One of the top events on the calendars of beef producers across Western Canada has concluded its second year under new management.
Farmfair International was expected to attract thousands of visitors Nov. 9-12 to what it described as Canada’s richest livestock and agricultural show.
“I think Farmfair is significant in that it provides the outlet for purebred breeders in this region to exhibit their cattle, and advertise and market their genetics that they’re breeding,” said event manager Kalyn Van Horne.
Rust Forged of Fire 0412, owned by KT Ranche, was named supreme champion bull, while Mader Darlin’ 4H, owned by Twin Springs Farm Ltd. and Black Gold Simmentals, was named supreme champion female.
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The free public event was taken over last year by the City of Edmonton’s tourism agency, Explore Edmonton, following the closure of a not-for-profit agricultural society that had previously operated the show.
The Northlands venue, which had existed in some fashion since 1879, was forced to close due to several years of financial challenges aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Besides cancelling all events in 2020 due to the pandemic, Farmfair’s organizers had to discontinue the Heritage Ranch Rodeo portion of the show last year, said Van Horne.
“There was the decision made with COVID that it didn’t work.”
The rodeo didn’t return this year, she said.
When asked about Explore Edmonton’s plans for future rodeos, Van Horne said organizers are exploring all different programming and entertainment options.
Organizers were excited to be fully back this year without pandemic restrictions, she said.
“We’ve got quite a few more exhibitors than last year, and quite a few more head of cattle here.”
Apart from the main draw of the cattle breed competitions, Farmfair included everything from the BMO Farm Family Awards to the Alberta Honey Show, along with shows featuring rabbits as well as photography.
“We’ve tried to add some other components this year,” said Van Horne.
They included the Learning Lounge, which featured different speakers on topics ranging from cattle nutrition to international cattle marketing, she said.
“We’ve got an event called Discover Your Future… that’s sort of a youth career fair aimed at the agriculture industry and agriculture careers.”
There was also an Indigenous portion of Farmfair that ranged from displays and presentations to people selling products, such as beaded artworks, said Van Horne.
