The farm where we ate lunch on the final day of the IFAJ Congress is owned by Fritz and Maria Santschi-Schiefer in Sigriswil. I interviewed Maria and her daughter Martina who talked about their family farm operation and the challenges they face.
Peace, Love And Understanding At IFAJ
One of the best things about an IFAJ Congress is meeting agricultural journalists from other countries. There were representatives from at least 30 countries here!
Swiss Cheese Overload At IFAJ
We thought we’d had a cheese fest earlier at the IFAJ Congress but little did we know what was in store when we visited this farm for lunch on the final day. I didn’t count but I think we had at least 40 different kinds of cheese to choose from!
Senate Ag Committee High Tech Press Conference
This morning Senate Ag Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss, with the help of his very capable communications director, Keith Williams, held a technologically advanced press conference with farm reporters. Using a chat room for reporters to sign on and ask questions and a live internet audio feed, Senator Chambliss addressed a number of questions related to congressional activities in light of the hurricane disaster.
Staying Fit In Switzerland
One thing you notice wandering around Switzerland is that they don’t seem to have an “obesity problem.” I don’t even think they have a food pyramid or national governmental campaign to try to convince you that you should eat a balanced diet!
Fighting Cows of Switzerland
One day of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress was devoted to choosing a day long (7am to 11pm!) excursion to Swiss farm operations. You could choose between various areas that included mountains and valleys. More than one included Swiss dairy and cheese production.
Great Weather For Farm Progress Show
If I hadn’t been attending the IFAJ Congress last week I would have been at the 2005 Farm Progress Show. Thanks to Willie Vogt, Corporate Editorial Director, Farm Progress and Jacqui Fatka, E-content editor, I have this show followup report and pictures.
On Our Way Back To The U-S of A
No picture for this post. I’ve just got a few minutes of access time here in Zurich. It’s travel day home. Cindy and I had to hide out for 2 days and relax. We did some high mountain hiking and ate some great fondue in Lucerne.
What Do Swiss Non-Ag Journalists Think
For this week’s ZimmCast I interviewed Claudia Wirz, Neue Zuericher Zeitung, a journalist who covers ag stories for her publication. Claudia spoke at the IFAJ Congress yesterday about “The Media and Agriculture.” She was on the program right after Marcus Rediger and makes a comment in the interview about the consumer campaign that his organization conducts. Claudia was able to offer the group a very different perspective and one I think we needed to hear.
Cindy’s Comments From Switzerland
I’ve been trying to get Cindy to start writing on AgWired but she has found other ways to help out with content. However, on this IFAJ Congress trip she decided to at least write one article for me to post for her. In the picture you can see her in the little village where we had lunch yesterday. I’ll have more on that.