Growing up on a sheep and cattle property near Bathurst, New South Wales, Mark Toole developed a love for agriculture long before it became his career. From working livestock and machinery alongside his family to exploring the Australian countryside on two wheels, the outdoors has always been where he feels most at home.
Now based in Far North Queensland, Mark brings almost 27 years of experience as a vocational trainer and assessor to the AgForce Training team. His role is simple, but incredibly rewarding: helping people build practical skills, confidence and safe work practices that they can take back to their farms and workplaces.
For Mark, agriculture has always been about more than producing food, it’s about the people, the land and the lessons learned along the way.
“Growing up on the family farm taught me respect for the land, a strong work ethic and the value of practical skills. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.”
When asked what he enjoys most about training, Mark doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s seeing that lightbulb moment. You can actually watch confidence replace uncertainty, and that’s what makes this job so rewarding.”
Whether he’s teaching motorcycle, side-by-side or quad bike operation, machinery skills or workplace safety, Mark’s focus is always on practical learning that gives participants the confidence to work safely and effectively.
His advice for anyone starting a career in agriculture is refreshingly simple.
“Never be afraid to ask questions. The people who’ve spent decades on the land usually have more wisdom than any textbook.”
Agriculture has also taught him one lesson he’ll never forget.
“You can prepare well and work hard, but you’ll always depend on things bigger than yourself. Agriculture teaches humility.”
Outside of training, you’ll most likely find Mark exploring regional Australia on his motorcycle. A passion he’s enjoyed for nearly five decades, clocking up more than two million kilometres on two wheels. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, meeting people from all walks of life and making the most of the outdoors.
When it comes to farm favourites, working dogs and especially Kelpies, take the prize.
“They’re incredibly intelligent, loyal and hardworking. Watching a good dog work stock is one of the great pleasures of farm life.”
And if you’re wondering whether he’s a tractor or ute person? It’s definitely a ute. Winter beats summer, campfires beat barbecues, boots beat Crocs, and while he grew up with both sheep and cattle, sheep still hold a special place in his heart.
As one of the newest members of the AgForce Training team, Mark is looking forward to travelling across Queensland, meeting producers and rural communities and delivering practical training that makes a real difference.
“I’m proud to be joining AgForce Training because it combines my lifelong connection to agriculture with my passion for helping people learn practical skills that make them safer, more capable and more confident.”
Quick Boots Snapshot
📍 Based: Cairns, Far North Queensland
🌾 Expertise: Practical skills training, motorcycles, side-by-side and quad bike operation, machinery operation, workplace safety and competency-based assessment.
⭐ Favourite part of the job: Watching people discover they’re capable of more than they first believed.
🐕 Farm favourite: Working dogs, especially Kelpies.
🏍 Fun fact: Mark has travelled more than two million kilometres on motorcycles over almost five decades.
☀️ Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise. “There’s something special about the promise of a new day, especially in the country.”