Janice Tressler for an honest and reflective conversation about the rise, decline, and future of agricultural membership organisations.

In the early years of AgForce, membership quickly grew to nearly 10,000 producers as agriculture rallied behind one united voice. But over time, membership numbers declined and today, the landscape of industry representation looks very different.

Janice also shares her personal reflections from decades spent working directly with producers across Queensland and what she believes organisations like AgForce need to do moving forward to remain relevant.

This is a thoughtful conversation about advocacy, culture, membership, and the changing face of agriculture in Australia.

🧑‍🌾 Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.

🔗 Learn more or become a member:
 https://www.agforceqld.org.au

The story of AgForce didn’t happen overnight — it was built through challenge, change, and the people willing to step up when the industry needed it most.

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, host Sam Fryer sits down with Janice Tressler for the first instalment of a special series diving into the history of AgForce and the people behind it.

Janice shares her journey from volunteering during one of Queensland’s toughest droughts, through to becoming part of the foundation of AgForce as we know it today. From answering phones and supporting struggling farmers, to navigating the merger of three major organisations, her story offers a unique insight into the early days of agricultural advocacy in Queensland.

Janice also shares some behind-the-scenes stories from the early days — giving a rare and personal look at the people and moments that helped shape one of Queensland agriculture’s most important organisations.

This is a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, opportunity, and the role individuals can play in building something bigger than themselves.

🧑‍🌾 Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland, advocating for sustainable and profitable agriculture across the state.

🔗 To learn more, stay up to date, or become a member, visit:
 https://www.agforceqld.org.au

The EPBC reforms are already creating concern across Queensland agriculture — but what do they actually mean for producers on the ground?

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, host Sam Fryer is joined by Adam Armstrong, from the AgForce Cattle Board and EPBC Taskforce, and Josefine Pettersson from AgForce Queensland, to break down one of the biggest policy issues currently facing producers.

Together, they unpack what the EPBC Act is, what’s changed under the recent reforms, and why AgForce has been working so hard behind the scenes to push for more clarity and more practical outcomes for farmers.

In this conversation, we cover:

• What the EPBC Act actually is and why it matters to agriculture
• The key changes that have producers paying attention
• How routine on-farm activities like fencing, vegetation management and water infrastructure could now be impacted
• What the self-assessment and referral process looks like in practice
• Why the current system is causing uncertainty for producers
• The disconnect between policy intent and real-world farm management
• Why native vegetation management in Queensland is more complex than just “locking it up and leaving it”
• How AgForce is advocating to make sure agricultural realities are recognised
• What producers should be doing now to stay informed and protect themselves

Adam also shares his own experience working through the self-assessment requirements on his property, while Josefine explains the policy, advocacy and ongoing negotiations taking place with government.

This is a practical, straight-talking episode for any producer trying to understand what these reforms could mean for their operation and why ignoring them could come at a real cost.

🧑‍🌾 Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland, advocating for sustainable and profitable agriculture across the state.

🔗 To learn more, stay up to date, or become a member, visit:
 https://www.agforceqld.org.au

🔗 For more information on AgForce’s EPBC reform work, visit:
 https://www.agforceqld.org.au/knowledgebase/article/AGF-02774/

AgForce has recently undergone a major organisational restructure — designed to ensure the organisation remains modern, financially sustainable and ready to support Queensland producers into the future.

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, host Sam Fryer sits down with AgForce CEO Niki Ford to unpack the thinking behind the restructure and what it means for members across the state.

Niki explains why the change was necessary, how the new business units will operate, and how AgForce is positioning itself to continue delivering strong advocacy, industry leadership and member services in an increasingly complex agricultural landscape.

In this conversation we explore:

• Why AgForce needed to modernise its structure
• The key changes introduced through the restructure
• The importance of reconnecting with grassroots members across Queensland
• How new business units will improve efficiency and accountability
• The growing role of education, training and workforce development in agriculture
• Why collaboration across industry organisations is becoming more important
• How AgForce plans to tell agriculture’s story more effectively
• What members can expect to see from the organisation moving forward

Nikki also shares her vision for the next phase of AgForce — strengthening the organisation’s financial sustainability, expanding engagement with producers, and ensuring Queensland agriculture continues to have a strong and credible voice.

