Long lineups for ice cream and bottled water characterized this year’s Western Canada Farm Progress Show as hot, dry, windy weather prevailed for the four days.
The temperature soared to 33 C at one point and remained in the high 20s most of the time.
Organizers estimated about 40,000 people attended the annual display of new innovations in farm equipment and technology. About 700 companies and organizations displayed their wares.
Next year, the 25th anniversary, the show shifts to three days and will run Wednesday to Friday. Saturday has traditionally been the quietest day and exhibitor surveys showed it could be eliminated.
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Exhibitors were happy with this year’s show.
Sara Froese, staffing the Mandako Agri/SRS International display, said the middle two days were especially busy. Earlier in the week organizers feared good spraying weather would keep farmers in their fields.
“On Thursday and Friday we didn’t hardly have time to sit down,” she said.
The Plum Coulee, Man., company, owned by Froese’s father John Redekop, makes items such as air seeder markers, chaff spreaders and land rollers.
Froese said they made a few sales and had lots of inquiries.
Interest in the land rollers was high. This is the first year the company has had them and they are “going like hotcakes, mostly to the U.S.,” she said.
Another big attraction at her booth were Dino Cars, four-wheeled bikes imported from Germany. Built low to the ground like a go-cart, but with pedals instead of a motor, the cars were popular with children and adults alike.
Next door at Conterra Industries, from Rockyford, Alta., Dave Heaton said the company’s first trip to the show was an amazing success.
He praised the staff in the International Business Centre for their work in facilitating deals.
There were about 340 international guests in attendance.
“This is a breath of fresh air,” Heaton said. “We will be here year in and year out.”
