Yarns From the Paddock Podcast by AgForce Queensland

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 drought...

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 Ac...

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, h...

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 produ...

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 glo...

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 empha...

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 signific...

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...

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 emph...

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 Locusts in Queensland – FutureBeef<...

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 transformation
• Navigating change in a...

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 Chair of Farm Safe Australia

Tog...

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 compliance without the right tools, s...

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 Eradication Program, Ken brings deep insight...

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 into the future of ag and carbon mark...

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 holding producers back
• Entry-level pract...

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 producers can start without getting ove...

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’t just an imposition—it could be a real ...

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 initiatives and challenges. The...