With crops in the ground, producers headed to the Farm Progress Show. The majority of crop has been seeded across the province, putting producers at or ahead of their normal stages of development for this time of the year, Saskatchewan Agriculture reported for the week ending June 19. With the recent rainfall across the province during the reporting period, crop development has improved.
The Canada’s Farm Progress Show was held at Evraz Place in Regina from June 21-23. The show marked its 40th year, and saw an estimated 40,000 producers, manufacturers, buyers and industry experts pass through the gates to network, show products, attend seminars and view exhibits. Weather played havoc with daily attendance that dropped with wind and rain on day two. International visitors came from over 60 countries. The show had 700 exhibitors this year which brought the latest in farming technology to farm producers from around the world. Farm Progress is an important venue for business. Last year, the show generated about 500 million dollars in sales, with similar sales expected this year.
Each day carried a different theme. Day one was Women in Ag Day at the show. All women received a discount off admission, and gate returns showed that 40 percent of attendees are women. The Empowering Women Conference took place for the first time. Day two was dedicated to young farmers with awards given out. The final day was seniors’ day. The show gave a number of recognitions. Eight innovations entered in the show’s annual competition received special awards at the opening ceremony. The show has also recognized 34 exhibitors who have attended all 40 shows.
The Farm Show offered a number of workshops and speakers’ forums. The FCC hosted three outstanding speakers: Graham Sherman, co-owner of Tool Shed Brewing Company, a Canadian brewing success story, Alison Anderson, CEO of SuccessionMatching.com who spoke about the five phases of successful farm transition and how to avoid traditional pain points, and Drew Lerner, president and Senior Agricultural Meteorologist of World Weather who has been forecasting weather for 35 years. CBC funnyman Rick Mercer drew a huge crowd on the last day.
Pick up a copy of the Assiniboia Times next week for more reports on the Canada Farm Progress Show.
