Canadian Western Agribition in Regina has recorded a 15.8 percent increase in entries over last year.
More than 4,300 head are expected to be on the grounds during the Nov. 21-26 show. The strong entries are partly a result of the open U.S. border and industry optimism, officials said.
General manager Leon Brin couldn’t measure how the resumption of cattle imports to the
U.S. has affected the show.
“But I think there’s a new confidence, a greater confidence, than we’ve seen in the last couple of years.”
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Even though breeding cattle still can’t move into the United States, the 13 purebred beef shows saw a 10.5 percent increase in entries and will feature 2,255 head.
The nine breeds hosting their national shows in Regina include Black Angus, Red Angus, Charolais, Galloway, Gelbvieh, Horned Hereford, Polled Hereford, Simmental and, for the first time, Speckle Park.
Increased entries are also noted in the bullpen alley, the dairy show, Katahdin sheep show and goat show.
The dairy show returned after a one-year break caused by the BSE crisis.
Commercial cattle entries are up slightly at 935 head. Brin said the commercial side of the business is “as buoyant as we’ve seen in a while.”
One thing visitors won’t see, however, is live birds.
The show cancelled its bird displays given public concern about avian flu.
Scientists have said the risk of an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 virus strain that has killed 62 people in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia is extremely low.
Agribition officials said they weren’t concerned that the birds coming to the show would carry the virus. Rather, they were worried about public perception.
Opening day Monday again offers free admission for visitors who donate a food item or a minimum of $2 for food banks.
The show this year features the Canadian Cowboys’ Association Finals Rodeo, rather than pro rodeo. All top 80 qualifiers will compete in each of five performances for the championship titles.
Draft horse enthusiasts should take note that those events begin early, on Nov. 19, in the Brandt Centre, formerly the Agridome.
