“The FarmTech Foundation looks forward to when we can safely reconvene for… Canada’s premier crop production and farm management conference,” said a statement from the foundation, which is comprised of the provincial wheat, barley, canola and pulse commissions along with the Alberta Seed Growers Association.

However, Agri-Trade Equipment Expo is going ahead in Red Deer on Nov. 11-13.

That organization is “developing a comprehensive COVID-19 operational plan that will exceed Alberta Health Services guidelines,” it said. That will include “revamped floor plans (that) allow for social distancing.”

For more, go to agri-trade.com.

The post FarmTech cancelled, Agri-Trade still a go appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

Canada’s Farm Show, which rebranded in December from its former Canada’s Farm Progress Show identity, announced Monday it has officially postponed to an as-yet unconfirmed date.

The annual show, organized by the Regina Exhibition Association (REAL), had been scheduled for June 16-18 at Regina’s Evraz Place.

“We have continued to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and have adjusted and adapted to the public health orders that remain in place,” REAL CEO Tim Reid said in a release Monday.

“In order to continue flattening the curve, we felt it was best to make the difficult decision to postpone the event.”

REAL’s decision comes in the wake of the Saskatchewan government’s announcement Thursday of a plan for a phased-in reopening of various services that had been shut down in the pandemic.

The province said certain services such as dentistry, optometry and physiotherapy and “low-risk” activities such as golf, fishing and boating may resume effective May 4, in the first phase of a five-phase re-opening plan.

However, the province’s plan does not allow for resumption of public or private gatherings of more than 30 people until phase five — and no hard date has yet been set for any of phases three through five.

At 365 confirmed cases as of Monday afternoon, including 288 recoveries, Saskatchewan has the fifth-lowest COVID-19 load of Canada’s provinces. Of those 365 cases, 74 were in the Regina area.

Canada’s Farm Show, which dates back to 1978, bills itself as drawing over 30,000 visitors annually from over 50 countries, and “covering over 1.9 million square feet of space with everything from the latest in equipment and software technology to industry-leading keynote speakers and lifestyle products.”

REAL’s decision follows the cancellations or postponements last week of other major Prairie fairs and events including the Calgary Stampede, K-Days and the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition. — Glacier FarmMedia Network

The post Canada’s Farm Show postponed appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

This year’s show is being held Nov. 6-10 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Here are some highlights of the new events attendees can take in while there. For more information, visit farmfairinternational.com.

The Rabbit Show

When: Nov. 8-9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: EXPO Centre, Hall A

Farmfair International is the place to be for anyone interested in the wide world of rabbits. A production of the Edmonton Area Rabbit Society (E.A.R.S.), The Rabbit Show is new to Farmfair this year. The exhibit features an array of our hare-y friends from around the world including the huge Flemish Giants, the floppy ears of the Holland Lops and the sleek-coated Rex.

Honey Show

When: Nov. 6-10
Where: t.b.a.

Presented in partnership with the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, this show is a display of honey from around the province.

“A judge will award ribbons to the best honey and other items,” said Jessie Radies, manager of agriculture with Northlands.

Prairie Pine Emporium

When: Nov. 6-9, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Hall H, EXPO Centre

Prairie Pine Emporium is a craft market that was piloted during K-Days this past summer. Billed as “a collection of creativity made right here in Alberta,” it features makers, artists, vintage sellers, local producers and service providers showcasing a broad range of creative efforts.

“One of the requests we got from a lot of our attendees was the ability to do more Christmas shopping while they were at Farmfair. We have added this craft market in response,” said Radies.

Information on applying for vendor space is available at the On the Spot Pop Ups website at onthespotpopups.com/apply/.

The Learning Centre

When: Various times
Where: Garden Court Area, EXPO Centre

Although Farmfair has long featured a variety of technical speakers at locations throughout the venue, this is the first year they have all been gathered in one central spot. It is called The Learning Centre.

