-Delegates from over 26 countries met Sunday evening, July 19, at Miller Park for the International Farm Management Association Congress picnic.

This is only the second time the Congress has been held in the U.S., and at the opening picnic, delegates from South Africa to Ireland were able to experience a Midwest American meal.

Good food followed with good conversation. Lindsay Jarvis, an Australian dairy farmer from Victoria, Australia explained “The dinner and upcoming events provide an opportunity to talk to people all around the world from Ethiopia to Canada.”

In these tough economic times and a world threatened by climate change, Jarvis emphasized the dialogue between the 26 countries is critical to meeting the challenges of the industry.

“This conference is one focusing on the future,” Jarvis added.

Having attended seven previous conferences, Jarvis is a veteran of IFMA. However, the location of the Congress offers the chance for local agriculture professionals to have the international experience.

John Croft of Soy Capital Ag Services, who is attending his first Congress, said the week will allow him to gauge the attitudes and opinions of his colleagues from around the world.

“It gives you an idea of what its like in other parts of the world…I can get a perspective from all over the world rather than having to travel to all 26 countries,” Croft said.

Following dinner, the evening concluded with fireworks.

IFMA runs July 19 through July 24 at Illinois State University. For a review of the complete itinerary, visit: http://www.ifma17.org.

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