It’s not too early to look ahead to the 2012 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress which will take place in Sweden. It’s on my calendar. If you need some assistance going, one option is for AAEA members to apply for a professional development stipend. Another is for young agricultural communicators to apply for an IFAJ-Alltech Young Leader Award. AAEA …
Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists Commemorates 50 Years
The Irish Guild of Agricultural Journalists has just released a 50th Anniversary document (pdf) that includes historical information and photos. Here are a couple of samples: In 1961 we had a visit from John Hayhurst, President of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists, London. He was editor of a weekly called The Smallholder. He was exploring Ireland’s potential for membership. He …
Deadline Moved Up For IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Award
Calling on future young leaders in agricultural journalism. The deadline for the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism award is being moved to March 1, 2012. Previously, the deadline had been set at April 15, 2012. The change was made to allow award winners time to make travel plans as economically as possible. “Travel is becoming increasingly complicated and expensive,” …
Canadian Wine Tasting
One of my tour stops during the 2011 IFAJ Congress was Jackson Triggs Vintners. We had an excellent lunch and wine tasting that included some of their icewine. One of the take-aways was that Canada produces more than just good ice wine. We had a nice red and white wine during our sampling. Following lunch we toured the wine making …
Canadian Agriculture 101
While attending the 2011 IFAJ Congress one of our panel discussions was titled, “Canadian Agriculture 101.” First up was Jack Wilkinson, farm community leader and member of the Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame, pictured at the podium along with Richard Doyle, Executive Director, Dairy Farmers of Canada and President, International Dairy Federation and Jay Bradshaw, Syngenta Canada. I thought I’d …
IFAJ Congress Review
At the beginning of the 2011 IFAJ Congress we heard a preview from Owen Roberts, Co-Chair of the event. Now we’re going to get a look back from Lilian Schaer, the other Co-Chair. In the photo both Lilian and Owen were thanked during our closing ceremonies and received gifts for all their hard work. Of course, they point to all …
Canadian Cooperative Thriving With Dry Beans & Edible Soybeans
Hensall District Co-operative welcomed IFAJ members last week. Here’s CEO, Earl Wagner, who gave us an overview of the various business units of the co-operative. Before we settled in for his presentation and a tour of the facilities in Hensall, ON, we were treated to a variety of foods made with their products. They are known for their dry beans …
IFAJ Visits Claynook Farms
IFAJ members learned about the dairy business in Canada this week right on the farm. In this case we were at Claynook Farms visiting with Wayne and Dennis Wagler. The conversation with the dairy operators covered just about every topic you could imagine from genetics to marketing. I recorded part of a conversation with reporters in which I asked about …
IFAJ Video
Thanks to Bruce Sargent, Farm Boy Productions, for putting together a great video that captures the essence of the 2011 IFAJ Congress. 2011 IFAJ Congress Photo Album
IFAJ Congress Concludes With GMO’s
The 2011 IFAJ Congress has concluded but I will have a lot more to share over the coming days. It’s late in Niagra Falls, ON, Canada. The GMO’s took to the stage tonight for our final entertainment after a concluding banquet with lots of awards. Photos are in the process of uploading which will finish my photo album from this …