“(The Learning Centre) will be just outside of Halls A, B and C where the shows are happening and where the animals are stalled during the day,” said Radies, adding the speaker schedule has been “tightened up” to feature shorter presentations.

“I’m hoping this format of shorter speakers located close to the show rings will allow our exhibitors to participate more in the technical presentations as well as the guests attending Farmfair courses.”

The presentations will include a calving workshop by the University of Calgary, “Reducing Predation by Wildlife” by the Alberta Trappers Association, “Farm Values” by Lee Anderson, “Farm Business Planning” by Art Lange, “Succession Planning” and “Tough Enough” — a mental health workshop.

Further information, including times and newly booked speakers, is available on the Farmfair website.

The post What’s new in 2019 at Farmfair International appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

The first step was thinking beyond cattle.

Farmfair 2019, which runs Nov. 6-10 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, features programming dedicated to smaller critters such as bees, rabbits and urban chickens — not to mention “extreme cowboys.”

Driving this new focus was last year’s attendance numbers, said Jessie Radies, director of agriculture with Northlands.

Although the 2018 show — the first without the ever-popular Canadian Finals Rodeo nearby — was generally considered a success, attendance paled in comparison to recent years. The 2016 event, for example, drew more than 95,000 attendees compared to just over 40,000 last year.

“Our attendance was obviously lighter (last year) than it has been in previous years,” said Radies. “But in spite of that reduction in attendance a lot of the beef exhibitors saw a lot of results from the show.

“Our trade show probably suffered the most from the reduced attendance, so we started looking for different ways to bring in more small livestock and maybe add a little bit more urban attendance to help deliver value for the trade show exhibitors, beef exhibitors and our sponsors.”

However, the addition of urban-focused events does not mean Farmfair — now in its 46th year — has lost sight of what made it one of Canada’s premier agricultural events, said Radies.

“It will always be a purebred livestock show. That is the heart and soul of Farmfair.”

Backyard chickens and extreme cowboys

The Chickens 101 workshop is a response to growing interest in raising backyard poultry in urban areas. Rules, regulations and best practices of keeping backyard chickens will be covered.

“The City of Edmonton has been piloting urban chickens for a few years and very recently lifted its limits on the number of licences it issues,” said Radies.

“There are some very specific limits on, for example, how many chickens residents can keep. People seeking to keep backyard chickens have to take this workshop before they can get permits to have chickens in their backyards.”

The workshop, held by River City Chickens, is on Nov. 8 (6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 107 of the EXPO Centre).

Another new feature is the Extreme Cowboys competition (Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hall D). Although the title may conjure up images of rodeo (already a pretty extreme sport) on caffeine, it’s actually more akin to an obstacle course with horses, said Radies.

“It’s more about horsemanship skills. We hope that it appeals to a variety of recreational riders. It’s kind of an emerging sport.”

Czechs check in

A secondary but important component of Farmfair is connecting breeders, genetics companies and other ag businesses with those looking to buy cattle or genetics. For years, a key tool in this effort has been the inbound buyers program.

Participants from 14 countries are expected including, for the first time, attendees from the Czech Republic.

“We have a relatively large delegation coming from over there,” said Radies. “That was a bit of a surprise for us but we are really excited to host them. The Czech Republic is holding some very interesting international events within the next couple of years so we feel there is a great opportunity — especially for our Angus producers — to get some Canadian genetics showcased at those events.”

Goats part of bigger strategy

As part of its effort to increase Farmfair’s profile and boost attendance, Northlands has been courting various agricultural associations to hold their AGMs, conferences and other events at the show. This year the Alberta Goat Association has scheduled its 2019 conference at Farmfair.

“(Northlands) worked with them on a goat show at K-Days this year and they mentioned that they were looking for a location for their conference, so we worked through the logistics to see if they would fit within our space and if we had the infrastructure they required,” said Radies.

She hopes this is the start of a new trend.

