By Michael Raine
Saskatoon newsroom
Heavy equipment hard at work burning diesel fuel and raising dust are what sets a new farm show apart from the carpet and concrete that characterize most Canadian agriculture events.
The new farm show, which launched July 21 near Saskatoon, attracted more than 200 exhibitors.
“It’s the first new farm show in 23 years. It speaks to the health of this industry,” said federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz at the opening of the event.
The show is unique in Western Canada due to the hands-on demonstration areas.
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“This event allows farmers to experience the latest technology first-hand and be introduced to tools that might make them more efficient and profitable and learn about best practices,” said Ritz.
Jonathon Kennedy, president of Glacier Media, the owner of the Ag In Motion (AIM) show, and The Western Producer, said the event is one more Glacier investment in Canadian agriculture.
The company owns media outlets across Canada and has more than 3,000 employees.
“We have a significant history in agriculture. We have purchased 320 acres for the AIM show’s site. I think that shows we are in agriculture for the long haul,” he said.
The show demonstrates tillage equipment and other farm machinery and has numerous crop demonstration plots on site, often adjacent to exhibitor’s booths.
Doug Wagner, president of the show division of Glacier, said AIM relies on local volunteers.
He said local groups use the event as fundraisers.
“We all win. We have a lot of experience with this type of approach at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (in Woodstock, Ont.),” he said.
Rob O’Connor runs the event and said the crowds for the first day were strong.
“We have heard from the exhibitors that they are happy with the attendance. The demonstration area is busy with farmers. And that’s what we wanted.”
