Practical ag training for the here and now
AgForce Training was established in partnership with AgForce Queensland Farmers to provide current, practical and real-world training solutions to the ag sector. We are passionate about enabling individuals to build a strong career on the land, and helping producers and employers to upskill and retain their staff for a more productive and profitable business. Through AgForce’s extensive member reach and collective voice, we are committed to responding to industry workforce needs across safety, operations, technology, digital literacy, leadership and well-being.
Farm Essentials
Our Farm Essentials Training is a non-accredited, hands-on series of workshops spanning 4 days, created in close collaboration with industry professionals. This ensures that the training is not only practical but also directly applicable to your farm’s daily operations.
Meet the Trainers
Mo Pedersen
Mo is an accomplished agricultural trainer and manager with extensive experience in livestock, machinery, and vocational education and training (VET).
Residing in Malanda, Queensland, Mo has built a distinguished career, showcasing his multifaceted expertise and leadership skills. He started delivering VET in schools from 1995
Currently, Mo serves as a Specialist Trainer at AgForce Training, where he develops and delivers accredited and non-accredited training programs, ensuring compliance with VET sector legislation. He has a proven track record of fostering academic growth, creating innovative curricula, and cultivating strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Previously, Mo worked as a Senior Agriculture Teacher at TAFE as well as the Northern Manager and Senior Instructor at Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges, managing teams and large-scale training contracts across North Queensland until the institution’s closure in 2019.
Mo also owns and manages Fassifern Limousin and Droughtmaster Stud, where his expertise in breeding and showing quality cattle stands out. His leadership and management skills extend to operating financial records, herd health, and farm maintenance, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical agricultural principles.
With a robust educational background, Mo holds a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Ruminant Reproduction from James Cook University, along with a Bachelor of Science from Griffith University.
His notable achievements and comprehensive skill set make Mo Pedersen a respected figure in agricultural training and management, significantly impacting the Queensland agricultural education sector.
Patrick O’Connor
Pat O’Connor is an accomplished educator and fourth-generation farmer with extensive experience in both teaching and hands-on agricultural practices. As a Trainer and Assessor at AgForce Training, Pat brings a unique blend of educational expertise and practical farming knowledge to drive innovation and leadership in the agribusiness sector.
With a Bachelor of Physical Education from the Australian College of Physical Education and numerous certifications, including a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Certificate II in Rural Operations, Pat is well-equipped to deliver high-quality training. His professional journey includes roles as a teacher at Toogoolawah State High School, a lecturer at the Australian Catholic University, and various coaching positions in rugby union.
Pat’s practical experience is further enriched by his participation in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Mentee Program and the T2T Pilot Program for McDonald’s supply chain, where he focused on improving on-farm sustainability practices.
His dedication to the agricultural community and his commitment to fostering positive educational outcomes make him a valuable asset to AgForce Training.
Pat’s professional rugby union career, including stints with the NSW Waratahs and Western Force, has honed his leadership and teamwork skills, which he seamlessly integrates into his training methodologies. Pat O’Connor’s blend of academic knowledge, practical farming experience, and leadership abilities positions him as a leading trainer dedicated to advancing agribusiness ventures through education and sustainable practices.