Just ask Colette Masterson of South Africa. She and her husband, Andrew, first visited the Edmonton event five years ago. They’ve never looked back.

“When we visited Farmfair for the first time in 2018, it was the start of our Charolais program,” she said.

“We never thought Charolais was part of our future. We had Simmental and Angus and after visiting Farmfair, we fell in love with specifically the Canadian Charolais and we left Farmfair with some Canadian embryos. The start of our herd was 100 per cent Canadian-bred Charolais.”

Added Andrew Masterson: “Canada is pretty much the home of our genetics. We really value the quality of Canadian genetics. We think that the Canadian cattlemen set the standard for the rest of the world.”

He came to Farmfair this year to participate in the Champion of the World competition in the Simmental division, which he won.

Rachael Wheeler of Australia first came to Farmfair in 2010 and has returned as often as possible ever since.

“That’s where we established our love of the Angus cattle that the Canadians are breeding,” she said.

“From that we took genetics back and built our whole herd on them. We transitioned from what we were doing into straight Canadian Angus embryos, all from Miller Wilson Angus.” Miller Wilson Angus is a Bashaw, Alta., based Black and Red Angus operation.

The 2023 edition of Farmfair International took place Nov. 8-11 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. The nearly half-century-old event is billed as one of Canada’s top agricultural shows and Alberta’s largest beef cattle show.

For four days in November, Farmfair is home to exhibitors from across Western Canada who demonstrate their livestock genetics to purebred producers, local ranchers and international buyers.

One of its premier events is the inbound buyer program, which introduces delegates to a cross-section of Canadian breeders, genetics companies and agri-businesses. Both Andrew Masterson and Rachael Wheeler were introduced to Farmfair through the program in 2018 and 2010 respectively.

The Mastersons raise Simmental, Angus and Charolais cattle in Humansdorp on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The first Canadian Charolais embryos they purchased from a breeder at Farmfair would, according to Andrew, become the first of their kind in the country.

“If we weren’t at Farmfair as part of the inbound tour, these genetics wouldn’t be in South Africa.”

Perhaps the main attraction of Canadian Charolais is hardiness, he added.

“South Africa is a challenging country. Our climate is very diverse; we’ve got areas which are very arid and then we also have areas which are very tropical, so different types of cattle actually fit into different areas.

“But the breeds we’ve selected — like the Angus, Charolais and Simmental — are pretty well adapted to any climate in South Africa and they do really well.”

The adaptability of Canadian cattle in general is another attraction, said Colette.

“What we see here are cattle with lots of hair. We’ve got a lot of tick worm diseases (in South Africa) so you don’t want a lot of hair because that’s what you need for your climate.”

However, the Mastersons’ Canadian-built herd has not had that problem.

“It’s amazing how you take genetics from Canada and put them in South Africa and have smooth-coated cattle,” she said.

This adaptability is all the more impressive because Canadian Charolais are bred for the cold but adjust to South Africa’s climate with ease.

“What stood out was how these cattle actually survive in these freezing conditions. How they survive and actually thrive is very impressive,” said Andrew.

Wheeler raises Angus cattle in New South Wales, a state on the east coast of Australia. Angus are already popular in the southern and central regions of Australia, but she thinks the Canadian Angus traits give her herd an edge.

“We just really like the type and kind and we really like the maturity pattern,” said Wheeler, who also runs a sheep program.

“These cattle have got lots of natural mass and middle. They’re really correct cows that make great mama cows. These are the cattle that we were really looking for and that fit into what we do.”

Although the hairiness of Canadian cows initially made the Mastersons nervous, Wheeler was searching for that trait.

“We live in the colder part of Australia so we want cattle that can hair up, hold condition and survive. It’s nowhere near as cold as what you guys get, but we definitely get snow days and things like that. We’re up in high country.”

Wheeler also praised the adaptability of her Canadian Angus cattle.

“What we found is that the genetics can work across a range of environments and they’re performing across the board. Our clients are coming back wanting more and more,” she said.

She’s impressed by the intensity of Canadian cattle production.