🌾 Yarns from the Paddock is proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland, advocating for sustainable and profitable agriculture across the state.

🔗 To learn more about AgForce’s work — or to become a member — visit:
 https://www.agforceqld.org.au

In this final episode of Yarns from the Paddock for 2025, Sam is joined by AgForce General President Shane McCarthy and Vice President & Grains President Brendan Taylor to unpack a massive year for Queensland agriculture.

From record-breaking floods and locust outbreaks to market volatility, biosecurity near-misses and the EPBC shake-up, the trio reflect on the big challenges, hard-won advocacy outcomes, and what’s keeping producers up at night as we head into 2026.

They also share some lighter moments – from Ekka conversations with city folk to Christmas wishes of “Goldilocks rain”, beer, prawns, family time and a few sneaky rounds of golf.

Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.
To learn more be sure to check out the AgForce Website: https://www.agforceqld.org.au

G’day and welcome to Yarns from the Paddock, proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.

In this special episode, recorded live at the Young Beef Producers Forum in Roma, we hear directly from the next generation shaping the future of Australian agriculture.

Joining us are Adriana, Lachlan, and Amanda from the Young Producers Council, who share their perspectives on where the industry stands today — the opportunities ahead, the global reputation of Australian ag, and the challenges young producers face along the way.

We dive into big topics like access to capital, the importance of financial literacy, and how technology, innovation, and strong networks are helping to drive the industry forward.

It’s an honest, forward-looking conversation with some of ag’s rising voices — and a great reminder that the future of our industry is in good hands.

To Learn more about Young Prodcuer Council check out the link

Meet the AgForce Young Producers’ Council · AgForce · Advancing Rural Queensland

Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.
To learn more be sure to check out the AgForce Website: https://www.agforceqld.org.au

G'day and welcome to Yarns From The Paddock Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.

This conversation explores the vital trade relationship between Queensland's beef industry and Indonesia, highlighting AgForce's recent delegation to Indonesia, the insights gained from meetings with Indonesian beef industry leaders, and the importance of building partnerships for sustainable trade. The discussion also emphasizes the role of the Indonesian ambassador's visit to Queensland and the broader implications of the beef trade on food security and economic stability in both regions.

Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.
To learn more be sure to check out the AgForce Website: https://www.agforceqld.org.au

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, host Sam Fryer speaks with Mark Pawsey, the CEO of AgCarE, about the importance of natural capital in agriculture and how AgCarE aims to empower producers by documenting their sustainable practices. Mark shares insights on the challenges faced by farmers, the need for data sovereignty, and the vision for AgCarE as a long-term resource for producers. The conversation highlights the significance of capturing generational knowledge and the role of AgCarE in the evolving landscape of ag tech and sustainability.

To Learn more about AgCarE be sure to check out their website.

Home  · AgCarE Online

Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.
To learn more be sure to check out the AgForce Website: https://www.agforceqld.org.au

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, Sam Fryer discusses the AgForce Training programs with Charlton Campbell and Mo Pedersen. They delve into the Bridging the Gap program, which aims to provide essential training for agricultural workers, focusing on safety, compliance, and practical skills. The conversation highlights the importance of hands-on training, the introduction of recognition of prior learning, and the partnership with SafeAg Systems to enhance compliance and safety in the agricultural sector. They also discuss leadership development initiatives and the need for collaboration within the agricultural community.

If you would like to learn more about AgForce Training, be sure to check out their website.

AgForce Training Farm Courses - AgForce Training

Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.
To learn more be sure to check out the AgForce Website: https://www.agforceqld.org.au

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, host Sam Fryer interviews Niki Ford, the newly appointed CEO of AgForce Queensland. Niki shares her journey from her beginnings in Toowoomba as a chef to her leadership roles in the agricultural sector. The conversation explores her vision for AgForce, the importance of food systems, and the need for collaboration and engagement with the next generation of agricultural producers. Niki emphasizes the role of AgForce in advocating for Queensland's agricultural community.

Proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland.
To learn more be sure to check out the AgForce Website: https://www.agforceqld.org.au