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