Two journalists from Australia and South Africa are the first recipients of the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award. The new travel scholarship recognizes the leadership potential of young members from countries belonging to the IFAJ. It encourages their involvement in the international organization by sponsoring their participation at the Federation's annual congress. Adrienne Francis, a radio reporter with the Australian Broadcasting Commission, based in Darwin, and Gavin Grobbelaar, from the South African farm magazine, Farmers Weekly, will be going to Norway later this month for the Federation's 50th annual event. To find out more about the award and the winners click here.

The University of Guelph in Canada has officially launched North America's first open learning agricultural communications diploma program, due to start in September. Sponsored by the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), it combines technical skills and applied theory in journalism, communications and public relations, with a focus on issues specific to the agri-food and environmental sectors. An international panel of instructors and coaches will lead students through a series of web-based courses designed to enhance knowledge and applied skills in communications theory and practice. Being web-based, there is also potential to bring in students from anywhere in the world.

The Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Great Britain staged a special conference at the country's premier farming event, the Royal Show, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, in early July. Focusing on animal health, the conference attracted top livestock farmers and animal welfare experts as speakers, chaired by Guild president Baroness Hazel Byford. The Guild also staged its annual media awards evening during the show, and was involved in presenting the Pinnacle Award for the college or university student who is judged to have submitted the 'best' practically-based management project as part of their academic year. To find out about the winners click here.

Editing came out on top as the most sought after skills area in which members would like training as part of the IFAJ professional development program, according to a recent survey. The survey was instigated by the IFAJ's Professional Development and Education Committee to guide planning for future services. Outside of journalism, more than half the survey's respondents also expressed high interest in topics such as strategic communications planning, professional ethics and journalism in rural development. Face-to-face is the most preferred delivery method for professional development sessions held at a national level. To read more about the survey click here.