Yarns From the Paddock Podcast by AgForce Queensland

The Rise & Decline of AgForce Membership with Janice Tressler – Part 2

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 [https://www.agforceqld.org.au]

The Story Behind AgForce: How It All Began with Janice Tressler

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 [https://www.agforceqld.org.au]

EPBC Reforms Explained: What Producers Need to Know with Josefine Pettersson and Adam Armstrong

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

Inside AgForce’s New Restructure: What It Means for Producers with AgForce CEO Niki Ford

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 [https://www.agforceqld.org.au]

Yarns from the Paddock: 2025 in Review with Shane McCarthy & Brendan Taylor

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 [https://www.agforceqld.org.au/]