I am writing this editorial reflecting on my wonderful trip to Brazil in August to do some much needed fishing and attend the SINDAG conference. Every trip to Latin America I have made has been very gratifying, and the one I made in August was no exception.
It started with a long weekend at a fishing pousada by the Cuiabá River. This fishing “camp” was exceptional in accommodations, food, hospitality and fish. Traveling with my longtime friend and now the South American Editor of AgAir Update, Ernesto Franzen, we experienced the joy of catching and releasing many piranha and dorado fish.
The scenery of the Pantanal was breathtaking, especially true when you consider the Cuiaba River waters were infested with piranhas, and there were hungry alligators around every river’s bend. I know alligators don’t usually eat adult humans, but I wasn’t about to find out! I have been to many places and done many things besides flying ag-aircraft: rhino harvesting in Mozambique, chasing kangaroos in Australia, hunting prairie dogs in the United States, dodging all sorts of wild beasts in South Africa’s Kruger Park and much more. But the Pantanal will always be at the top of my list of travels to remember.
SINDAG hosted an excellent congress this past August in Santo Antônio do Leverger, north of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso. The attendance of exhibitors and attendees was remarkable. It may have been one of the largest ag-aviation conventions I have ever attended in my 50 years of attendance. The Brazilian industry is growing exponentially, as evidenced by this trade show.
In this month’s issue, we have dedicated the cover story as our annual “Photo Issue.” The phenomial photos over the following pages used to take rolls and rolls of film, long lenses and the “luck of the shot” that we would get the right photo, only to know once the film was developed. When the first digital cameras came along, they were no match for the fast shutters of the larger body cameras. Now, with what fits in the palm of your hand, the images can rival some of the best photos by DLSR cameras. With that being said, remember, with the convenience of the technology that can fit in your pocket, fly like everyone is watching. Two clicks and the world will see the picture without even having to get the film developed.
Until next month, Keep Turning…
