One of Alberta’s largest livestock shows is getting a facelift in an attempt to attract more cattle entries and more producers.
Farmfair International directors have made several changes to the nine-day show, including boosting the prize money from $30,000 to $140,000, which includes two Dodge Ram trucks.
“This is a significant prize package,” said Dave Fiddler, business unit manager for agriculture at Northlands Park.
A combination of drought and BSE has reduced the number of producers in the cattle show circuit and the changes are an attempt to increase the number of people bringing cattle to shows, he said.
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Last year there were 1,700-1,800 purebred entries in the November show.
“We expect that to increase somewhat this year, but we still have an industry that is reeling from BSE and drought, and a year now when harvest is delayed,” said Fiddler.
Exhibitor surveys from previous years indicated those showing cattle want more commercial cattle producers walking through the barn.
Other changes have been made to entice cattle producers to the event.
The staff has added seminars that discuss fitting cattle and ranching for profit. Five new horse events have been added to entice some of the equine industry.
One of the new events is an Invitational Heritage Ranch Rodeo where 12 of Canada’s century-old ranches compete in ranch rodeo events. Many of the competitors will be using antique saddles and equipment and wear vintage ranch clothing during competition.
With the changes and additions, Fiddler said he is optimistic Farmfair will begin its rebuilding process to attract both exhibitors and spectators.
