The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists continues to develop. Now they’ve got a part time secretary, Connie Siemes, Netherlands. The IFAJ has appointed Connie Siemes from The Netherlands as part-time secretary to assist the Presidium and the Executive Committee for two days a week. Eleven people from eight countries applied for the new position, which will involve providing a range …
New Media in Ag Journalism
The latest edition of the IFAJ E-News has some interesting information. Liz Kellaway is doing a great job with it and it’s got more information than ever. Here’s a couple of tidbits. 1. The last newsletter posed a member survey question, “What dangers do you face in your work as an agricultural journalist or editor?” Although not many responded here’s …
IFAJ Members Attend Alltech Symposium
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists has a contingent here at the Alltech Symposium in Lexington, KY. This evening we had a short reception before heading over to the Alltech Symposium International Dinner. With agriculture becoming such a global business it’s good to see “old friends” who are journalists from countries all over the world. I only wish I was …
Planning IFAJ/AMS 2009
The dedicated IFAJ/AMS planning committee is meeting early this morning to continue planning for the 2009 combined IFAJ Congress and Ag Media Summit. We’ve been reviewing the program and fine tuning things. Sponsorship packets are almost ready and will be published soon. For those of you who have been AMS sponsors, keep in mind that in 2009 we’re going to …
Win An IFAJ Star
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists now has entries open for their annual Star Prize for Agricultural Photography. There are some new categories this year including: best portrait, best landscape or nature photo and best production photo. Entries close May 1. The contest is sponsored by DeLaval and you can find out more on the IFAJ website or by contacting …
Are Ag Journalists in Danger?
The latest issue of the IFAJ newsletter contains an interesting survey. It’s really just one question, “What dangers do you face in your work as an agricultural journalist or editor?” The choices are: You may choose more than one answer. Failing to try new ideas Budget cuts Media convergence Losing journalistic integrity Freedom of expression Emergence of new media – …
Hey Pumpkin, Visit Austria/Slovenia
Yes, pumpkin. They’re big in the part of the world that this year’s IFAJ Congress is taking place. Two countries for the price of one. Listen to this week’s program to find out more. Cindy and I are hoping to attend this year and sample what Dr. Franz Fischler says are some of their exceptional wines. This morning I talked …
Get Ready For IFAJ Congress 2008
Let’s see an even bigger group of United States agricultural journalists and communicators at the 2008 Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. Next year it’s in Austria/Slovenia and the program looks like it will be great. Here’s the welcome message from the Congress President: I would like to invite you to the 52nd IFAJ Congress “From the mountains …
Dr. Franz Fischler Will Chair IFAJ Congress 2008
We may have just concluded one IFAJ Congress but it’s time to look forward to next year. The man in charge is former EU Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Franz Fischler. He’s chairing IFAJ 2008 and I met him in Japan. I found Dr. Fischler to be very easy to speak with. He’s got me convinced that Cindy and I should …
IFAJ Congress Wrapup Interviews
In this week’s ZimmCast you get to hear from Masaru Yamada, the main coordinator of the IFAJ Congress that just concluded and a number of the American delegates. Masaru is happy with how the event went and I don’t think he’s ready to do it again anytime soon. I can only imagine what it was like to conduct one of …