“We just feel it could be a win win. Farmfair might get some new attendees who wouldn’t normally come to the show and the associations can usually save a little bit of money in their setup and room costs.”

Old favourites on deck

Purebred beef shows (Nov. 6-8 at various times in Hall B, Ring 2) have always been the anchor of the show. The national events this year include the Gelbvieh and Shorthorn shows in addition to the Western National Hereford show which Farmfair hosts annually. (For a detailed schedule, go to farmfairinternational.com.)

Another highlight is the Alberta Supreme Show (Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. in Hall D), a popular annual showcase featuring breed champions from the top three cattle shows in Alberta: the Olds Fall Classic, the Lloydminster Stockade Round-up and Farmfair International. The grand champions from all breeds and their owners compete head to head for show titles and a total of $110,000 in prizes, including a new RAM truck.

Champions return

The Champion of the World competition, an international cattle show, made its Farmfair debut last year. The first step for would-be world champions is to win their country’s premier breed show. Each participating region — North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Africa — then selects competitors for the international Champion of the World competition.

This year Farmfair will award continental and British world champions. The breeds include Angus, Charolais, Galloway, Hereford, Limousin, Other Registered Breeds (Maine Anjou), Shorthorn, Simmental and Speckle Park.

It’s an an opportunity to expose top-notch international breeders to Alberta cattle, said Radies.

“It worked very well last year so we have expanded it for this year,” said Radies.

What’s old is new again

In 2018, the Heritage Ranch Rodeo reclaimed its spot as Farmfair’s evening entertainment for the first time in years. This long-running rodeo (6:30 p.m., Nov. 7-9, Hall D) is different from most, with an emphasis on practical ranching skills such as team sorting, stray gathering and wild cow milking.

The rodeo’s shift to evenings was successful, said Radies.

The post Northlands strikes a balance for Farmfair 2019 appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

On the one hand, international interest in the long-running agriculture show is at an all-time high and local support appears as positive as ever. On the other, debate over the future ownership of Northlands’ facilities has put the future of the show’s longtime home in question. And then there’s the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association’s since-reversed decision to move the Canadian Finals Rodeo — an event that has run concurrently with Farmfair for decades — to Saskatoon in 2018. (The association recently decided to extend its stay in Edmonton for two more years.)

However, Northlands officials are confident in the future of the show, which is now in its 43rd year.

“Farmfair International is going to continue its legacy as the premier showcase for agriculture in Alberta,” said Suzanne Bielert, event manager with Northlands. “We’re focused on delivering a quality program for our industry partners, and by adding in new programs we feel we will be here far into the future.

“We’ve been here for 43 years. We look forward to being here for 43 more.”

This year, 220 operations — up from just under 200 in 2015 — from across Canada will be exhibiting at Northlands’ EXPO Centre Nov. 9-13. Several new events have been added this year while Northlands continues to build on the show’s popular programs, said Bielert.

Growing global reputation

And Farmfair continues to develop its status as an international attraction, with 70 farms and companies from all over the world — up from 50 in 2015 — are expected to attend the show. Promoting the event to the world is a year-round process, said Stacy Felkar, international marketing manager at Northlands.

“The inbound buyer program has ambassadors in various markets all around the world promoting Farmfair,” she said. “Meanwhile, I work on engaging our contacts, such as trade commissioners, in the various markets. The Alberta government has been fantastic at helping promote the program as well, inviting producers on our behalf when they’re on their trade missions.”

These efforts appear to have paid off. This year the show includes registrants from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, the U.K., and the U.S. New countries to the show this year include Honduras and Paraguay. In total, the delegates represent 90,000 head of cattle, which means significant buying power, said Felkar.

“There is huge Latin, Central, and South American interest this year,” she said. “The ambassador is a few years into his role now and is making a lot of connections.

“I think it grows exponentially once you have the buyers come and experience the program and the show. They talk about it to their people too, so they in effect become ambassadors as well. I think the lower Canadian dollar also helps because their dollar goes further.”

