Canada’s Farm Progress Show opened yesterday with news of continued funding from the Saskatchewan government and the title sponsor, Viterra.
Provincial agriculture minister Lyle Stewart announced a new five-year, $125,000 funding agreement. This new arrangement provides $5,000 per year more than the previous deal.
“I think the sales numbers compared to the relatively modest help that we give the show really speaks for itself,” Stewart said.
The show generates more than $500 million in annual sales of farm machinery and products.
Economy minister Bill Boyd said the impact of the show on the provincial economy is impressive.
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“$501 million worth of farming implements are exported from Saskatchewan on an annual basis. Fifty countries from around the world are represented here. This is a key show for our province,” he said.
About 800 international delegates are expected this year, plus about 75 international exhibitors.
Also at the official show opening, Gavin Semple, chair of the Brandt Group of Companies, was inducted into the new Saskatchewan Manufacturing Council hall of fame.
As well, the Innovation Award winners were recognized.
Gold winners in 2014 are Power Pin Inc. for its new on-road hitching system for farm trucks moving farm equipment and Intragrain Technologies Inc. for its Bin Sense fan control.
Sterling winners are: Clean Seed Capital Group for its 60-foot drill, the CX-6 Smart Seeder; EZlid for EZlid; Sulvaris Inc. for Vitasul; Sunnybrook Welding and Machine Shop Ltd. for its New Holland CR Tri-Frame Concave; Agtron Enterprises Inc. for The Legend; and AGI-Ag Growth International for The GULP.
Meanwhile, weather conditions forced the cancellation of the antique tractor pull for today. The parade will go ahead as planned, weather permitting.