“You guys, especially the purebred side here, spend all summer making feed to feed it out all winter. You’re very intense here. We can generally calve all year round and have cows out on grass all year round. We’re not putting them in pens and having to bed them and all that sort of thing.”

Unlike 2010, when she was a guest of the inbound buyers program and had most of her expenses paid, Wheeler came to this year’s Farmfair under her own means. Why does she keep returning?

“I think it’s awesome because you get a tremendous lineup of cattle to the show. You get a range of people who travel from all across the world. It creates a really nice atmosphere in the barns,” she said.

“It makes it really easy when you’re an international visitor to be able to get around and tour lots of herds and programs.”

The post International buyers take Canadian cattle genetics worldwide appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

It’s either that or offer proof of a medical exemption or a privately acquired COVID test.

The move by event organizer Explore Edmonton is in response to provincial restrictions for indoor events and other gatherings put in place last month.

Exhibitors are faced with the same restrictions but with one difference: Those who have not been fully vaccinated will have the option to receive a rapid COVID test on site. If results are negative, they will be given the go-ahead to participate.

That offer does not apply to attendees.

The test is good for three days of the show. If they arrive a day early (a common practice among those setting up display areas), they will need a second test if they decide to stay longer, said Farmfair manager Leah Jones, adding the situation remains in flux.

“Things could certainly change between now and Nov. 10 when we’re scheduled to start. We will follow whatever restrictions are issued by the government.”

There will be full refunds if Farmfair has to be cancelled due to further government restrictions or if an exhibitor cannot participate due to a positive COVID test, she said.

“That has given our exhibitors some surety that if they commit and things change that they’re not going to be out of pocket,” she said.

However, Jones doubts the show will be cancelled unless further restrictions affecting Farmfair came down from the government.

Vaccine passports, although generally enjoying wide public support, have become a flashpoint for many people who have chosen not to be vaccinated.

So have these new measures proven disappointing among potential exhibitors and if so, is it enough for them to avoid Farmfair?

“I wouldn’t say ‘disappointment,’” Jones responded. “I would say the information tells us there are people who are vaccinated and people who are not vaccinated. Whenever restrictions come in saying you have to be vaccinated or tested, it is an inconvenience but it is something that folks who aren’t vaccinated need to consider.”

It was actually unvaccinated exhibitors asking about their options which drove Explore Edmonton to look into rapid testing.

“That’s why we are providing the rapid COVID test on site,” she said. “So if there happens to be exhibitors who choose to come and participate at the show who aren’t vaccinated for whatever reason, they still have the option to do the testing with the convenience that it will be delivered right on site.”

The restrictions didn’t seem to affect exhibitor registrations, Jones said Oct. 1. (However, most exhibitors sign up shortly before the deadline, which was Oct. 15.)

“We’ve had some big pickup with the numbers so at this point it looks like there will definitely be a show unless further protocols come from the government around COVID.”

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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.

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The Fort Saskatchewan-area ranch began as a dairy and grain operation, started a herd of commercial Angus in 1964, and purchased its first registered Angus cows in 1968. The Gabert family has never missed Farmfair and has shown at the event longer than any other Angus breeders.

The Canadian Angus Association is the country’s largest purebred beef breed organization, with more than 2,000 members. It started its long-term recognition award program in 1998 to honour individuals and families who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Angus breed in Canada by maintaining a continuous membership in the association for at least 50 years.

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Every year Farmfair organizers add new events or change the focus of existing ones to better meet the needs of the show’s audience. Here are a few highlights:

Heritage Ranch Rodeo returns to evenings

When: Nov. 8-10 at 7 p.m., Ranch Horse Competition Nov. 8 at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Hall D, Edmonton EXPO Centre.

Previously held in the afternoons to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Heritage Ranch Rodeo — for the first time in many years — is now scheduled for evening performances. With a focus on ranchers demonstrating skills such as wild cow milking, team sorting, and stray gathering, the Heritage Ranch Rodeo is a twist on the usual rodeo format, said Jessie Radies, director of agriculture for Northlands.

“It’s a great rodeo. You’ve got actual working ranch teams demonstrating some of their ranch skills. It’s a very different event from a traditional rodeo but it’s very exciting. If you’ve never seen it this is a great opportunity to do so.”

