Recipients named for 2007 Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism award ( May 8, 2007 ) – Four aspiring International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) members from Europe and North America are this year’s recipients of the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award. The recipients are Goran Djakovic of Serbia , Clemmie Gleeson of Great Britain , Jiri Masek of the Czech Republic and Karli Flinta-Murphy of Canada . The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award will support their participation at the federation’s 51st annual congress, being held this year in Japan , September 17-23. “We are fortunate to have such talented young journalists in our member countries,” says IFAJ President David Markey of Ireland . “All the recipients are poised to become leaders in their guilds and in the federation.” The travel scholarship recognizes the leadership potential of young members from countries belonging to the federation. It encourages their involvement in the international organization by sponsoring them to attend the federation’s annual congress, where they will meet the world’s top agricultural journalists. The winners were nominated by their respective guilds and chosen by an international selection committee comprising Owen Roberts of Canada (chair), Hans Siemes of The Netherlands and Dana Vecerova of the Czech Republic . Professional development and education is a hallmark of the current IFAJ executive, with the federation constantly looking for new ways to educate its members. “The Alltech travel award is very important to our organisation’s development goals,” says Markey. “We appreciate Alltech’s commitment to the future of IFAJ, and to agricultural journalism and communications.” The award is sponsored by Alltech Biotechnology (www.alltech.com), a company based out of Lexington , Kentucky , U.S. focused on improving animal health and performance though nutritional needs. “Being an international company gives Alltech an insight to the worldwide market,” says Billy Frey, Alltech communications manager for North and Latin America . “We’re pleased to be able to help these young leaders enhance their global perspective, so they can develop the skills required of great reporters and communications professionals.” The winners will be introduced by Markey to delegates in Japan . After the conference, they will recount their experience in IFAJ News and on the IFAJ website, www.ifaj.org For more information, contact Owen Roberts in Guelph , Canada at 519-824-4120 Ext. 58278, or owen@uoguelph.ca. About the award sponsor, Alltech Biotechnology: Alltech is committed to improving animal health and performance by adding nutritional value to animal feed, enhancing the performance of the animal and increasing animal production. After more than 25 years in the animal health world, Alltech’s presence has grown into a global company with offices and distributors in 85 countries and more than 1,700 employees worldwide. Headquartered in the U.S. and with a European Bioscience Centre in Ireland , Alltech has developed a strong regional presence in North America , Europe , Middle East , Latin America and Asia-Pacific. It also has 14 production facilities strategically located throughout the world. About the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists: The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) is a non-political, professional association representing agricultural journalists in 33 countries. The federation supports and encourages the practice of agricultural journalism in countries embracing freedom of the press. One of IFAJ's mandates is to improve contact between agricultural journalists. To that end, the federation publishes IFAJ News, organizes an annual congress hosted by a member country's agricultural journalists' association, publishes a list of global contacts and offers access to a unique agricultural communications literature collection and information service, in partnership with the Agricultural Communications Documentation Center at the University of Illinois, U.S. BACKGROUND – AWARD RECIPIENTS Goran Djakovic ( Serbia ). After completing his PhD in agriculture, Goran began his career as a journalist in Serbia . In the past six years, Goran has made an international name for himself by publishing five science-based works appearing in world-class magazines. He currently is employed as a journalist for the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation and contributes to various agriculture publications including Poljoprivredni List, Moc Prirode in Serbia and Agrar in Germany . Goran is also the main editor for AGROZIV magazine. He is the vice-president of Agropress, a member of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists executive committee and a member of the International Society of Horticulture Scientists.   Jiri Masek (Czech Republic). Jiri has always felt a close connection with agriculture. Born and raised on a small farm, Jiri studied at the University of Agriculture in Prague where he received his master’s degree in agriculture mechanization. Just this past month, he finished his PhD, also at the University of Agriculture, and now works as an assistant professor. In his spare time Jiri enjoys working on his parent’s farm, and writing for five agricultural magazines and his local Czech Republic newspaper. All of these outlets allow Jiri to meet new people, learn new cultures and keep connected with world trends.   Clemmie Gleeson ( Great Britain ) . Clemmie is a regional correspondent for the weekly newspaper, Farmers Guardian, and a member of the United Kingdom ’s Guild of Agricultural Journalists. She started her journalism career in 1999 with a 12-month work placement with Farmers Guardian and Pig Farming magazine during her undergraduate studies at Harper Adams Agricultural College . After graduating with first-class honours Bachelor of Science she went on to study for a master’s degree and postgraduate journalism qualifications before joining WREN Media to write for its online journal New Agriculturist. She re-joined Farmers Guardian as its eastern region reporter in 2004.   Karli Flinta-Murphy (Canada). Karli graduated from Red River College's Creative Communications program in Canada where she majored in journalism. She is currently obtaining her B.A. in communications from the University of Winnipeg in Canada. Karli writes for Farm Business Communications (FBC), focusing on livestock, grazing, forages and rural issues. Previously, she edited FBC's magazines Diseases, Weeds and Insects and Canola Guide. Karli has a small purebred cattle herd and shows nationally. As president of the Canadian and Manitoba Charolais youth associations, she has had the opportunity to chair two national conferences. TOP