REFLECTING ON THE AG SEASON AHEAD
Representatives from Nieboer Farm Supplies are reflected in the mirror of a Versatile 550 DT tractor during the opening day of the annual South Country Co-op Ag Expo and North American Seed Fair at Exhibition Park on Wednesday.
The Lethbridge Ag Expo and Seed Fair kicked off at Exhibition Park on Wednesday with some eager early birds coming through the doors as soon as the event opened at 9 a.m.
Barry Bucis, who farms in Saskatchewan, was one of the first through the doors, and planned to spend a lot of time at the Ag Expo this week.
“It’s probably one of the best ones out there,” he said. “There is lots of space to roam around, and friendly people. The weather is always nicer when I come this way in March. I like the seed displays, but there are lots of interesting things to see.”
People like Bucis are the main reason vendors are gathered in one place for three days of product pitches, conversations and potential deal-making, said Southern Irrigation’s Lethbridge branch manager Marc Jongerden, who was out at the expo shaking hands and speaking with farmers on Wednesday.
“Even having all the trades here, and all the other businesses here, I think it is good for the grower to come and see everything under one roof,” he said. “And it’s important for us to be here because our local clientele is here. It is important to touch base with them.”
Deal making is the theme of three days, agreed Doug Kryzanowski, marketing director of Exhibition Park.
“We will have quite a few producers coming in today (Wednesday) who probably won’t sign off on a cheque or anything, but by Friday morning they will come back, because they have done the wheeling and dealing, and sign those cheques,” he said.
“People are here to make deals, and it is onestop shopping. What we see is a lot of handshake deals and a lot of free dinners behind the scenes. There are hotel rooms booked, shopping going on in town and people spending money on things like gas. There is a huge economic impact on the local economy from this show.”
Kryzanowski confirmed there is usually a waiting list of 50 to 60 vendors who are unable to get a place in the showcase, and there is a good reason for that.
“We are one of the big four shows in Western Canada,” he said. “Just the representation from the exhibitors, I know for example we have a company here from Arkansas, our name isn’t just southern Alberta, but our strengths in the economy are farm and ranch. And I think this show is one of the best exhibits of who we are in Lethbridge. It is one of the most exposed in Western Canada, and we are very proud to say that.”
The Lethbridge Ag Expo and Seed Fair continues through Friday at Exhibition Park.