Every year Farmfair’s ambassador team embarks on an outbound mission to a trade show in another country. This year it was to the Sydney Royal Easter Show in Australia. This outreach is at least partially responsible for Australia’s strong representation at Farmfair this year, said Felkar.

“Our Australian numbers are probably double,” she said. “During our outbound mission we toured various farms, especially the ones that purchased Canadian genetics, and saw what impacts those genetics are having on their farms. The relationship side of our program is so important.”

Connecting buyers and sellers

Interested delegates are “qualified” through ambassadors based on a number of factors.

“Sometimes it’s based on the number of head they have or why they want to come and be part of the inbound buyer program,” said Felkar.

Once the delegates are accepted, Northlands works with them to tailor their experience to their needs.

“It’s kind of a little like a concierge service,” she said. “If someone is looking to connect with a specific producer, we can do an introduction. If they’re looking for a certain livestock equipment product, we can help them find that information.

“We work with our network of stakeholders in the programs: government, exporters, genetics companies, and, of course, the producers. Between all of us we make sure they get what they need, meet their business objectives and have a great Canadian experience that makes them want to keep coming back.”

One new effort that has helped connect buyers and sellers is the Exhibitor catalogue. Introduced at last year’s show, the catalogue is both an online and physical publication that offers a sample of show exhibitors and what they have for sale.

“It works really well,” said Felkar. “International producers on site found it handy because they could use the catalogue to find the producers in the barn, whether they have a specific bull in their ad that they’re promoting or specific embryos for export. It’s good marketing and promotion for exhibitors who took part in it.”

Good investments

Farmfair International has received some extra 1:1 funding this year from the Canadian Beef Breeds Council by way of the federal Growing Forward 2 AgriMarketing program.

Farmfair and similar shows are good investments for the beef industry, said Michael Latimer of Olds, executive director of the beef breeds council.

“They bring a lot of buyers into Canada and add quite a bit of value back to our Canadian genetics,” said Latimer, who has been attending Farmfair for nearly his entire life.

“From the standpoint of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council and a member of a family that exhibits cattle there, I think the Farmfair show is very, very important. We find the livestock exhibitions are still pretty critical to the success of the cattle industry, not only in Alberta but in Canada and internationally.

“This is despite the advances we’ve made in science. You can select genetics without having a show but the shows have been the best way to keep advancing those genetics.”

For more information on Farmfair, go to farmfairinternational.com.

The post Despite challenges, Farmfair International soldiers on appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

ThinkAg Careers

Sponsored by Ag for Life, this is a career fair-style event to help youth learn about employment opportunities in the agricultural industry.

“They will be able to speak to company representatives and young ag professionals to see what is out there in terms of ag industry jobs and what they can look forward to in the future,” said Suzanne Bielert, event manager with Northlands.

The event takes place on Nov. 9 in Rooms 301 and 302, and there are two sessions (9 to 11:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.).

Sullivan’s Stock Show University Fitting Clinic and Competition

This free educational clinic is open to all stock show youth and adults, compliments of Sullivan Supply. Clinics offer hour-long sessions and there’s also a comprehensive, in-depth two-day grad program.

It takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 11 in Hall A, Edmonton EXPO Centre. 4-H Family Day

A jam-packed day of activities on Nov. 12 intended to offer 4-H’ers and their families with opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and check out other programs offered at Farmfair International.

“It is also Farmfair’s way of helping 4-H kick off its centennial celebrations,” said Bielert.

Registration takes place at 9:10 a.m. in Meeting Room 301/302, with events kicking off at 10 a.m.

Rodeo Future Champions

Youngsters ages nine to 14 compete in five timed rodeo events.

“It’s a way to showcase up-and-coming youth in the rodeo industry,” said Bielert.

It takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Nov. 12 in Hall D, Edmonton EXPO Centre.