Youth programming set for Sunday

Prior to this year, youth programming was spread throughout Farmfair week. However, all next-generation events this year are scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 11.

“We’ve concentrated all of our youth and next-generation programming on Sunday,” said Radies.

“In the past we tried to slot in the youth programming wherever there was space but we recognize the future of agriculture is really depending on the development of future leaders. We really wanted to dedicate some time and focus on our next-gen programming.”

Part of that has been increasing the scholarship payouts of the Junior Futurity Show to $10,000. “That is a significant increase over previous years’ payouts,” she said.

A few of the youth-oriented events that day include 4-H Day (to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in AP Ballrooms 105-106), the Junior Futurity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Canadian Cattlemen Hall B Rings One and Two, and Rodeo’s Future Champions from noon to 3 p.m. in Hall D.

For more information on shows and tickets, visit the Farmfair International website. (Heritage Ranch Rodeo tickets are sold separately, but include admission to Farmfair as well as parking.)

*An earlier version of this article included Beef Tech on Nov. 7 -8 as part of Farmfair. 

The post Things to know and things to do at Farmfair 2018 appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

The former is already taken care of with the opening of Exhibit Hall at Westerner Park in Red Deer.

“We are going to be the first event to take place in the new building,” said David Fiddler, Agri-Trade show manager.

The new 70,000-square-foot building connects the Stockmens Pavilion and the Agricentre West, replacing a tent that used to provide cover for attendees. The new hall will allow for some of the outdoor exhibits to move inside, said Fiddler.

The show’s organizers are also grouping exhibits a little differently. This year, the Agricentre East will be home to Livestock Central.

“That’s basically where the majority of the livestock-related exhibits are going to be, in terms of livestock handling, feed, and balers,” said Fiddler. “All the stuff that pertains to the livestock community will be, as much as possible, grouped in one area.”

Some other areas will also see themed grouping, including grain transportation equipment in the Centrium while the Harvest Centre will feature products for the home (and not necessarily for agriculture production).

“We’ve changed the layout of the show, so it provides better movement of the people — it’s a lot harder to get lost and miss exhibits,” said Fiddler. “If you walk the show properly, you’ll get to see everybody.”

This year, there will also be a smartphone app for Agri-Trade available which will feature all the guides and exhibitors.

“We’re very excited about the show app,” he said. “For example, if you wanted to find an exhibitor that was at the other end of the grounds, if you click on the exhibitor you are standing by and the one you want to go to, the app will map out how to get there.”

Also new for this year is a dining guide.

“It will identify clearly on a map all the good places to eat on the grounds. We’re changing things up.”

While there has always been a buffet upstairs, the show will be adding another at the Agricentre East. The dining guide should also help alleviate the lineup at the main concessions. Fiddler said many times there were long lines at some concessions and no places to sit, while others didn’t have any lineups and plenty of seating.

The dining guide will also highlight producer commodity groups present at the show. This year there will be a food truck on the grounds if you want a coffee or a bite to eat while visiting the outdoor exhibits. But if you prefer to stay inside, check out the new Producer Lounge, which will be located in the Centrium, as well as in the Parkland and the Agricentre East.

“There will be lots of places to sit, and visit and network with your friends,” said Fiddler.

This year’s show will also feature a symposium on rural crime at 10 a.m. on Nov. 9 called “Creating Solutions Together.” Speakers include RCMP officers, the director of integrated community safety with Alberta Justice, and several MPs.

“People could come and go, but there’s lots of good information on ways to minimize your risk as a rural resident,” Fiddler said.

But the biggest change this year is the move to shorten Agri-Trade by a day. It will now run from Wednesday to Friday (instead of the traditional Wednesday to Saturday).

“For several years, we’ve been conducting exhibitor surveys,” said Fiddler. “But especially the last two years, the response from exhibitors has been very emphatic that they wanted to see the show shortened — 76 per cent of our exhibitors wanted to go to a three-day show.”

A number of reasons for shortening the show were cited, he said. Since it often falls near Remembrance Day, it created significant extra costs for the exhibitors. They were having to pay workers at the show holiday pay. And exhibitors didn’t like being away from family on a long weekend.

