Agriculture Shows are in a Business of Handshakes

By Brenda Hunter

The 46th edition of Manitoba Ag Days held January 17 to 19 at the Keystone Centre complex in Brandon wrapped up just over a week ago after a two-year in-person hiatus.

While there were many new things to see, hear and learn about at Canada’s largest indoor farm show housed under one roof, there was one significant change implemented by the Board that was evident to attendees before they even set foot inside building. This year, for the first time ever, admission was charged to attend the event.

“We are the largest indoor Ag show in Canada boasting 550 exhibitors, 32 new Ag innovations and 70+ world class speakers,” stated Teresa Vallotton, Ag Days Media Coordinator. “There is tremendous value to see everything agriculture all under one roof!”

This year, the Board of Directors for Ag Days made the decision to set early-bird pricing at $15 per day or charge $20 at the door. A three-day pass could be purchased for $40.

She continued. “We have just gone through two years without a show, (and) the cost of everything has increased as everyone knows. In order to maintain the level of quality of our show and continue our charitable donations of $30,000 plus annually to communities throughout Manitoba, our budget dictated the need of a modest entry fee.”

However, it would seem that the implementation of charging admission was not really a deterrent for those attending. As evidenced by the Keystone Centre parking lot by passers-by, the farmers were hungry to get back to the business of agriculture; learning, interacting and connecting in person with retailers, educators and innovators after two years of no show. It would seem that the move to charging admission couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

“We had positive feedback from all of the producers that we talked to,” said Greg Setter, owner of Setter Manufacturing Division of Russell, MB. “Many (farmers) said they were expecting to have to pay an entry fee long before this year.”

Setter, who also serves on the Board of Directors of Ag Days, reported that they did not, in fact, hear any negative remarks during the three-day show. Producers and exhibitors alike seemed to be happy with the Board decision to charge an entry fee.

“One producer’s comment, to me was [that] ‘no organization can keep going without some income to cover expenses’,” said Setter.

Other similar agricultural shows, such as Canada’s Farm Show, Canadian Western Agribition and Ag in Motion, held in Saskatchewan, all currently charge an admission fee.

While the Ag Days committee cannot fully quantify previous years’ attendance with this year’s due to the fact that they had based their attendance on manual counts prior to this year, preliminary reports suggest an above average attendance on both Tuesday and Wednesday and an average attendance on the last day of the show this year.

They did report having a record-breaking 50/50 total which would confirm observations and indicate that attendance numbers had increased since the last show held in January of 2020.

“There was so much positive energy at this year’s show,” said a pleased and excited Vallotton on Day Two of the show. “We’ve had great feedback!”

Including a review of the decision to charge admission this year, the Board, as always has much to evaluate at its next meeting.

“Of course, there are always things to improve from year to year in all aspects of the show,” she commented. “Manitoba Ag Days Board and Management Team strives to bring the best show possible and is always looking for ways to better serve the agricultural community.”

Manitoba Ag Days is a not-for-profit organization comprised of a Board of Directors and countless volunteers. Any profits made by hosting the show are paid forward to community projects and services through their Ag Days Gives Back Fund. This year, eight rural fire departments were recipients of $2000 grants. As well, agriculture education was supported through three, $1000 post-secondary scholarships and a $10,000 grant was given to Ag in the Classroom – Manitoba, making it a win-win-win for all involved.

“Manitoba Ag Days takes great pride in bringing the Ag community together,” explained Ag Days General Manager, Kristen Phillips in a post-event press release. “Agriculture is a business of handshakes and we try to create a welcoming environment where farmers can come together to do business, face-to-face, with Ag manufacturers, companies and retailers. They can find the latest in technology and services to build their businesses. We are thrilled with the success of the 2023 show!”