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 …
It Feels Good To Be Home
At least for a few hours. Once upon a time gunslingers notched their pistol for fights they’d won. Agribloggers just add another lanyard/name badge to the stack. These are actually just from the last year or so since I start it over once the trophy I’ve got it hanging from falls off the book shelf. Now it’s got a 2007 …
Americans in Japan at IFAJ
Here’s a fine looking group of Americans don’t you think? We numbered 17 of the total in attendance. Maybe next year some more U. S. ag journalists will attend the IFAJ Congress? I interviewed the chairman, Franz Fischler, former Ag Commissioner for the EU and will be posting that later. He provides an overview of what we can expect and …
Passing the IFAJ Flag
The IFAJ Congress is over and we’re about to head on out for the long trek home. Here’s the ceremonial passing of the IFAJ flag from the Japanese to the Austrians. Our events yesterday were held in different locations without me being able to get online again. So, I’ll be working up some posts with interviews and some video clips …
Final Day in Sendai
Today we had a free morning to shop or just plain relax here in Sendai. Our IFAJ Congress is coming to a close with tonight’s final reception. I’ll have some more posting to do which might have to wait until I’m home. Tomorrow is a travel day. The photo album is up to date though. This afternoon we were bussed …
IFAJ Arts and Crafts
Here is our group from the United States at the IFAJ Congress in the lobby of the Sendai Excel Hotel doing some arts and crafts. We were preparing our bottle opener presents to be given out to the group in preparation for our hosting of the 2009 Congress in Fort Worth, Texas. They are very nice boot-shaped openers with tags …