Agribition celebrates strong attendance
Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) organizers are celebrating strong attendance this year with more than 126,000 visitors and upwards of 1,000 international guests from 75 countries.
“In a year that’s been tough on some farmers and producers, we’re grateful that so many people continue to spend their time at Agribition,” said CWA CEO Chris Lane in a news release.
Lane said new programming including a mental health workshop and a focus on cannabis and entrepreneurship is resonating with visitors, bringing people to the show that have never been before.
More than 9,400 students and teachers took part in the CWA’S education program and more than 24,000 people attended the pro-rodeo and full contact jousting events. The new Party on the Dirt cabaret saw a sold-out crowd of 1,100 people.
“Once again, Agribition delivered on its mission to be the premier marketplace for Canadian agricultural products,” said CWA President Bruce Holmquist in a news release.
“Not only did we see well over a thousand international guests and buyers, but many of them made purchases from places like Argentina, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Australia, which are all target markets for our trade program and exhibitors,” he said.
The show saw 1,126 international visitors from 75 countries, 9,482 registered participants in the education program, 468 trade show exhibits and a total of 126,972 visitors.
Total attendance for ticketed events came in at 25,523 and for free-admission and tickets for Armed Forces and first responders totalled 633.
Other highlights included a panel discussion on trade with former premiers Brad Wall and Frank Mckenna, a $500,000 funding announcement from Ministry of Agriculture to further develop international trade and a new mentorship program aimed at young people in Saskatchewan agriculture. CWA’S financial details will be released at the annual general meeting set for April 11.
Last year’s financials show about $4.4 million in spending — plus a one-time expense of $1 million to help build the International Trade Centre. But Agribition brought in more than $4.6 million in revenue to post a small operating profit of $270,000.