Western Canadian farmers will see roots, steel and rubber meet the dirt at a new farm show near Saskatoon this year.
The new event, called Ag in Motion, will offer producers a first-hand view of machinery in the field and plots tied directly to farm show trade booths. Extension agronomy programs are also possible.
Rob O’Connor, who manages the new farm show, said it adds a new dimension of interactivity for producers looking to get ideas about future investments and technology for their operations.
“This is a public opportunity for producers to attend a machinery or crops field day, with multiple companies there,” he said.
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“It is one thing to hold a show in a city, on concrete. It is very different to see the equipment in its natural environment, in this case prairie soil.”
At least one major western Canadian farm show previously had a field demonstrations component, early in the transition to reduced tillage and continuous cropping. However, that event was held in an urban setting and required a separate field location.
Smaller, specialized field days also took place during that time, but attendance fell along with farm margins and adoption of the technology.
This year’s Ag in Motion will run July 21-23, allowing crop plots to be well advanced for producers to view.
“Early discussions with exhibitors have been very positive,” O’Connor said.
“They will have to change the way they approach a farm show, though.”
The show is owned by Glacier FarmMedia, which also operates a long running farm event in Woodstock, Ontario. Glacier owns The Western Producer, Manitoba Co-operator, Grainews, Canadian Cattlemen, Alberta Farmer Express and LeBulletin.
“We are repeatedly told by farmers and exhibitors that the Outdoor Farm Show (in Ontario) is the one they get the most (information) out of. Our goal is for (Ag in Motion) to capture that feel that we have from Woodstock,” said Doug Wagner, who has more than 20 years experience operating Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock and now heads up Glacier’s expanding show division.
“Farmers get a lot out the show the way we have it structured there, with field demos, plots and trade show laid out so they can compare products and companies that help them make decisions on their farms.… We’ve learned a lot about running a show over the years, and we’ll bring that experience to a western Canadian event.”
Organizers say the Ontario show is focused on agriculture rather than being an all-things-to-all exhibitors venue, which means the grounds can make the visitor experience more productive.
O’Connor said the site near Saskatoon will provide exhibitors new opportunities, but it will also be a challenge to work with the field level format.
“That is something that farmers can identify with,” he said.
The new event will capitalize on the experience of the Ontario show.
“The agriculture here in the West is different, but the elements of a good show and how to manage it, that is very much the same, and we will leverage that in creating a professional farm show for producers,” he said.
For more information, contact O’Connor at 306-550-4890.
Contact michael.raine@producer.com