The post What’s on your schedule for Farmfair this year? appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

Her mom, Debbie Lee, brought her newborn daughter — along with some Jersey calves — to the very first Aggie Days 30 years ago. Debbie also led the cow-milking demonstrations, which both Lee women still do today.

What’s changed is the kind of questions that visitors ask.

“When we started Aggie Days, people were maybe one or two generations removed from the farm,” said Debbie. “Now, they’re two or three generations, and many don’t understand the connection between the farms and food in the grocery store.”

“The kids mostly just want to know about what they eat, how you milk the cows, why they’re skinnier than other cows,” added Danielle. “But we also get the chance to clear up some myths about things like hormones in milk. Many people don’t know there are no hormones in milk in Canada.”

Operating a mixed livestock and hay farm near Springbank, the Lee family lives agriculture every day, and understands that very few people have the same level of exposure to food production.

Aggie Days strives to bridge that gap with interactive displays in everything from cow milking to meeting live animals and learning about how crops grow. Geared toward schools and families, the event brings agriculture to children who may not have other opportunities to experience it in the city, said Debbie.

Debbie and Danielle have led the cow-milking demonstration at Aggie Days and Ag-tivity for many years. Twelve years ago, they acquired a plastic Holstein hand-milking cow they named Bluebell, a tribute to the late Jersey cow that the Lees brought to many Aggie Days events in the past.

Of course, Aggie Days has also seen many changes, and both Lee women agree the greatest one is its size. Debbie remembers being excited that 400 people attended the first time the show was extend to the weekend — it now welcomes 30,000 to 40,000 people over two days.

One thing that has not changed is the dedication of the Lee family and the cause of educating people about where their food comes from.

“I think we look forward to this as much as the kids do,” said Danielle, who has been booking the week of Aggie Days off school or work her entire life, even once deferring her exams at the University of Alberta for the event.

When asked to look ahead to the next 30 years of the event, Debbie said there’s nowhere to go but up.

“Aggie Days will always have a purpose, because people will always want to know where their food comes from. They just want the right information from the right people.”

The post Mother-daughter duo a fixture at Calgary Stampede’s Aggie Days appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

This year’s show, which runs from March 26-28, features some new events, including the prospect steer and heifer show. This event showcases calves born in 2014, in a junior division on March 27 and an open division (where the big money will be awarded) on March 28.

“The show cattle world is growing and now is the opportune time to get community involvement and foster quality opportunities for youth in the industry,” said Suzanne Bielert.

“This year, we’re sponsoring $4,000 in guaranteed prize money and 75 per cent of all entry fees collected go back to participants.”

There will also be an educational cattle clinic on March 26. Youth participants can book a time to bring their animal for a one-on-one clipping and fitting session and also receive showmanship advice.

The addition of the prospect calf show is timely as the rise in prices has more young people thinking of a career in the cattle industry.

The feature breed at this year’s show is prospect steer and heifer show and two members of the Prime Limousin Club — Excel Ranches and Hillview Farms — have animals from their purebred herds on display. Club members will be on hand to talk about the merits of the breed and the value they bring to the cattle industry.

The show, at Northlands Edmonton Expo Centre, also features a trade show and three daily ‘AgriChat’ information sessions, with a focus on horticulture for this year. Experts will give presentations, and take questions, on topics such as planting for pollinators, creating edible landscapes, and “lasagna gardening,” which promises lessons on how to “do less work and grow more food.”

Other daily events include a performance horse sale, equine clinics, an alpaca show, and the Canadian College Finals Rodeo.

“This year features five halls dedicated to livestock shows, equine programming, clinicians, and small livestock displays,” said Bielert. “We’re confident that the show will provide the industry with the opportunity to create meaningful connections and learn the tools of the trade for doing business in this province.”

For more info on this year’s show, visit farmandranchshow.com.

The post A sure sign of spring: Northlands Farm and Ranch Show appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

“We’ve taken our first event bookings, and are looking for more,” said Tim Edge, president of the Rimbey Agricultural Society. “We’ve had a lot of interest in using the building already, so we wanted to get the word out that we are accepting bookings now.”

