Paris Capell from Cobar is one of a new generation of leaders welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) to Canberra for three days early this month.

The 2025 National Agricultural Leadership Program (NALP) cohort shared their goals for agriculture with some of the country’s most influential politicians.

“It was such a fantastic opportunity for our cohort to go to Parliament House with the NFF,” Ms Capell said.

“Meeting with politicians gave a rare insight into how agricultural policy works in action.”

Supported by Telstra, the 2025 NALP cohort will now embark on their mentoring program, before graduating in August.

Ms Capell works with Local Land Services in Cobar as their Natural Capital Advisor, providing independent advice on carbon and biodiversity projects for landholders.

“In my role, I was finding that there was a big gap in federal policy about the rangelands,” she said.

“There is lots of programs about tree planting for waterways and koala protection, but we really haven't been getting much attention on issues in our region.

"I was looking for program where I could get traction on these issues.

"The National Ag Leadership Program came up as a really good opportunity to advocate for our region, so I applied.”

Ms Capell said she is now given six months to work on a policy to present to the NFF and all of their members, and if they're interested, they can take it further.

“We all got to meet in Canberra, and did a whole host of things like media training, looking at personality tests, speaking to leaders in federal departments, and visiting Parliament House, which was the highlight for me, personally,” she said.

NFF President David Jochinke said the NALP participants were a credit to the agricultural industry.

“The nine participants in this year’s program are brimming with enthusiasm, ideas and intellect,” Mr Jochinke said.

National Farmers' Federation president, David Jochinke said young people like Cobar's Paris Capell are a credit to the agricultural industry.

“It was a pleasure to introduce them to key politicians in Parliament House, show them around NFF House, and match them with their mentors.

"We’re so excited to watch these young industry professionals grow into powerful advocates for our industry.”

Ms Capell said the group will now meet once a month to talk about how they are all tracking.

“This is great because I've learned so much," she said.

"There was someone from Queensland Sugar, so I learned about the sugar industry and what they do, and also about issues the WA participants have with live sheep exports.

"These are things that haven't been on my periphery but are really important.

“I've been paired with the research manager from the Australian farm Institute, who will be really pivotal in me helping shape what my policy looks like.

" It's really great to have that one-on-one advice and the skills to help along the process.”

Ms Capell is juggling her policy preparations with working full time, and said she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It's really great,” she said.

“I’m in a role where I have direct contacts with landholders and get to go on site.

"I can ask people their opinions on things, and I feel a bit like I’m an extension role.

"I love the grassroots of it all.”