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, me...

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 durin...

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 producer...

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 ex...

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 advocac...

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 t...

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 t...

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 c...

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...

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 o...

Locusts aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a real threat to Queensland agriculture. In this episode, we sit down with Belinda Callanan , a leading voice in biosecurity and pest management, to unpack what producers need to know as we head into a high-risk year. 🎧 This episode is essential listening for landholders, agribusiness operators, and anyone living on the land. 🔗 Important Resources Managing...

After eight years leading one of Queensland’s most influential agricultural organisations, Mike Guerin is wrapping up his time as CEO of AgForce. In this reflective episode, we sit down with Mike to look back on the wins, challenges, and lessons that have shaped his leadership—and the organisation. We discuss: What first drew him to the role and his early vision Major policy wins and moments of tr...

Farm safety isn’t just a talking point — it’s life and death. With agriculture still ranked as one of the deadliest industries in Australia, this episode dives into the data to uncover the truth behind the headlines. To mark Farm Safety Week, we’re joined by: Kerri-Lynn Peachey, Farm Safety Research Manager and WHS Auditor at AgHealth Australia Ruth Thompson,  AgForce Grains policy Director and Ch...

Mandatory emissions reporting is heading for Australian agriculture—but are producers ready? And more importantly, is the policy? In this episode, we speak with Mike Guerin , CEO of AgForce, and Mark Collins , AgForce Policy Director, to unpack what’s really going on behind the headlines. Together, they outline AgForce’s public stance, the inconsistencies in government policy, and why rushing into...

Fire ants aren’t just a backyard nuisance—they’re one of Queensland’s most dangerous invasive pests, threatening agriculture, native ecosystems, and public safety. In this episode, we sit down with Ken Cunliffe , a dedicated rural advocate and key leader in the fight against fire ants. As a member of the AgForce Biosecurity Committee and a strategic contributor to the Red Imported Fire Ant Eradica...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Terry McCosker —Founder of RCS and Carbon Link —we step back and explore what it will take to scale regenerative agriculture across Australia. From incentives and carbon markets to policy and producer mindsets, Terry provides a roadmap for progress. In this episode, we cover: The most effective finance and incentive tools for regen adoption How soil carbon fits i...

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock , we’re joined by Terry McCosker , founder of RCS and Carbon Link , to explore the foundations of regenerative agriculture—what it is, why it matters, and how producers can get started without sacrificing profitability. Terry unpacks: Why landholders should consider regenerative practices How regen ag fits alongside conventional systems What barriers are h...

In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock , we’re joined by James Henderson , a northern cattle producer and strong advocate for carbon awareness on-farm. We unpack: What the Carbon Farming Outreach Program is all about What carbon baselining actually means How carbon impacts business decisions in real grazing operations The risks, expectations, and opportunities in supply chains and policy Where...

G’day and welcome to another episode of Yarns from the Paddock by AgForce Queensland . In this week’s episode, we’re joined by AgForce CEO Mike Guerin to unpack one of the big conversations in ag right now— sustainability reporting . With new frameworks and reporting obligations being introduced, it’s easy to see why many producers might see it all as more red tape. But as Mike explains, this isn’...

G'day and welcome to another episode of Yarns from the Paddock by AgForce Queensland. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Angela Haupt and Lisa Bullas from Calvary Christian Collage, Louise Nicolas from Home Hill SHS and Kelly Skews (Boonah SHS. This episode will follow on from the Food, Fibre & Agricultural Educators Conference. Where a panel of teachers spoke about their school init...

G'day and welcome to another episode of Yarns from the Paddock by AgForce Queensland. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by AgForce Valuer John Moore John will talk about what rises have occurred, cover the impacts of those rises plus the services available as an AgForce member. If you have enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with friends and family. For more information, be sure to c...

G'day and welcome to another episode of Yarns from the Paddock by AgForce Queensland. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the Young Producers Councils Chair Clare Nugent. Throughout episode we will be chatting about where the future sits with young producers in Australia. If you have enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with friends and family. For more information, be sure to check...

G'day and welcome to another episode of Yarns from the Paddock by AgForce Queensland. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the General Manager of Policy and Advocacy Michael Allpass. Throughout episode we will be diving deep in AgForce's policy setting, the upcoming meeting in Emerald and the advisory committee and the role they play in AgForce. If you have enjoyed this episode, be su...

G'day and welcome to another episode of Yarns from the Paddock by AgForce Queensland. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the General President of AgForce Shane McCarthy and AgForce CEO Michael Guerin to Kick off the year ahead. If you have enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with friends and family. For more information, be sure to check out the AgForce website. Home  · AgForce · A...

G'day and welcome to another episode of Yarns from the Paddock by AgForce Queensland. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by the new General President of AgForce Shane McCarthy and AgForce CEO Michael Guerin to wrap up the year it has been. And what a year 2024 has been, in AgForce's 21st year it has certainly been one to remember. Throughout out the episode Shane and Mike will also loo...