Mary MacArthur wins international travel bursary
(Ormstown, QC – June 1, 2026) – Agricultural journalist Mary MacArthur is the winner of the 2026 Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation international travel bursary sponsored by Bayer.
Mary, a freelance writer from Alberta with more than four decades of experience in agricultural reporting, will receive a $2,500 stipend towards her participation in the 2026 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ congress in Croatia this fall.
She writes for Western Producer, Canadian Cattlemen, Alberta Beef, Prairie Hog Country and Camrose Booster, and has been a member of the Alberta Farm Writers’ Association (AFWA) since 1995, where she’s served as both a director and president.
Mary was a member of the 2023 IFAJ congress organizing committee when the event has hosted in Olds, Alberta and has helped organize many AFWA tours and CFWF conferences.
“The IFAJ conference in Olds was the first IFAJ conference I had attended, and it was a joy to meet agricultural journalists from around the world who share a love of journalism and agriculture,” says Mary. “I can’t wait to attend my first international IFAJ congress and share the events and my new knowledge of Croatian agriculture with the Canadian groups.”
Bayer’s long-time support of this bursary recognizes the important role journalists and communicators play in the agriculture sector, and CFWF values the ongoing partnership with the company.
“Supporting the CFWF international bursary empowers Canadian agricultural journalists, like Mary MacArthur, to gain invaluable international experience,” says Ginger Rozmus, Communications Director at Bayer. “At Bayer, we believe that forming genuine connections amongst those in the industry is essential, as knowledge sharing and collaboration will continue to strengthen agriculture in Canada, as well as globally. We look forward to hearing the insights and stories that emerge from this year’s congress in Croatia.”
CFWF serves the common interests of agricultural journalists and communications professionals with approximately 350 members who belong to regional and provincial organizations. CFWF is a member of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, a global organization founded in 1956 representing more than 5,000 communicators in 60 countries that support freedom of the press.
The 2026 IFAJ Congress will be held September 16 – 20, 2026 in Croatia. Registration is now open and more information is available at https://ifaj2026.danh.hr/.
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For more information:
Barb Keith, CFWF, barb@cfwf.ca