Ag in Motion 2025 has a strong committment to being a family-friendly destination that keeps the agricultural tradition strong through the generations.
Cruise the grounds of the event near Langham, Sask. and you will see families walking hand-in-hand to explore the hundreds of innovative exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in technology and agricultural practices. Rob O’Connor, AIM show director, says those scenes are a clear reflection of the unique culture of agriculture in Western Canada.
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“Ag in Motion was developed because of the business of agriculture, but the business of agriculture means families,” he said. “It’s a family business.”
Kids get to explore equipment, sitting in tractor cabs, becoming comfortable with agricultural technology. They play corn hole, which is becoming a rural family staple at many of the exhibitor booths, as their parents get more information. Agronomists do their best ‘Bill Nye the Science Guy’ as youth look on in wonderment as they come to understand how their family’s crops thrive on the best farming practices and technology.
The show intentionally creates opportunities for multi-generational farm families to make decisions together, which helps maintain agricultural interest across generations. The event aims to create an engaging environment that can inspire young people about agriculture’s future and their own.
“It’s not like we’re directly trying to attract children, but we certainly do want to attract families,” O’Connor said. “We want them to come here as a family to help make the decisions that improve their farm.”
“This is sort of giving kids a positive impression of our business and of the exhibitors here of what they have to offer. I think by having the next generation here, it also gives them that comfort level as they get older and have to start thinking about their life.”
Children 12 and under are admitted free at Ag in Motion which has consistently drawn 30,000-plus attendees over the last six years.
The show has grown to 620 exhibitors this year, connecting to the multi-generational families that have helped power agriculture in the country, traveling hundreds of kilometres in Western Canada or from as far away as Poland, Czech Republic and Ireland this year to view the show.
“We will embrace more and more of that family endeavour, but we’re always going to stay focused on the farm families. We’re not going to become a carnival or a fair where it’s about the rides as the enjoyment factor. But it’s along the lines of enjoying this industry on the fundamentals of agriculture,” said O’Connor.
“This show has really found its spot in Western Canada, and now it’s starting to grow in recognition. I think that’s going to be the next step for the show. How many more international delegations will come here with the purpose of buying Canadian technology?”
One of the first dedicated family events Ag in Motion had was youth ages six to 21 showcasing their animals at its first annual junior cattle show.
There’s also a solid component of exhibitors catering to farm families.
“One thing we really appreciate is that opportunity for our exhibitors to utilize Ag in Motion as a customer appreciation event,” said O’Connor. He estimated there’d be 50 to 60 such events over the show’s three day run.
