New exhibits spice up Canada's national farm show"

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Canada’s largest dry land farm technology and equipment show will feature a variety of spicy new exhibits this year that will be of great interest to producers and their families.

The Western Canada Farm Progress Show is being held at IPSCO Place in Regina from June 20 to 22.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the internationally renowned event, but the show is still leading the way in innovation, technology and education for producers, buyers and sellers from here at home and around the world.

Two specific exhibits, the Heartland Woman’s Expo and the Energy Centre, will be the focus of this year’s event.

“The main stage will be dedicated to the needs and interests of prairie women as featured in the Heartland Women’s Expo, an exciting event dedicated to providing value, entertainment and education to all women of the prairies,” said Rob O’Connor, Show Manager for Western Canada Farm Progress Show.

The keynote speaker is Elaine Froese, an author and certified coach, who has been working with farm families for over 25 years. Elaine is presenting a specific topic each day at 1:00 p.m. Topics include: Living an Intentional Life – extreme self-care in a complex world; Discussing the Undiscussabull™ – tools for talking about tough issues; and Encouraging the Heart of your Family and Business – know what young families and farmers want.

The Heartland Women’s Expo will feature more than 175 exhibiting companies on more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, and is specifically tailored to meet the needs and lifestyles of today’s everyday women. Areas of the expo include fashion and beauty, travel and leisure, food and beverage, health and wellness, transportation, home improvement and décor, and financial planning.

“The second stage is dedicated to various types of renewable energy, as well as green issues,” O’Connor stated. Through trade displays and educational seminars, the Energy Centre will highlight the positive impact that ethanol, bio-diesel, solar, geothermal and wind energy will have on agricultural practices.

“It’s important for producers to learn how different forms of renewable energy have the ability to affect their operations as this growing industry creates opportunities,” he said.

According to O’Connor, “What makes the farm show so unique in Canada is that it is so relevant to the industry. The dealers bring with them the newest of new… technology that pertains to efficient agricultural practices that will make the producer more profitable. The types of equipment and technology showcased will be improved over models from previous years.”

He pointed out that a New Inventions area will highlight between 30 and 40 innovative products and devices that have been created within the past two years. “These inventions are totally new to agriculture,” O’Connor said.

Since 1978, the show has grown from approximately 70 exhibitors to over 700. It now features over 1.4 million square feet of exhibit space. “We have expanded to include an International Business Centre which brings in about 400 international buyers representing 30 different countries,” stated O’Connor.

Over 40,000 people from nearly 30 countries attend the show every year.

“The purpose of the event is to give associations, manufacturers, and dealers of farm equipment and technology the ability to highlight themselves and showcase their products to attendees,” he said. “Producers should attend the show to look at new inventions and techniques geared towards improving their farming operations.”

In addition to the treats for the eyes, there are also treats for the ears. Two concerts have been included in this year’s show, featuring country legend Willie Nelson on June 20 and Paul Brandt on June 21. Tickets are available for purchase and include the price of admission to the show if they are purchased in advance. Regular admission is $10 and can be paid upon entry.

Producers can find more information on the Western Canada Farm Progress Show by visiting the website at www.myfarmshow.com.

For more information, contact:
Rob O’Connor, Show Manager
Western Canada Farm Progress Show
Phone: (306) 781-9219
e-mail: roconnor@ipscoplace.com