Ag Ex ‘extremely successful,’ organizers say

Manitoba Ag Ex wrapped up Saturday at the Keystone Centre after what organizers called an “extremely successful” four-day celebration of livestock.

Running from Wednesday through Saturday, the event attracted hundreds of cattle, sheep and handlers from across Canada and the United States, marking one of the most vibrant editions in recent memory.

This year’s success reflected the dedication of participants, volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make the show a highlight of Manitoba’s agricultural calendar, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba acting general manager Kristen Laing Breemersch told the Sun.

“It was an extremely successful celebration of livestock, youth in agriculture and community spirit,” she said.

“We had over 500 cattle here from all across Canada and through the States. We also had an amazing Junior Show with over 100 kids, one of the largest we’ve had in many years. These young participants are our future — many are third-generation farmers showcasing animals that reflect their families’ hard work and pride.”

The Ag Ex featured a full week of breed competitions and the highly anticipated Supreme Show, which this year opened with a dramatic twist. The arena, she said, came alive as the Ag Ex logo was set ablaze in a choreographed fire display, accompanied by bagpipers and Highland dancers, before the crowning of the top bull and female.

“It was something special,” Laing Breemersch said. “We wanted to create a moment that celebrated the strength and pride of our agricultural community, and it really resonated with the audience. We’d love to expand on that next year.”

Laing Breemersch said Friday night brought a different kind of excitement with the return of Party in the Dirt, a fan-favourite event that took on a Halloween twist this year. The Assiniboine Credit Union Agricultural Centre was transformed into a lively country-rock venue where Prairieline took the stage, filling the arena with music, laughter and dancing, she said.

Co-chair Bob Scott, who helped introduce the idea three years ago, said the event was created as a way to thank exhibitors and bring everyone together after a busy week.

“It’s a night for all exhibitors to relax, have fun, and celebrate the end of the week with their friends and families,” Scott said. “This year’s Halloween theme added something new, and Prairieline brought fantastic energy to the stage.”

Costumed cowboys, cowgirls and farmers turned superheroes filled the dirt floor, dancing under twinkling lights.

“It was our way of saying thank you,” Laing Breemersch said. “Our exhibitors spend countless hours preparing for this show and Party in the Dirt lets everyone unwind and celebrate everything they’ve achieved.”

Despite it being her first Manitoba Ag Ex as acting general manager, Laing Breemersch said the event ran smoothly thanks to the partnership with the Keystone Centre, as well as the dedication of a new team of staff, volunteers and co-chairs.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this event without community support,” she said. “Everyone — from volunteers to breed representatives — came together to make sure everything went off without a hitch. The partnership with the Keystone also helped us move in earlier this year, which made setup and logistics much easier.”

With this year’s event deemed a major success, organizers are already looking ahead to 2026. Laing Breemersch said post-event meetings with breed representatives will help shape future improvements.

“Every year, we learn something new,” she said. “This year, everything — from the logistics to the entertainment — came together beautifully. We’re proud of what we achieved and are already thinking about how to make it even better next year.”

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