The Calgary Stampede has decided to break with a century-old tradition and suspend its purebred beef shows this year.
Entries for the shows have declined by about 60 percent in the last five years, so a new approach with seedstock displays will be offered July 7-16, said Wayne Hanson, chair of the Stampede beef committee.
The reduction in beef show entrants for exhibitions across the country is a growing trend. That knowledge has Stampede organizers looking for new ways to offer more value to producers and their audience. While some producers are disappointed with the decision, others are willing to try a new approach.
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“Tell the Stampede what you need to add value to your cattle and cost-efficiently promote your cattle,” said Hanson.
The show can be expensive to attend with little return to producers during a busy time of year. With major Stampede expansion and construction plans starting next year, this may be the best time to rebuild the shows.
“Times have really changed in the purebred beef industry. All the costs are going up and they are getting the same price for their cattle,” he said.
Steer show and junior events will continue. An added attraction this year is the World Simmental Congress where 300-400 cattle are expected for an international show and sale during the last four days of the Stampede.
The Stampede receives about 1.2 million visitors each year and surveys show nearly half tour some agriculture events.
However, rather than formal cattle shows, visitors prefer to see animals in educational settings, said Don Stewart, agriculture manager for the Stampede.
A showcase of premier breeders may be the better business approach for producers and visitors.
“I think the only reason an exhibitor would come to Calgary in the summertime with the expense is that there was an opportunity to sell something or attract customers. We think this new model will do that,” he said.
The Stampede is starting major construction projects next year that will offer a new agriculture park on about 80 acres east of the current setting. The horse racing component is moving to a new track at Balzac north of Calgary.