“They spoke and we listened. That’s why we changed it.”

Fiddler doesn’t think going from a four-day to a three-day show is going to affect attendance.

“We will have the same amount of attendance, it will just be crammed into a shorter time frame,” said Fiddler, adding, “We have lots of exhibitors bringing lots of new products this year.”

There will also be some new technologies launched and demonstrated at the show, he said.

Agri-Trade runs from Nov. 7-9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Not only is champions a theme of the 2018 show — the Champion of the World Week will be a major highlight of this year’s event — but Farmfair itself has had to overcome some adversity to get to its 45th edition.

While the livestock show’s long-running relationship with the Canadian Finals Rodeo is no more, following the closure of Northlands Coliseum, the good news is that the event has a home at the EXPO Centre for the next several years.

“We have a five-year agreement with the City of Edmonton with a five-year option to renew provided all parties are in agreement,” said Jessie Radies, director of agriculture for Northlands, the presenters of Farmfair, which runs from Nov. 7-11.

“We are guaranteed five years’ access to space for both Farmfair and K-Days. We have the facilities to do a livestock show. We have all the amenities that are required. It’s good for us and it’s good for the people who are exhibitors at Farmfair.”

Spotlight on Alberta

In addition to the Champion of the World Week, Northlands will also host the Commonwealth Agriculture Conference from Nov. 5-8. That event attracts delegates from ag societies around the world, opening Farmfair to possibly its biggest and most internationally diverse audience ever.

The annual Champion of the World online competition consists of champion bulls and females from 72 countries across 16 different breeds. Champion of the World Week — a collaboration between Northlands and TheCattleMarket.net — will highlight the 2017 winners including the best seven bulls and best seven females among British and European breeds.

The champions being highlighted include the best in Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Hereford, Galloway, Shorthorn, and Simmental breeds. Canada is strongly represented with six Canadian winners, three of them from Alberta, said PJ Budler, Farmfair ambassador and owner of TheCattleMarket.net.

Canada’s champions include the male and female Angus winners (Ontario and Alberta, respectively), Charolais bull and female (Manitoba and Alberta), Hereford female (Alberta), and Shorthorn bull (Ontario). Other champions hail from Australia, Scotland, Denmark, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa.

“It’s startling how many of the winners were Canadian,” said Budler.

The event offers a platform for Alberta’s beef industry, said Radies.

“Champion of the World Week gives us the opportunity to get these buyers from different countries from around the world into Alberta and face to face with Alberta genetics, Alberta livestock, and Alberta producers,” she said.

Northlands is taking the delegates on ranch tours and herd visits to increase the number of these interactions.

The trip to Farmfair is actually part of the prize package for each of the champions, with Northlands and TheCattleMarket.net covering travel and lodging expenses. It’s a good investment for Farmfair, said Budler.

“It just adds to the prestige of the event,” he said. “(The champion breeders) will be exposing the best cattle they’ve got to the best possible market. Even if that doesn’t result in sales, it can relate to building goodwill and relationships with breeders across the country that maybe wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

“We’ve done similar things in Houston and the synergy that develops by putting breed leaders and winners together is incredible.”

Champions of the World Week events will occur over the course of Farmfair. For specific dates/times, visit the Farmfair International website.

A conference fit for a princess

While not an official Farmfair event, the timing of the 28th Commonwealth Agriculture Conference is another opportunity to expose Alberta’s beef industry to the world, said Radies.

The conference – held every two years in a Commonwealth country – will attract about 200 delegates including Her Royal Highness Princess Anne. The event is led by the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, which represents 50 national and regional agricultural show societies, agricultural associations, and research institutions from 20 countries.

“The delegates at the conference are connected into agricultural societies which support the development of agriculture in their own countries as well as host agricultural events,” said Radies.

“It’s very appropriate that it’s held in conjunction with Farmfair because it allows those delegates to see a large North American livestock show. We have a couple of overlap days (with the conference) so they will have an opportunity to see the show and see the livestock. We are also doing some tours with these delegates so they actually have an opportunity to get out and see our industry.”

