By Katie Knapp, International Committee Chair and ACN Board Member
Would you like to go to Switzerland this summer, learn more about agriculture from a global perspective, AND level up your leadership skills? If so and you are 35 or younger as of December 31, 2024, please consider applying for the International Federation of Agricultural Journalist’s Young Leaders program sponsored by Alltech ahead of this summer’s IFAJ Congress.
Applications are due February 15. You will need to answer a few long-form questions and provide work samples and a recommendation letter.
ACN will then nominate the applicant with the best qualifications to compete against those from other IFAJ guilds for one of 10 spots. The ten Young Leaders come together ahead of IFAJ Congress with Master Class individuals for a two-day Boot Camp. Participants learn leadership and communication skills while also touring area farms. More information is available here.
Boot Camp will be August 11-13, 2024, in Wilderswil, Switzerland, and Congress will be August 14-18, 2024, in Interlaken, Switzerland. If chosen as the Young Leader representing the United States, your registration fee for Boot Camp and Congress, lodging, and meals will be covered by the award. A PIF grant will also be given to cover most of your travel costs.
The Ag Communicators Network has had many members earn this honor and find great benefit from the program in the past. Betty Haynes participated most recently. She says, “If you’re wondering if applying to the Young Leader program is your next move – the answer is yes, without a doubt. Participating in the IFAJ Young Leader program has been a highlight of my professional career and an opportunity I’ll never forget. It’s hard to put a price on taking top-notch ag tours, learning from some of the world’s best ag journalists, and developing lifelong friendships.”
Betty also wrote about her trip last summer.
Please reach out to any recent recipient with questions.
2023 – Betty Haynes, Canada
Betty Haynes (right) enjoyed a tasting flight with fellow Young Leaders during a distillery tour as part of the 2023 IFAJ/Alltech Boot Camp.
2022 – Megan Schilling, Denmark
2021 – Wyatt Bechtel, virtual
2020 – N/A (COVID)
2019 – Kasey Brown, USA
2018 – Katie Knapp, Netherlands
2017 – Jessie Scott, South Africa
2016 – Sarah Hill, Germany
2015 – Candace Weeda, New Zealand