Pre-promotion for the 2017 Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists is moving quicker than normal. That’s because the Congress will be in South Africa April 2-7 next year. The Congress website will be live soon

The congress will start just north of Pretoria at Kievit’s Kroon on 2 April 2017 in Gauteng with newsworthy and informative discussions and presentations that should spark debate and enlighten journalists on pressing issues in the South African agricultural sector.This will be followed by tours in the northern summer rainfall area where the focus will be on game farming,crop production and cattle ranching. South Africa has 9 600 private game ranches on 20,5 million ha.Maize, soya beans and sunflower is produced in higher rainfall areas, whilst stock farming can be found in the more arid bushveld region as well as in mixed operations across the region.The second part of the congress will be organised in the Western Cape’s winter rainfall area where the focus will be on wine,citrus and deciduous fruit production.The congress will conclude on the Friday evening with a formal dinner.

I still have some stories to share from this year’s Congress in Germany but look forward to this opportunity to expand my horizons and knowledge next year. I hope you’ll consider coming along.