Ag Ex returns with ‘quite the expansion’

The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is set to host breeders, livestock exhibitors, industry leaders and agricultural enthusiasts from across the Prairies at the Keystone Centre in Brandon next week.

The Manitoba Ag Ex, the province’s largest all-breeds cattle show, has more head of cattle registered for this year’s event that runs from Oct. 28-31, chief executive officer Jordan Sisson said.

“We’ve got over 500 head of cattle registered to compete, an increase from the 450 recorded last year,” Sisson told the Sun on Friday. “More than 350 individual operators are expected to participate in the cattle show, while overall attendance is projected at about 1,500 people per day.”

Cattle begin arriving Monday ahead of the official start Wednesday, with competitors expected from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, he said.

The growth in registrations has also meant the event is using all five barns at the Keystone Centre this year, compared with four in previous years.

“This year is quite the expansion,” Sisson said.

A new addition this year will be a Friday night dinner connected to the Supreme Breed Extravaganza, which brings together the grand champions from the show.

The dinner will be held at the Keystone Centre’s Agricultural Centre of Excellence and is open to the public, with tickets priced at $10.

The event features several cattle classes, including the Jackpot Bull competition and junior events, while the popular MooMania program will give about 200 Brandon School Division students an opportunity to learn about agriculture and the livestock industry.

Students will learn about cattle and sheep farming through displays and competitions during the week. The sheep component, known as EweMania, runs alongside the cattle show.

The event also features a trade show with more than 28 vendors offering a variety of products, from baked goods and clothing to other agricultural and consumer items, Sisson said.

The event is designed to appeal not only to those involved in agriculture, but also to families and people who may have never attended a cattle show.

“It’s actually a really exciting environment to be a part of,” he said. “There’s lots of different things going on. It’s very educational for those of us who didn’t grow up on a farm.”

Despite the increase in registrations, Sisson said the cost of travelling with cattle remains a challenge for exhibitors.

High fuel prices are adding to the expense of hauling cattle and trailers and transporting family members or staff who help with the show.

“I think right now at this point in time, the biggest thing, the biggest challenge, will be the cost of fuel,” he said.

Sisson, who previously served three years as a Provincial Exhibition director, is attending his fourth Ag Ex but his first as the organization’s CEO.

He credited event co-chairs Bob Scott and Tracy Wilcox for their work in helping to organize this year’s show.

For visitors, admission to the Manitoba Ag Ex is free.

With the cost of fuel and other expenses putting pressure on families, Sisson said the event provides an opportunity to enjoy a full day of entertainment and education without having to pay an admission charge.

“Most events in the city do cost money,” Sisson said. “This is an opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy something and not have to open their wallets at all.”

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