The Next Gen Ag Forum: Next Gen Panel with Mark Vass, John Board and Caitlyn Donaldson

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.In this episode, we bring you the closing keynote from the A Place to Call Home: Next-Gen Ag Forum — a powerful and deeply personal session from Kat Reed on Overcoming Obstacles.Kat’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and sheer determination. From navigating life’s toughest seasons to finding strength in the face of burnout, big decisions, and unexpected setbacks, she shares practical lessons and raw honesty that resonate with anyone in agriculture — and beyond.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.From succession and diversification to mental resilience and innovative farming practices, the conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, caring for the land, and leading the next generation.Featuring:Mark Vass – Fifth-generation cane farmer from Home Hill, passionate soil-health advocate, and diversified business owner.John Board – From diesel fitter to full-time farmer in Ingham, sharing raw, real insights on mental health and resilience in agriculture.Caitlyn Donaldson – Fifth-generation beef producer from Central QLD, championing sustainability and the role of women in family operations.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.Callan Solari brought a fresh and practical perspective to the Next-Gen Ag Forum, sharing insights from his work as a veterinarian on how the next generation of producers can lift animal health, welfare, and productivity standards.Callan shared stories from his veterinary practice that highlighted the difference between reactive and proactive management — and how small changes can deliver big long-term gains.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.Mark Westcott delivered a powerful and thought-provoking session on succession planning — not just as a business handover, but as a deeply personal and strategic process that shapes the future of families, farms, and communities.Drawing on years of experience in agribusiness, leadership, and mentoring, Mark explored how successful succession is built on open communication, clear expectations, and a shared vision between generations. He challenged attendees to approach succession not as a transaction, but as a journey that safeguards both relationships and the legacy of the land.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.The Thinking Outside the Box panel showcased four inspiring producers who have stepped away from traditional approaches to agriculture, building unique, profitable, and sustainable enterprises tailored to their passions and environments.Panel MembersJacob Wolki – Wolki FarmsKale & Karen Robinson – Goat Producers and former Butcher 2 Go owners.Kylie Stretton – Life on red HillRecording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.Jacob Wolki is a farmer, business owner, and innovator who’s built a reputation for challenging the status quo. In this engaging and thought-provoking session, Jacob shared how he has created diverse, vertically integrated enterprises — from livestock and market gardening to direct-to-consumer retail — all by reimagining what’s possible in agriculture.Jacob’s story is a reminder that the next generation of producers can design businesses that suit their lifestyle, values, and market — not just follow the conventional path.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville. This panel brought together:Andrew Cox – Generational Wealth Partners (Investing 101)Sam Spina – QRIDA (Loans & grants for producers)Alison Larard – Rural Financial Counselling Service (Tips & tricks for the next generation)Together they shared practical, no-nonsense advice on building strong financial foundations, seizing opportunities, and navigating challenges in agriculture.Whether you’re starting out or looking to level up your business, this session is full of valuable takeaways.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville. In this practical session, Andrew Cox from Generational Wealth Partners breaks down the fundamentals of investing for the next generation of agricultural producers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your financial strategy, Andrew’s talk provides a clear roadmap for building wealth and securing your future.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville. In this practical and motivating session, Alison Larard from Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) shares her top tips and tricks for the next generation of primary producers looking to build a successful and sustainable future.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville. In this practical and informative session, Sam Spina, Regional Area Manager for North Queensland at the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA). Sam shared his insights on how producers can access finance, grants, and support programs to grow their operations.With years of experience working alongside farmers and agribusinesses, Sam broke down the available options — from sustainability loans to disaster recovery support — and provided real-world examples of how these programs have helped primary producers across Queensland.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show