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The next deadline for The Nib is October 15, 2022

Submission of Information to be Included: Please send any information you wish to have included in an edition of the Nib to secretarytreasurer@ecfwa.ca. Eligible information includes: Niblets (updates on personal accomplishments of members - ie. new job, marriage, child, etc.), summary of ECFWA affiliated event, job postings, upcoming ECFWA affiliated event, other relevant upcoming professional development opportunities, etc.

The most recent edition of the Nib is printed in its entirety below.
Past editions are available by clicking on the links.

In this edition

Prez says
ECFWA bursary to CFWF conference
Upcoming events
ECFWA Photo Contest
2022 AGM recap
IFAJ congress
New members
Niblets

Prez says

Strange days indeed.

I’m sure we can all agree with that lyric, one way or another. Perhaps it’s worth reiterating, though, that strange does not necessarily mean bad – just interesting. Over the coming months, the ECFWA board hopes to contribute to these interesting times in positive ways.

In fact, there are already things to look forward to.

First, I’d like to thank our board members. This year features some returning faces, as well as many new ones. Your commitments in time, energy, and ideas are what drive this organization through good and challenging times, and the coming year should provide ample opportunity to foster a positive membership experience.

Second, let’s not forget about the upcoming CFWF conference in Regina from September 29 to October 1. It’s the first national, in-person farm writer conference since 2019, and is sure to feature a wide range of professional development and networking opportunities. These conferences are always compelling, eye-opening experiences, and I’d encourage all interested to give attendance some serious thought.

As we continue navigating tumultuous world events, the ECFWA board is striving to bring valuable events, resources, and connections to membership. The board’s events committee is set to meet later this month, with the intent of determining what professional development and networking opportunities the coming year will feature. As unpredictability remains the predictable state of public health, it’s reasonable to say both in-person meetings and virtual capabilities will characterize the coming months. If there is a subject or idea you feel deserves attention, or which could bring value to the wider membership, by all means, do get in touch.

On a wider note, I would encourage all members to reach out to me, or other board members, with any professional ideas, concerns, needs, or recommendations they may have. Engagement and dialogue comprise the foundation of organizations like ECFWA, so we’re always interested in providing better services for each membership dollar.

Let’s make sure we talk to one another, in support of ourselves, our colleagues, and the sector as a whole.

Matt McInstosh
ECFWA 2022-23 president

ECFWA bursary to the CFWF conference

Bursary applications are now OPEN.
Apply by Aug 2.

ECFWA bursary to participate in the 2022 CFWF Conference to be held in Saskatchewan.

A bursary of up to $1,000 is available to an ECFWA member in good standing.

The bursary is intended to offset the cost of the conference for members paying their own registration fees.

The ECFWA bursary winners are required to submit an article on one of the conference sessions for a future edition of the Nib. The bursary recipient will receive an advance of 50 per cent, and the remaining funds will be disbursed upon the submission of receipts and completion of the Nib article.

To apply, submit a brief email (approximately 500 words) to bursary@ecfwa.ca outlining the following
- why you would like to participate in the 2022 conference
- what you hope to learn or gain from participating
- how you will apply what you learn in your career

Upcoming events

We are excited to start seeing our ECFWA colleagues IN PERSON at upcoming events. We will continue to offer PD sessions by Zoom – watch your email for upcoming webinars from ECFWA, CFWF, and IFAJ.

September 14: ECFWA Social at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show
Unwind after the show with a complimentary beverage and appetizers with your ECFWA colleagues. Pay-your-own-way dinner to follow. Watch for your invitation with details and RSVP information.

September 29-October 1: CFWF Conference
Registration is now open!

June 28-July 3, 2023: IFAJ Conference
The annual international gathering of farm writers will be held in Olds, Alberta. You won't want to miss this event!

ECFWA Photo Contest

The ECFWA Photo Contest winners were announced at the AGM. Congratulations to all the winners! See all the winning photos at ecfwa.ca/photo-contest.

People winner:
Lauren Miller

Sponsored by

Places winner:
Clare Wooding

Sponsored by:

Things winner:
Diana Martin

Sponsored by:

2022 AGM

Farm writers gathered in person for the first time in more than two years for the 2022 AGM. We kicked off with a tour of the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre, a food business incubator in Northumberland County.

We then headed over for a ride on the Roseneath Agricultural Society's antique carousel. Participants learned about the fascinating history of this piece of architectural and rural history before taking a ride!

We then heard from Chief Mowat of Alderville First Nation, who spoke to us about the history of the First Nation, treaties, and reconciliation.

The 2022-23 ECFWA Executive Council elections followed:
President: Matt McIntosh
Vice-president: Maegan MacKimmie
Second vice-president: Kristy Nudds
Secretary-treasurer: Mary Feldskov
Past-president: Rachel Telford
Directors: Mohsin Abbas, Amber Anderson, Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot, Michelle DeNijs, Shazia Khalid, Dianna Martin.

Thank you to our retiring members Kelsey Johnson, Marty Brett, Bob Reid, Suzanne Atkinson, Meghan Burke,

Thank you to Suzanne Atkinson for planning such a fun and interesting AGM. It was great to meet once again, in person!

IFAJ

After two years of cancellations, the 2020 IFAJ Congress, hosted by the Danish Guild, finally happened in 2022!

The Canadian contingent invited everyone to join CFWF, hosts of the 2023 IFAJ Congress in Alberta.

Welcome to our new members

Alex Barnard
Bree Rody
Eva Lehman
Shazia Khalid
Jordan Sloggett
James Voldock
Amy Lemay
Dereck Addie

Niblets

Elbert van Donkersgoed was honoured with Calvin University's 2021 Distinguished Alumni award.
Retired Executive Director, Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action Committee

van Donkersgoed served as the director, policy developer, and long-range visionary for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario for 35 years. He was an early adopter and leading voice in the sustainable food movement, and his inspirational leadership shaped Canadian policymaking around a Reformed vision of shalom and justice. His vision influenced Ontario's agricultural policy and practice as a whole. He also became a significant participant in the founding of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition and the creation of Ontario's Farm Business Registration Program
Elbert van Donkersgoed video: https://vimeo.com/612898535

The Nib is a distribution for members, by members of the Eastern Canada Farm Writers' Association.

Newsletter comments, additions, or suggestions are welcome.
Contact: Mary Feldskov, secretarytreasurer@ecfwa.ca

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