AgForce Queensland

13/04/2026

AgForce has welcomed the announcement that the Qld Productivity Commission will undertake an independent inquiry into the impacts of Federal environmental legislation on Qld.

The inquiry will examine how recent changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are affecting productivity, land management and investment certainty across key sectors, including agriculture and land valuations.

AgForce CEO Niki Ford said the inquiry was a timely opportunity to ensure Qld’s agricultural systems are properly understood and reflected in national environmental policy.

“Qld producers operate across diverse and highly managed landscapes—on both freehold and leasehold land—and are already working within comprehensive, outcomes-based state frameworks,” Ms Ford said.

“These systems are designed to deliver environmental outcomes alongside critical food production, and it is critical that federal settings recognise and align with that reality.”

Read more from our media release 👉 https://okt.to/bdYHtc

13/04/2026

📣 Member Webinar: EPBC Advocacy Update

Keep hearing about EPBC but not sure what the Federal Environmental Reforms actually means for you?

Get across the latest developments — what’s taking shape, and what it means on the ground.

With insights from AgForce EPBC Taskforce representatives:
✔️ Grant Maudsley – Chair, Vegetation Management Committee
✔️ Adam Armstrong – Cattle Board Director

A practical update, real context and the opportunity to ask questions.

🗓️ Thursday 16th April
⏰ 6:30pm (Qld time)
🔒 Member-only

Further information, including how to register for the webinar, will be sent to members via email, so keep an eye out!

Stay informed. Stay connected. Strengthen the voice of Queensland agriculture.

For more information about AgForce Membership 👉 https://okt.to/ga4WRV

13/04/2026

📣 Nominations for the 2026 Australian Agriculture Awards are now open!

The Australian Agriculture Awards honour farmers, agribusiness leaders, and industry professionals whose vision and dedication are shaping the future of this essential sector.

The awards are a joint initiative from Australia’s peak national body representing farmers, the National Farmers' Federation, and ACM Agri.

The award categories include:
🌱 Women in Agriculture
🌱 NextGen Agri Leaders
🌱 Sustainability in Agriculture
🌱 Innovation in Agriculture
🌱 Wellbeing and Safety in Agriculture

Finalists in each category will attend the state awards where winners will be announced before attending the national awards in Canberra in November 2026.

Nominations close August 2026.

Nominate here 🔗 https://okt.to/wle5k8

11/04/2026

📸Let The World See Them📸

Are you always capturing breathtaking photos? We're on a hunt for stunning snapshots to feature as our weekly cover photo. Post your pictures in the comments below to be in the running for this weeks cover photo.

***Please note pictures must be taken in landscape to fit the cover template.

By submitting a photo, you grant AgForce permission to use the image in various AgForce communications. Appropriate credit will be given to the person who submitted the photo.

11/04/2026

📣 Member Webinar: EPBC Advocacy Update

Keep hearing about EPBC but not sure what the Federal Environmental Reforms actually means for you?

Get across the latest developments — what’s taking shape, and what it means on the ground.

With insights from AgForce EPBC Taskforce representatives:
✔️ Grant Maudsley – Chair, Vegetation Management Committee
✔️ Adam Armstrong – Cattle Board Director

A practical update, real context and the opportunity to ask questions.

🗓️ Thursday 16th April
⏰ 6:30pm (Qld time)
🔒 Member-only

Further information, including how to register for the webinar, will be sent to members via email, so keep an eye out!

Stay informed. Stay connected. Strengthen the voice of Queensland agriculture.

For more information about AgForce Membership 👉 https://okt.to/6DkLNK

10/04/2026

🌱 Farmers needed: help build the next generation

The National Farmers' Federation is urging farmers to get involved in the AgCAREERSTART program, connecting young people with on-farm opportunities and helping tackle workforce shortages.

A great way to support the future of agriculture — and bring fresh talent into the sector.

👉 Read more: https://okt.to/bgTGFf

The AgCAREERSTART team is calling on farmers to sign-up to its popular gap-year program. The AgCAREERSTART program connects young people who are interested in an agricultural ‘gap-year’ with farmers who are looking to hire workers. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Hamish McInty...

09/04/2026

Disconnected tools lead to disconnected decisions.

Join AgriWebb and Cibo Labs for their upcoming webinar on Thursday 23 April at 12:30pm AEST, to see how integrated pasture monitoring and livestock data create a real-time view of your farm's productivity.

AgriWebb will be joined by a Qld customer using both AgriWebb and Cibo Labs to drive on-ground productivity. They will discuss how integrating remote pasture monitoring with digital livestock management provides a complete, 360-degree view of your operation.

Register now 👉 https://okt.to/3I9n5X

Can't make it live? Register anyway and they will send you a recording of the webinar.

08/04/2026

AgForce Platinum Partner, Toyota Australia has announced its first-ever battery-electric light-commercial vehicle. The HiLux BEV will be available for Australian customers in Q2 of 2026, priced from $74,990 plus on-road costs.

Read more 👉 https://okt.to/rn8i6z

08/04/2026

🐑 🐐 Support for sheep & goat producers

AgForce has welcomed Round Two of the Queensland eID Financial Assistance Package, helping producers transition to mandatory eID.

✅ $0.75 off approved eID tags
✅ 50% rebate (up to $1,600) on readers & equipment

This funding comes at a critical time, with AgForce Sheep, Wool and Goats President Boyd Webb saying “The second round of funding is well timed for the autumn lambing season and will help producers manage the cost of tags during a critical period.”

🗓️ Available until June 2027 (or until funding runs out).

🔗 Read our full media release: https://okt.to/2oqif4

🔗 More info: https://okt.to/gDcVRx

08/04/2026

Curious enough to challenge how things are done? Ready to think beyond your own gate? 🤔

Then consider applying for a 2027 Nuffield Australia Scholarship for the chance to help shape a resilient and profitable future for food and fibre production.

Apply before 8 May 2026.
👉 https://okt.to/yLsE8P

07/04/2026

🕊️ We mourn the passing of another great of industry, Noel Kennedy.

AgForce joins the agricultural community in recognising the significant contribution Noel made to the industry, particularly within the wool and livestock sectors.

AgForce General President Shane McCarthy reflected on Noel’s legacy:
“Noel was another icon of the agricultural industry especially the wool industry through the Wool Council and later the United Graziers Association. As a member of a wool growing family, growing up in Western Qld, we all knew who Noel Kennedy was and what he meant to the wool industry. I remember very early on hearing from my grandfather about one of our own looking after us and that he did.

I know the many battles he had on behalf of industry we are the better for today and we could all take a leaf out of his uncompromising advocacy on behalf of producers. As a president myself I know the territory that comes with such jobs and I tip my hat to Noel and his family for that. We are greater for his enormous contribution.”

AgForce member and long-time industry leader Don Heatly also paid tribute:
“I came to know Noel in the late 1970’s via the then Central & Northern Graziers Association, a Division of the United Graziers Association, now AgForce.

He was a tireless advocate for the cattle and sheep industries and was tough and uncompromising when confronted by policies he believed were at odds with the interests of the livestock producers he so competently represented.

Noel was unique in his ability to see issues from “both sides of the fence” and constantly offered solutions that advanced the pastoral industry and supported those who worked within it.

He was a man of strict principles, great vision and a wonderful mentor to those who were willing to represent the pastoral industry.”

Our thoughts are with Noel’s family, friends and colleagues.

07/04/2026

Lack of Fuel Supply and Critical Infrastructure Driving Cost Surge ⛽︎

In this week's AgForce column, Jane McMillan, AgForce North Regional President, talks about the current state of play in ag.

More 👉 https://okt.to/R4XIhG