CFIB: Upcoming Agriculture Events

Mark your calendars and attend some key agriculture events this winter to celebrate your local agri-businesses

Despite the arrival of the colder months, producers will not have time to “chill” as they try to keep up with all of the exciting agriculture activities scheduled into the new year.

First off, the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair will be held in Toronto, Ontario, from November 3^rd to November 12^th. Welcoming 300,000 visitors annually, the Royal is the world’s largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event, celebrating wonderful food, livestock, and horsemanship. This event includes live entertainment like the horse show, and attractions such as the Sustainability Zone, agricultural competitions, and food-focused attractions.  

From November 19^th to the 21^st, the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference East (AWC) will be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Students, farmers, and entrepreneurs in agriculture and food are all welcome to celebrate and network at the event. Additionally, the conference offers workshops, and an opportunity to connect with the industry’s mentors and coaches.

 

 

 “These events serve as a bridge to garner interest from those who do not have an agriculture background”

 

In the same week, from November 20^th to 25^th, the Canadian Western Agribition will take stage in Regina, Saskatchewan. Renowned for being the “best beef show on the continent and the largest livestock show in Canada,” this event draws individuals from across the country as well as international attendees. Agribition offers an array of events, ranging from livestock competitions, to conferences, and the Indigenous Agriculture Summit. 

In the new year, the Western Canadian Crop Production Show will be held in Prairieland Park Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from January 8^th to the 11^th. Claimed to be a “must-attend event for prairie farmers,” exhibitors, presenters and attendees can experience the latest products and services for the upcoming growing season and network with industry leaders. 

Finally, with much anticipation, the countdown is on for the Manitoba Ag Days. As many may already be aware, Manitoba Ag Days is an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology, and equipment that draws exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and the US. Celebrating its 47^th year at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, the event is set for January 16^th to 18^th, 2024.

Supporting farmer health, safety and wellness, Manitoba Ag Days features diverse speakers ranging from comedians to politicians. Earlier this year, some prominent speakers included Manitoba’s Premier, the Honourable Heather Stefanson, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Francis Drouin, as well as the Vice President & Chief Economist of Farm Credit Canada, J.P. Gervais, and much more. 

The event also highlights and showcases innovative companies, divided into seven different categories: Agronomics, Animal and Livestock, Agriculture Equipment, Agribusiness, Ag Tech, Farm Safety, and Farm Built Solutions. With so many attractions and services, Ag Days serves as an exceptional networking event that welcomes all visitors. 

These events show us how fun it can be to learn new skills, innovate, and branch out to connect with a wide range of eventgoers. Most of all, many of these events serve as a bridge to garner interest from those who do not have an agriculture background; a necessity in maintaining a thriving agricultural industry.

So, be sure to mark your calendars and attend some events this winter to show your support and celebrate your local agri-businesses! It will be “Ag great” experience. 

SeoRhin Yoo is a Policy Analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 97,000 members (4,500 agri-business members) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.