The International Rangeland Congresses (IRC) are held every three to five years somewhere around the world.  The aim of the International Rangeland Congress is to promote the interchange of scientific and technical information onall aspects of rangelands: research, planning, development, management, extension, education and training.

The most recent IRC held in Saskatoon, Canada, and at this congress the venue for the next IRC was chosen.  A joint Congress with the International Grassland Congress will be held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2020.

The sponsoring organisation, host nation and venue for the 2024 IRC will be decided at the Nairobi Congress, and the Australian Rangeland Society is keen to put in a bid for it be held in Australia.  Past IRCs in Australia were held in Adelaide (1984) and Townsville (1999), both of which were successful events attracting over 500 delegates.

The IRC Inc. is managed by a Continuing Committee which has representatives from all rangeland regions of the world.  The current Australasian representatives are Drs Dana Kelly and David Phelps, and Dana is also the Chair of the Continuing Committee.  The General Secretary of the IRC is Dr Jim O’Rourke from the USA, who is a good friend to many Australians.

The ARS Council is in the early stages of planning our bid for the 2024 IRC.  As a first step, we need people who are willing and have the time to join an Organising Committee that can prepare the bid.  This is a significant task, involving deciding on location and venue, Congress theme, support available from government and private resources, and logistics for tours, transport and accommodation.  However, it is also a great opportunity to work with the international rangeland community, and it will be very rewarding.

Are you interested in being a part of this journey towards the IRC 2024?  If so, could you please contact:  Carol Ireland, Secretary ARS at secretary@austrangesoc.com.au