Inbound Buyer Program

One of the most popular Farmfair programs for cattle buyers and sellers has long been the Inbound Buyer Program. Farmfair International teams up with Canadian breeders and genetics companies to help support international buyers’ costs of travel to and attendance at the show. It also offers specialized itineraries including a farm and industry tour day, invitations to beef-related events, and pre- and post-show support.

Ambassadors representing Farmfair work year round to attract buyers to the show. As of late September, 70 delegates had signed up, said Radies.

“(Registration is) a bit of a moving target. We have a few countries that always register at the very last minute.”

Spain and Portugal are among the countries being represented in the program for the first time this year.

“It’s always exciting to welcome buyers from new countries. Over the last decade we’ve had inbound buyers from most of the cattle-producing regions that have the European cattle breeds.”

Other countries sending delegates this year include Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, and Costa Rica.

CFR will be missed

For better or for worse, the absence of the Canadian Finals Rodeo – which runs at Red Deer’s Westerner Park Oct. 30 to Nov. 4 – will be felt.

“It will definitely impact Farmfair,” said Radies. “The CFR and Farmfair were very complementary to each other with a lot of crossover in attendance. People who were going to CFR would also get tickets to Farmfair and walk through the event on the way to the rodeo or maybe pass through after the rodeo if it was a matinee performance.

“We’re worried we’re going to miss some of that walk-through traffic but we are working hard with our marketing team to try and recover some of that attendance. I guess we’ll know how much it impacts Farmfair after we’ve wrapped up the event.”

However, Farmfair International also has its share of loyal attendees.

“There are a lot of farmers and ranchers and

people connected to that industry who come to Farmfair because it’s Farmfair, not because the CFR is there.”

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The Nov. 7-11 event will introduce Alberta producers to leaders from around the world in their specific breeds, and will provide an opportunity for qualifiers and champions to showcase Alberta genetics at the highest level. As well, it gives local producers the chance to engage with their international counterparts who have risen to the top of their breed through a series of stringent elimination.

Northlands and thecattlemarket.net are partnering on the “best of the best” event.

“This unique program will give us the opportunity to grow the promotion of Canadian cattle and genetics to a global audience,” said Lisa Holmes, a vice-president with Northlands.

There will also be ranch tours and herd visits for breeders wanting to know more about Alberta genetics.

The delegates will include the 2017 Champion of the World Winners for Charolais, Limousin, Hereford, Galloway, Shorthorn, and Simmental, as well as Angus Champion of the World Qualifiers from North and South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

For more info, go to thecattlemarket.net or farmfairinternational.com.

The post ‘Best of the best’ coming to Farmfair in 2018 appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

“It’s five full days packed full of programming,” said Suzanne Bielert, agriculture event manager with Northlands. “We look at what’s happening in the industry, what’s new and exciting, and then we work with industry partners. We really make sure what we’re putting on really resonates with the industry.”

Below are a few highlights of the events scheduled for this year’s Farmfair.

Mini Pony Classic

The Rank Mini Pony Canadian Classic is a new-to-Farmfair bucking horse-style event for kids and youth ages nine to 14. It features champions of rank pony competitions (held throughout the summer) competing for the Canadian championship.

“It’s the same kind of horse bucking event you would see over at the Canadian Finals Rodeo — it’s kind of an exciting event,” said Bielert. “Last year we brought the Rodeo Future Champions event, which was a timed event for the youth. This brings in another side of youth rodeo.”

The event takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 in Hall D of the Edmonton Expo Centre.

BeefTech

Although not officially a part of Farmfair, BeefTech — a look at emerging technologies and innovative management practices — is being held this year in conjunction with the event.

“It’s a stand-alone beef conference but we’re putting it on at the same time as Farmfair International because we really think there’s value in having both events together,” said Bielert.

The conference features hands-on workshops and labs, technology demonstrations, and technical learning sessions. Keynote speakers include Robert Saik from Agri-Trend with ‘The Agriculture Manifesto’ and Andrew Campbell from Fresh Air Media with ‘Stand Up for Your Industry!’

It takes place Nov. 8 and 9 in various venues throughout the Edmonton Expo Centre.

