Canadian Farm Writers' Federation

  • Home
  • Canadian Farm Writers' Federation

Canadian Farm Writers' Federation Professional organization for Canada's agricultural journalists, writers, editors, broadcasters, etc.

The Canadian Farm Writers' Federation (CFWF) serves the common interests of agricultural journalists, including reporters, editors and broadcasters as well as those in business and government whose primary responsibility is agricultural communications.

08/05/2025

Most of you know me as CFWF Sec-Treas. forever but I'm also publisher of our local newspaper, The Gleaner. We're looking for an Agri-Food Reporter to join the team for an exciting initiative to create a bi-weekly agri-food section in The Gleaner (print & website), and a “Farm & Food Show” podcast.

We are looking for someone with good writing, reporting and interpersonal skills; self-organized, well-versed in using digital tools and software, capable of working from home, on site (farms!) and as part of a team. Bilingual, knowledge of the agri-food sector and a good radio voice will be considered additional assets.

The candidate will work from home but must have a vehicle to travel to locations around the Chateauguay Valley (therefore located in proximity to south-west Quebec). This is a one-year contract position with a good possibility of renewal.

Please email your letter of application and CV by May 24, 2025 [email protected]

Thanks
Hugh Maynard

Registration is open! Who is going to IFAJ 2025 in Kenya??IFAJ
02/05/2025

Registration is open! Who is going to IFAJ 2025 in Kenya??
IFAJ

The IFAJ Congress 2025 is the premier global gathering for agricultural journalists, media professionals, and agribusiness experts. Hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, this international conference covers agricultural journalism, media innovation, and food security reporting. Join top journalists worldwide fo...

13/03/2025

Job offer: Communications Officer, 4-H Canada
Position type: 12-m contract, full-time
Location: Ottawa, ON or remote
Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer

Summary
Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Communications Officer will lead the ex*****on of communications initiatives across all channels to enhance the 4-H identity as one of Canada’s leading positive youth development organizations.

The successful candidate will have very strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines, all the while collaborating with colleagues and contributing to a positive team environment. Working closely with the Programs and Sponsorship teams, the Communications Officer will be a valuable resource to all departments, staff, and stakeholders, providing a communications lens on all projects, initiatives, campaigns, and events across the organization.

Responsibilities
• Leading and executing external communications across all channels – email campaigns, e-newsletters, social media, and website – in support of the organization and various programs and initiatives.
• Creating content that adheres to the brand and supports national strategic direction.
• Work with the Board of Directors, Foundation trustees and 4-H Canada staff to coordinate and execute the organization’s Annual General Meetings.
• Liaising with corporate partners and external stakeholders to ensure communications deliverables are executed according to partnership agreements.
• Overseeing website management to ensure all content remains up-to-date and high quality.
• Liaising with external translators, designers, printers, and other services to meet the design, printing, and publishing needs of the organization.
• Representing 4-H in a positive manner during any internal and external opportunities and assignments.
• Performing any other duties as required by the Chief Marketing Officer or Chief Executive Officer.

Required Qualifications
• Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Very strong writing and editing skills, and knowledge of CP Style.
• Advanced knowledge of office and communications software, including MS Office Suite, Constant Contact, Canva, and Sprout Social.
• Self-directed work ethic, with demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced team.
• Strong attention to detail, and a high degree of efficiency and accuracy.
• High level of integrity and consistent professionalism at all times, ensuring that 4-H Canada is portrayed in a positive manner.
• Work from home, occasional meetings at head office in Ottawa; ability to work a flexible schedule and travel occasionally.
• Positive attitude and desire to improve and work in a team environment.
• Ability to provide a clear criminal background check.
Preferred Skills
• Graphic design skills considered an asset.
• Bilingualism strongly preferred.

Salary range is $55,000 - $60,000 per annum.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] by 6PM EST, Sunday, March 30, 2025.

19/02/2025

Dear CFWF Members,
I am thrilled to announce that the CFWF board has welcomed Annemarie Pedersen as the managing director of CFWF, effective Feb. 1, 2025.

Annemarie is well-know to many of us as a longtime member of the Alberta Farm Writers’ Association and a co-chair of the 2023 congress of International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ (IFAJ) in Calgary. She has a long history in the farm writing community, which we feel is an excellent asset to our federation.

Annemarie is, in essence, taking over the role of the CFWF secretariat, previously held by CFWF Secretary/Treasurer Hugh Maynard. Hugh is trying hard to retire, so we’ve been working to find the right replacement for him. We’re excited to have Annemarie onboard!

The weeks ahead are focused on the transition of CFWF internal workings to Annemarie, and in the short-term, we will circulate news about upcoming CFWF events – from details about professional development sessions throughout the year and conference details to strategic plans to set our federation on a solid path to our future.

