25 May 2026
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has announced that Jo Sheppard will step down as CEO from mid-July 2026.
Ms Sheppard has led QFF since February 2022, overseeing a period of growth and organisational maturity, underlined by a constant focus on aligning QFF’s operations across projects and policy with the priorities of its peak body members, including CANEGROWERS, Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers, eastAUSmilk and Greenlife Industry Queensland.
Ms Sheppard will be taking on a new opportunity as CEO of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE).
QFF President Aaron Kiely thanked Ms Sheppard for her commitment to QFF and its members during her tenure as CEO.
“Jo has provided extraordinary leadership at QFF over the past four and a half years, driving significant growth across QFF’s team, expanding our capacity to service our member’s needs, formalising systems and processes and building our organisational brand and influence – all of which leaves QFF in an incredibly strong position to continue to advance Queensland agriculture into the future,” Mr Kiely said.
“While it is sad to see Jo go, it is great to know that she will remain in the QFF network as a Corporate Partner at TSBE, where we look forward to continuing to work on joint advocacy issues together.”
“Personally, and on behalf of our Board and Council, I wish to thank Jo for her tireless commitment to the organisation, our members and Queensland agriculture more broadly. Jo’s clarity of purpose, visionary leadership and aptitude to think strategically whilst simultaneously rolling her sleeves up to do the hard yards and the leg work required, has left a lasting mark on QFF and a legacy that will continue to serve the organisation, our members and the sector for years to come. We wish her all the best going forward,” Mr Kiely said.
Ms Sheppard said that QFF is an exceptional and unique organisation that is well placed to continue to play a critical leadership role in the future of agriculture in Queensland.
“I am proud of what QFF has achieved during my tenure as CEO, but it has been a team effort. We have successfully built a culture where people and organisations genuinely want to work together for the good of Queensland agriculture.”
“And together, we have secured significant policy outcomes and managed projects that deliver tangible benefits to farmers across the state in a range of priority areas including workforce, disaster recovery, energy, water, environment and biosecurity,” Ms Sheppard said.
“I give my thanks to the ‘team’ which has included the QFF President and Board, our peak body members, corporate partners and key stakeholders. A special thank you to the QFF staff team – what an incredible group of skilled, committed and passionate professionals, who have been an absolute pleasure to work alongside – thank you.”
“Our peak industry body members, corporate partners and key stakeholders can be confident that QFF will continue to operate with a clear focus on achieving results that drive forward the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their members and their regional communities.”
QFF will begin the CEO recruitment process this week and encourages suitably qualified candidates who feel they have what it takes to lead QFF through its next chapter to apply.
Media contact:
Jak Kirwin
General Manager, Marketing and Communications, QFF
E: comms@qff.org.au
M: 0488 305 106