IFAJ Really Is International

Chuck Zimmerman

IFAJ MemberI know you’ve heard me say before how beneficial involvement is in IFAJ. Getting outside our little comfort zones when you’re reporting on a global industry is something that all agricultural journalists should take time to do.

Farm Shows, IFAJ, International

Blogging From Berlin

Chuck Zimmerman

Checkpoint Charlie BearI will find out the story behind Checkpoint Charlie Bear. He sits outside the Crowne Plaza Hotel here in Berlin city center. He certainly helps you know where you are.

I just got settled in to the hotel and thought I’d start off with a short video clip for you.

IFAJ, Video

Message From Mari

Chuck Zimmerman

IFAJ Congress 2006 Group ShotI just heard from Mari Bjørke, head of the organizing committee for this summer’s International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress in Norway. She sent along a bunch of photos too like this one featuring a bunch of us Americans.

Mari sent along a holiday message to all the IFAJ Congress participants.

In Hamar, Norway we have not got our snow yet, but are anyway hoping for white Christmas this year, too. Most of the people here are celebrating Christmas, that means we are soon having a week off just caring for family and friends and a lot of traditional good meals! Merry Christams and happy new year to all of you, and thank you for being such good guests last august!

IFAJ

Champion Cherry Seed Spitter

Chuck Zimmerman

World Champion Seed SpitterThis is what happens in Norway after you’ve been drinking too many shots of Aquavit. Why else would you have a Sweet Cherry Pit Spitting Contest? I mentioned this while I was attending the IFAJ Congress but didn’t know who won. Thanks to alert reader, Monique van Hal – Maas from the Netherlands she pointed me to the details from the IFAJ website.

IFAJ