Best wishes for a happy and successful 2025,

Allison Finnamore
CFWF President

Some of our veteran members may remember Jack Gilliland, who was a true friend of many agricultural organizations, inclu...
13/11/2024

Some of our veteran members may remember Jack Gilliland, who was a true friend of many agricultural organizations, including CFWF. Jack passed away earlier this week.

In his senior marketing position at John Deere, Jack supported many events and programs. CFWF Treasurer Hugh Maynard recalls that for several years, when Jack was in charge, sponsorship by John Deere for the opening reception at the annual CFWF conference was approved before we even asked.

On November 11th, 2024, we said good-bye to our much-loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, at the age of 87 years. Jack follows home Joan, his wife of over 64 years, who passed away in July of this year.

Robert Irwin and Don Stoneman receive CFWF Lifetime Achievement AwardsHalifax, Nova Scotia – October 7, 2024 – At the an...
07/10/2024

Robert Irwin and Don Stoneman receive CFWF Lifetime Achievement Awards

Halifax, Nova Scotia – October 7, 2024 – At the annual conference of the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation (CFWF) in Halifax on Saturday, Ontario agricultural journalists Robert Irwin of Vankleek Hill and Don Stoneman of Bancroft were presented with CFWF Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The pair have had careers, achievements and contributions to Canadian agricultural journalism that have been intertwined since they met as colleagues working at Farm & Country magazine in the late 1980s. When that publication folded in 1999, a group of its employees quickly regrouped, producing the first edition of Better Farming magazine only four months later.

Irwin and Stoneman developed a reputation for leading a team of strong, investigative journalists that covered stories across the spectrum including farm animal welfare, stray voltage and its effects on livestock, the Ontario government’s decision to end the Slots at Racetrack program, the role of women in farming, neonicotinoids, sewage spills and bypasses from urban sources and more. They also covered farmer mental health issues years before it was given a place of prominence in mainstream farm discussions. Among the magazine’s best known pieces was a series on Lyme disease that won both national and international awards.

In 2007, they broke the story that later became known as the ‘Pigeon King’ scheme with coverage containing more than 50 stories as the issue was first publicized, charges laid and through the court case. In years since, it has been used as the basis for both a play and a feature on CBC’s Farm Crime series.

Former colleague Mary Baxter said, “They worked hard to uphold the principles of good, investigative journalism and they gave their staff the chance to dig deep into really important issues.”

The nomination was submitted by Kelly Daynard, Bernard Tobin and John Muggeridge, all members of the Eastern Canada Farm Writers’ Association with letters of support submitted by Baxter and other agricultural journalists and communications professionals from across the country. The award was co-presented to the recipients by Kelly Daynard and CFWF president Allison Finnamore.

For further information:

Allison Finnamore, President, CFWF (506)-863-8797; [email protected]

Robert Irwin: [email protected]

Don Stoneman: [email protected]
-30-


ABOUT CFWF:

The Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation (CFWF) serves the common interests of agricultural journalists, including reporters, editors and broadcasters as well as those in business and government whose primary responsibility is agricultural communications.

CFWF History: the Senators’ Report being delivered by a female Senator, Crystal Jorgensen (caught mid-sentence).
05/10/2024

CFWF History: the Senators’ Report being delivered by a female Senator, Crystal Jorgensen (caught mid-sentence).

Shoutout to Bayer Crop Science Canada for sponsoring the   dinner at   in Halifax! Thank you.
04/10/2024

Shoutout to Bayer Crop Science Canada for sponsoring the dinner at in Halifax! Thank you.

Tour Day at   - Tour 2 is in Truro area, with a stop at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus. This is part of their tropical an...
04/10/2024

Tour Day at - Tour 2 is in Truro area, with a stop at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus. This is part of their tropical and subtropical greenhouse.

Tour Day at   is on the go! Bus 1 is in the Annapolis Valley, with a stop at Avon Valley Floral. They annually produce $...
04/10/2024

Tour Day at is on the go! Bus 1 is in the Annapolis Valley, with a stop at Avon Valley Floral. They annually produce $10 million of vegetable transplants, value-
added plants and hanging baskets for Costco, Walmart, Kent and other box store customers.

29/09/2024

Are you ready for CFWF 2024 in Halifax? We're ready for you! Check out our conference FAQ and refined agenda: https://www.acfwa.ca/ See you soon!

03/09/2024

Looking for a roommate for CFWF 2024 in Halifax (Oct. 3-5)? Email Wayne at [email protected] and he'll send you the link to the Google Sheet to help facilitate matches.

Address


Telephone

+18777826456

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Canadian Farm Writers' Federation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Canadian Farm Writers' Federation:

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share

About the CFWF

We offer:

- Regional, national and international membership - Access to webinars and professional development sessions - Opportunties for national and international farm media tours - Recognition of your excellence in journalism - Written critique of your award entries to allow for self improvement - Access to a great forum for career opportunities