7 July 2023. Last updated 21 April 2026.
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Yarns from the Paddock is an agriculture podcast proudly brought to you by AgForce Queensland, shining a spotlight on the issues, challenges and opportunities shaping Australia agricultural industry. Presented fortnightly by AgForce members Sam Fryer and Robbie Bolton, the podcast features insightful conversations with industry leaders and voices from across the sector. Each episode shares practical knowledge, diverse perspectives and the good news stories that matter to agriculture today.
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Or see our episodes below:
2026 episodes
Episode 53
Discover the origins of AgForce in this Yarns from the Paddock episode, as host Sam Fryer speaks with Janice Tressler. Janice reflects on drought, advocacy, and the merger shaping AgForce today, sharing personal stories of resilience, leadership, and purpose. Listen to the full podcast and explore Queensland’s agricultural history further.
Episode 52
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (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.
Episode 51
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.
2025 episodes
Episode 50
In this final episode of Yarns from the Paddock for 2025, Sam is joined by AgForce General President, Shane McCarthy and Vice President and Grains President, Brendan Taylor to unpack a massive year for Queensland agriculture.
Episode 49
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 AgForce 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.
Episode 48
In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, Sam Fryer chats with Lloyd Hick, AgForce Cattle President, and Dan Counsell, AgForce Cattle Policy Director about the future of beef trade. 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.
Episode 47
In this episode of Yarns from the Paddock, 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.
Episode 46
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.
Episode 45
In this episode, 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.
Episode 44
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.
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