Construction began in the summer of 2013, and all the exterior walls, doors and windows are now in place. Work is underway on the interior of the 60,000-square-foot building.

“We’re planning to be operational the first of April,” said society vice-president Ken Whitelock. “We have a lot of construction to do inside to meet that date, but it’s going to happen.”

The parking lot is ready, and the sand is in the riding arena, waiting to be mixed and laid down after the heaters and fans are installed. While the kitchen and boardrooms won’t be finished, and bathroom facilities are limited, the organization is ready to receive riders, sales, 4-H shows and various other activities. The society also plans to repurpose the older facilities on their grounds into indoor box stalling, as funds allow.

Completion of phase one is close to 75 per cent debt free, and there is enough money in the bank to cover an entire year of mortgage payments, said Edge, adding the society is still seeking partnering sponsors.

The first booking is the fourth annual Ranch Horse Round Up Sale on April 25 in the facility.

“For me, it’s going to be a turnkey operation,” said sales manager Cory Glenn. “You walk in and everything you need is going to be there. They’ve put in a 30-foot door, which is the biggest one in Alberta. The facility is set up to accommodate anything you really want to do. You’re not going to have to do a lot of work to be able to put your functions on.”

The Great Canadian Performance Horse Sale will be held May 1-2, and several other events, such as 4-H shows, bull sales, team pennings, team ropings and mounted shooting competitions, have already secured their appearance in the building.

Anyone interested in booking the Agrim Centre can call 403-704-9283. Updates are also available on Facebook or at the Rimbey Agrim Centre website.

The post Rimbey Agricultural Society’s new multi-purpose facility set to open appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

“What’s really unique about this show is it brings agriculture equipment and inputs to an agricultural setting,” said show director Rob O’Connor. “The property was actually farmed last year so you can get a really good sense of what that equipment or what that variety of crop can do because it’s there in the setting you’re most familiar with, versus being inside a building or on a concrete pad. It won’t be hard to understand how that product will look in your field or on your farm.”

Ag in Motion, Western Canada’s first outdoor farm show, will be held July 21 to 23.

O’Connor managed Regina’s Farm Progress Show for 10 years and had just started managing Brandon’s Provincial Exhibition when he was approached by Glacier FarmMedia to help establish and run Ag in Motion.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “The last time a new agricultural trade show started up was… (Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show) in Woodstock (Ontario)… 20 years ago.”

Staff with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, which is also owned by Glacier FarmMedia, will help organize Ag in Motion, O’Connor said.

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show attracts 45,000 people a year and Ag in Motion has the potential to do the same, he added.

The goal is to attract farmers from across the West and northern U.S.

Saskatoon is central and people are willing to travel farther during summer when the days are long and snowstorms or extremely cold weather aren’t a threat, O’Connor said.

“I think we’ll see, as shows on this property mature, it will become a significant place for agricultural business and research to be unveiled,” O’Connor said.

“We’ll see this whole space will change and modify to what the industry demands of it. So right now it will be a three-day farm show. Five years from now it could be something more significant — a trade show and seminars or crop tours. The great thing about this opportunity is it’s a blank slate. We can create whatever the industry needs.”

With up to 140 acres of farmland set aside by Ag in Motion, input suppliers and equipment companies will be able to demonstrate their products to thousands of farmers who will see side-by-side product comparisons under field conditions.

“I think this is a big step for Glacier FarmMedia and I think it’s the right move,” O’Connor said. “And that’s partly why I joined the company. I think this is a fantastic opportunity.”

It’s also another way Glacier FarmMedia can serve its farm readers and advertisers better, he said.

Glacier FarmMedia owns Alberta Farmer, Manitoba Co-operator, Western Producer, Grainews, Country Guide, Le Bulletin des agriculteurs and AgCanada.com.

The post Western Canada’s first annual outdoor farm show coming in July appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.