Canadian Western Agribition is counting itself lucky to have turned a small profit in 2009.
Attendance was down, but the annual Regina show stayed in the black with a profit of $1,361 on revenue of $3,050,237 for the year ending Jan. 31.
Attendance dropped to 136,400 from 142,500 in 2008.
President Marilyn Charlton, who was re-elected at last week’s annual meeting, said a couple of factors influenced the bottom line.
“We had to be conscious of how the cattle industry was last year,” she said, citing poor prices.
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Farmers also couldn’t get on their fields to harvest through most of October due to wet weather. The show fell during one of the nicest weeks in November.
“We just think a lot of the folks stayed home and got their work done,” Charlton said.
But the board was pleased with the sales figures, which topped $2.2 million and saw purchasers from Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and the United States, and livestock entries.
“In 2009, Agribition attracted eight national purebred shows resulting in a four-year high in purebred beef entries and the largest participation by exhibitors from the United States since 2003, all contributing to an 11 percent increase in livestock revenues over the previous year,” said chief executive officer Jason Pollock.
Last year saw the opening weekend introduction of showcases highlighting acreage living and western lifestyles. Transitioning to the regular trade show, however, led to a lack of exhibits for visitors to see on the Monday.
Charlton said that will change.
“We’ve looked that over and we will include all of that for the week,” she said.
The weekend also includes many of the heavy horse events. Last year, the show moved to include those two days as part of the official show schedule. This year, Agribition’s 40th, moves back to a Monday to Saturday event from Nov. 22 – 27. The opening day will feature the return of the market steer show, which hasn’t been held for more than 10 years.
The 2010 show will also be the first to use new facilities at Evraz Place. Six arenas were opened during the recent hockey season and several of the multipurpose arenas will be used.
The executive elected for next year includes first vice-president Bryan Hadland of Weldon, Sask., second vice-president Reed Andrew of Regina, executive at large Dr. Grant Royan and Stewart Stone, both of Regina, and past-president Shannon McArton of Dilke, Sask.
The 2009 barn boss awards went to Doug and Marj Siman of White City, Sask., who have worked in the Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders Association barn for the past three years.