Purebred shows

A Farmfair hallmark, the Purebred Beef Shows are considered one of Canada’s ideal destinations to do business in the beef cattle industry, featuring top-quality genetics from purebred and commercial breeders.

“We’re really excited about our numbers for all our purebred cattle shows,” said Bielert.

The shows take place Nov. 8-11 in Hall B.

Bull Pen Show

The Bull Pen Show allows all Farmfair exhibitors to show off pens of bulls born in 2017 or 2016. New this year is the addition of the Commercial Cattlemen’s Day Lunch as well as guest speakers as champions are crowned. A lunch ticket will give attendees a chance to win one of five $1,000 credits towards a bull purchase from any of the Bull Show exhibitors.

This event takes place Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in Hall B.

Junior Futurity

This event gives cattle enthusiasts aged five to 21 the chance to showcase their herds. It features showmanship competitions, a peewee division, an open division, bred and owned division, and a commercial division. It takes place at various times in Hall B from Nov. 9-11.

The post It’s always a jam-packed lineup at Farmfair appeared first on Alberta Farmer Express.

“I had a particular interest in attending this conference since I’m chair of the International Agricultural Business Centre during Farmfair,” said Bodell.

The Sherwood Park resident, who has a background in the beef industry, also runs Bella Spur Innovative Media, a company that provides communication services to agricultural and rural businesses.

It was her first trip to Asia, and gave her a perspective you don’t get in a country where farming is increasingly a million-dollar enterprise.

“One of the things that I learned was that only 30 per cent of the world’s food production is produced by modern agriculture in developed countries — 70 per cent is grown by small holders in developing countries,” she said. “I thought it (modern production) was a much larger percentage, so that was an interesting stat for me.”

Bodell and Clayton Schafers, an accountant from Edmonton involved with the Canadian Finals Rodeo, both won scholarships from Northlands and conference hosts, the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth. Northlands will play host to the next conference in November 2018 during Farmfair.

One of the highlights for Bodell was attending the Next Generation summit pre-conference, which brought together about 70 participants under the age of 40 from a variety of Commonwealth countries. Participants all had connections to their local agricultural shows.

The Next Generation’s initiative has a knowledge-sharing and information exchange programs, and further exposes members to global agriculture. Last year, several members toured farms in Papua New Guinea, and ended up doing some on-the-fly agricultural extension work.

“They stopped at a farm that had had their sweet potatoes hailed out, and taught the guy how to silage it so he could feed his livestock,” said Bodell. “I hadn’t considered the opportunity to do extension in agriculture in developing countries; to go and assist with learning. Something as simple as teaching them to silage a crop that has failed makes all the difference to their bottom line at the end of the day or their ability to feed their family.”

The Commonwealth Agricultural Conference, which drew about 250 participants, also gave Bodell a chance to learn about initiatives being undertaken by agricultural societies around the world. The National Western Stock Show in Denver, has revitalized itself by partnering with the municipal government and Colorado State University to rebuild its centre as a year-round agricultural education facility. The agricultural society in Brisbane, Australia, partnered with an urban developer and has a parkade that can be converted into cattle barns for shows.

“I think there are some really innovative things going on to keep agriculture at the forefront in urban centres,” said Bodell. “This is something that is at the forefront of discussions for both Edmonton and Calgary right now.”

Participants also toured an organic vegetable producer, Singapore’s first urban farming rooftop project, and a goat farm that incorporated water treatment and waste recycling.

A special highlight for Bodell was getting to hear Princess Anne, who is president of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth.

“She’s funny and well educated on agriculture and asks intelligent questions,” said Bodell. “If you were a speaker, you had to present to Princess Anne and then field her questions afterward. She was really incredible.”

The society, founded in 1957 by Prince Philip, is the only organization representing agriculture across the Commonwealth. It is a confederation of more than 50 national and regional agricultural show societies, agricultural associations and research bodies working in 24 Commonwealth countries. The Singapore conference was also attended by Northlands representatives Stacy Felkar, Heather Shewchuk, and Laura Gadowsky, now the deputy president of the Royal Agricultural Society for the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Agriculture Conference is held every two years.

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