Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026
Venue: Waterkloof Guest House, 445 Albert Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria
Time: 08:00 – 16:30
Format: In-person, full-day workshop
CPD Credit: 1 credit for SACNASP-registered delegates

Countdown to the workshop

00

days

00

hours

00

minutes

AFMA Technical Writing Skills Workshop | 12 June 2024 | Centurion Country Club, Boardroom

Objective of the workshop

Clear, precise writing is essential in the agricultural sector, where complex information must be communicated accurately and responsibly. This workshop is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to produce high-quality technical articles for publication in agricultural magazines.

Whether you are an experienced contributor or developing your writing skills, the session will equip you with practical guidance to improve clarity, structure and professional impact.

Presenters

Dr Pieter Henning

Dr Pieter Henning

Topic: Writing a Technical Article for a Publishing Magazine

Dr Henning has played a leading role as a presenter at previous AFMA Technical Writing Skills Workshops. He has authored numerous technical articles for a variety of agricultural magazines, including AFMA Matrix. Dr Henning has been actively involved in the South African livestock industry since 1980, bringing decades of experience and practical insight to his sessions.

Dr Pieter Henning

Lynette Louw

Topic: What Editors Look for in a Magazine-Ready Technical Article

Lynette Louw is the CEO and owner of Plaas Media and has been active in the communications and media industry for over 35 years. She began her career at the former Department of Constitutional Development, contributing to the drafting of the South African Constitution. Since 2005, she has specialised in agricultural media.

Lynette holds a BA in Linguistics from the University of Pretoria, a BA Hons in Linguistics from UNISA, a post-graduate diploma in technical translation, and a BA in Educational Psychology. Her expertise lies in translating technical and semi-scientific content across multiple media platforms, educating and informing stakeholders at all levels of the agricultural sector.

Who should attend the workshop?

This workshop is ideal for professionals involved in animal science who wish to strengthen their technical writing skills and improve the quality of their published work. If you are responsible for communicating scientific or technical information within the agricultural sector and want to ensure your writing meets professional publishing standards, this workshop will provide practical, applicable guidance.

Animal Scientists and Researchers
Professionals in the field of animal science who want to effectively communicate their research findings, methodologies, and conclusions through technical writing.
Veterinarians
Professionals working in veterinary medicine, who need to write reports, articles, or papers for academic, professional, or public consumption.
Students in Animal Science or Veterinary Programs
Undergraduate and graduate students studying animal science or veterinary medicine who want to improve their writing skills for academic assignments, research papers, and future careers.
Animal Health Professionals
Professionals working in animal health, such as animal health technicians, animal health inspectors, and animal welfare officers, who need to document their observations, assessments, and recommendations.
Journalists and Writers
Individuals who write about animal-related topics for newspapers, magazines, websites, or blogs and want to enhance their writing skills for online platforms.
Communications Specialists
Professionals responsible for communicating about animal science-related topics within organisations, universities, government agencies, or non-profit organisations.
Educators and Trainers
Professionals involved in teaching or training others in animal science or related fields who want to improve their instructional materials and resources.
Freelance Writers and Content Creators
Writers who specialise in creating content related to animal science, such as blog posts, articles, eBooks, or social media content, and want to enhance their writing skills for online platforms.
Industry Professionals
Individuals working in the animal agriculture industry, such as livestock producers, feed manufacturers, or animal nutritionists, who need to communicate technical information to colleagues, clients, or the public.

Outcomes

– Learn how to –

 
  • Take the stress and fear out of technical writing
  • Structure your writing process effectively
  • Choose topics that engage and interest readers
  • Adjust your writing style to suit your audience
  • Use visuals, diagrams, and images to explain ideas more clearly
 

– You will also –

 
  • Learn layout techniques that make articles easier and more enjoyable to read
  • Understand what editors expect, simplifying the publication process
  • Explore ethical considerations in writing and publishing, including avoiding plagiarism and giving proper credit
  • Rediscover the enjoyment and creativity of writing, turning it from a chore into a rewarding experience
 

Workshop programme

The draft programme for the Technical Writing Skills Workshop will be available shortly. It will outline session times, presenter slots, and opportunities for discussion and practical exercises.
 

Registration Fee

R1,400(excl VAT) per person *

Including:

  • Tea breaks and lunch
Registration has closed
 

What previous attendees say about the workshop

  • The workshop offered valuable insights into writing technical articles in the modern era, teaching new techniques to effectively convey your message to your target audience.

    Eric de Rauville
    Ruminant Technical Advisor, Meadow Feeds KwaZulu-Natal

  • The insights I gained have already helped me refine my writing process.

    Rebaonae Letlole-Puzi
    Technical Manager, Crown Chickens

  • This workshop showed me that writing a technical article differs greatly from a scientific one. Research is vital, but clear communication is a separate skill.

    Waldo Macdonald
    Technical Manager: Monogastric, Nutri Feeds

Registration

Space is limited, so be sure to register today to avoid disappointment. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

AFMA members

R1,570 per person(excl. VAT)

Included:

  • Printed handouts of the presenter’s material
  • Morning tea & coffee
  • Light lunch
  • Afternoon tea & coffee
REGISTER TODAY

Non-members

R1,770 per person(excl. VAT)

Included:

  • Printed handouts of the presenter’s material
  • Morning tea & coffee
  • Light lunch
  • Afternoon tea & coffee
REGISTER TODAY
 

Registration Fee

R1,400(excl VAT) per person *

Including:

  • Tea breaks and lunch
Registration has closed
 

* Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs are not included in the registration fee.

Travel & Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for making and covering their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
On-site accommodation:
Waterkloof Guest House
Phone: +27 (0)12 460 2014
Email: info@waterkloofguesthouse.com
We recommend booking early, as spaces at the venue may be limited.

Need help or have questions?

E-mail: events@afma.co.za
Telephone: +27 (0)12 663 9097

Our physical address

Agri-Hub Office Park
Block B
477 Witherite Street
The Willows
Pretoria
South Africa

Our postal address

PostNet Suite 221
Private Bag X04
Menlo Park
0102