The Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) took place from Nov. 25–30.
A mix of young and old, from near and far, first-timers to old-timers, flocked to the 53rd Canadian Western Agribition.
The annual event, which wrapped up on the weekend after taking over Regina for a week, brought together longtime attendees from across Canada and the United States and delegations from as far away as Argentina and Kazakhstan.
Another audience the CWA wants to continue attracting is the younger generation; more than 5,000 students were estimated to pass through the various venues of the REAL District hosting events throughout the week.
“We got to get more kids here, and we think that’s actually quite important because they’re here to learn about agriculture,” CWA president Michael Latimer said.
“It’s part of the curriculum. It’s built into that, and this is a great place to do it, because not every kid’s able to get out to a farm anymore.”
Organizers estimated attendance over the week would be close to matching or surpassing the 142,800 who took in the event in 2023.
“It’s a great place for companies to do business,” Latimer said. “So we’ve got a lot of bigger companies, small companies, and local businesses that use Agribition as the platform to get people together. We want to facilitate that.”
He was invited to burn the CWA brand into a wooden plank, officially opening the event. With gloved hands, Mace carefully applied the branding iron to the wood as flames licked and smoke rose.
“What an honour to be here, and it’s no shock seeing all the people here, all the people that are coming to visit, even first-timers like myself and my family,” Mace said.
“It’s no shock that it’s 53 years strong, and certainly at least 53 more.”
Agribition CEO Shaun Kindopp pointed to community spirit when asked about the decision to choose Mace to take the brand this year.
“I think if you look at what he’s done with that team, just the way that he’s got the community rallying around that team, you’ve seen a lot more positivity coming through,” Kindopp said. “The guy speaks leadership.”
Agriculture Minister and Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison said he was “very proud” to take in the event in his new ministerial role.
“I’m just delighted,” he added. “I’ve missed very few shows over the years, and it’s definitely written in on the calendar each and every year.”
Harrison this week highlighted and acknowledged the importance of agriculture producers across the province, as part of an ever-expanding global market.
“The ranchers and farmers at this show are leaders in the industry — not just provincial leaders, but global leaders,” he said.
“It’s a story of hard work and commitment. It’s a story of best practices that set the bar very high in terms of quality and stewardship. It’s a story of innovation that leads to the good ideas which help transform and improve this industry. That’s because good ideas do not stop at any border. Good ideas drive change and enable progress everywhere.”
Harrison voiced optimism for the agriculture industry and how agribusiness in the province continues to soar.
“Now, the world you’ve helped to feed for generations is looking to you more and more to keep shaping the future of this industry,” he said.
“Our long-term economic growth plan leans heavily on agriculture for several key targets. For example, our 2030 goal of $3 billion in livestock gas receipts was exceeded last year by half a billion dollars. Agribusiness gives us the perfect platform to showcase why we are where we are.”
Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAuley, also in attendance, said events like Agribition are vital.
“They keep us connected to the very best the sector has to offer, and it helps Canadian farmers and ranchers stay on the cutting edge of innovation,” he said.
“We produce the best products in the world, and it’s so important that we have shows like this to indicate to the people what it’s all about. Meat does not come out of a showcase and milk out of a bottle. It takes a lot to produce those products, and it’s so important that all sectors of society understand: if they don’t have farmers and ranchers, they do not eat.”
Ryan Kiedrowski is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for The World-Spectator, based in Moosomin. The LJI program is federally funded by the Government of Canada.
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