Spreading the word about opportunities in agriculture at Ekka 2026

6 July 2026. Tanya Nagle, Director Education & Strategic Program

What would EKKA be without strawberries and ice cream, without the rides, the showbags. And what would it be without AgForce and its primary producers? Each year, our stand on site at the RNA showgrounds has thousands of visitors of all ages stop by to learn about where their food and fibre is produced. We see it as a valuable opportunity. And that’s where our members come in.

At AgForce we believe no one can tell the story of Queensland agriculture better than the people who live it every day. Our farmers. And there are so many personal, inspirational stories to tell about our world leading production system and the food and fibre we produce for our own population and for export. Our grain, our sugarcane, our cattle, sheep and goats are what sustain us all. When producers tell their own stories, people listen. Sharing our experiences builds trust, strengthens understanding and reminds Australians of the essential role agriculture plays in all of our lives. One simple conversation can change the way someone thinks about agriculture. Talking about what we do helps protect our industry in difficult times.

Volunteering in Ag Hall at the Royal Queensland Show gives our members the chance to bridge the gap between city and country, to showcase the labour and love involved in agricultural production. As we know, farmers are early adaptors of the latest technology. They’re innovators, environmentalists, business owners and community leaders and they volunteer their time throughout the show to connect with thousands of visitors.

AgForce is advocating for farmers on a range of issues, which leaves plenty of opportunity for discussion. Everything from the impact of reforms to the Environment, Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act, biosecurity, the Critical Minerals Act, the Sugar Code, flood relief and Condamine Alluvium to name just a few. It’s been a tough year for those on the land in Queensland thanks to natural disasters and the fuel and fertiliser crisis of the past few months. The EKKA is another opportunity to share the importance of life on the land with the next generation and those who may be unaware of how agriculture touches on all of our lives.

EKKA is also an opportunity to inspire the next generation. Every year we meet young people who are surprised by the diversity of careers available in agriculture. From farming and livestock production through to science, technology, engineering, research, logistics, agribusiness and marketing, agriculture offers exciting career pathways for people with a wide range of interests and skills. If one conversation at EKKA encourages a young person to consider a future in our industry, we’ve achieved something really worthwhile.

I’d encourage our members to consider volunteering in Ag Hall this year. Your story is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people understand modern agriculture. Every conversation helps build trust, strengthen community connections and inspire the next generation of producers and agricultural professionals. Because every family needs a farmer, and every Australian benefits from a strong, sustainable agricultural industry. Together, we can ensure Queensland agriculture continues to have a strong voice-one conversation at a time.