Ag Days returns with Prairie-made focus

Manitoba Ag Days, Canada’s largest indoor farm show, returns to the Keystone Centre next Tuesday, focusing on Prairie-made products, innovation and community impact.

Organizers are expecting between 35,000 and 40,000 people to attend the three-day event, which will feature more than 580 exhibitors under one roof.

This year’s theme, Produced on the Prairies, was intentionally chosen to reflect where much of Canada’s agricultural innovation begins, general manager Kristen Phillips told the Sun in an interview on Monday.

“Produced on the Prairies, and you’ll see that evidence throughout the entire show,” Phillips said. “We have 125 exhibitors that signed up as people who produce or manufacture their product right here in Canada.”

Those exhibitors will be identified on the show floor with special flags, while the Produced on the Prairies Market will feature locally made food and beverage products from Manitoba and Saskatchewan, she said.

“There’ll be 10 vendors each day, switching in and out of the show,” Phillips said.

The theme will also be highlighted in the theatre with field support presentations, followed by a keynote from “Dragons’ Den” investor Arlene Dickinson.

“She’s coming to talk about exactly what and why we need to keep products produced and made here in Manitoba,” Phillips said.

Innovation is once again a central feature of the show, with 28 new products launching through the Innovation Showcase across seven categories.

“There’s anywhere from one to 10 entries in each of the categories,” Phillips said.

While returning exhibitors can display innovations in their own booths, new exhibitors are typically located in Barn 4. “Barn 4 is our innovation alley, where you can go and check out all of the new items,” she said.

Phillips said the showcase includes a wide range of ideas, from new apps to large equipment and farmer-built solutions.

“Probably my favourite one is the farm-built solutions category because it’s farmers doing real work on their own farm,” she said. “They find an issue that they have, and then they find a solution.”

Examples include lighting systems that allow farmers to work longer into the evening and tools that allow implements to be unhooked without leaving the tractor cab.

“Just really cool innovations of problems that are real to farmers,” she said.

The complimentary speaking program features more than 80 speakers and was developed through extensive consultation with the agriculture community.

“We actually have a brainstorming session where we welcome farmers, producers, industry and government to all come together and share ideas,” Phillips said. A small committee then finalizes the program, which includes topics ranging from pest pressures to machinery deals and global markets.

“Every single one of our board of directors is a farmer, and I myself, even as the GM, am a farmer,” she said. “We take great pride in making sure that we’re bringing real speakers talking about real topics that are pertinent to the current situation in agriculture.”

As a not-for-profit event, Manitoba Ag Days also focuses on giving back. Through the Ag Days Gives Back Fund, proceeds from the $15 per day early bird admission and 50/50 revenues will be used to support community projects.

“We’re giving out $75,000 this year, and the money is going to fire departments and communities that were looking to put AEDs in their buildings,” Phillips said. “It is a cost-share program.”

She said the fund will also provide three $2,000 scholarships. “The scholarship is very, very open,” she said. “It’s not tied to your grades. It’s tied to your personality and your desire to see agriculture succeed.”

Phillips said Manitoba Ag Days continues to have a major economic impact on Brandon, with hotels and restaurants booked solid during the show.

“One in four jobs in Manitoba is directly tied to agriculture, and we want to make sure that the ag industry stays strong,” she said.

With favourable weather expected, organizers anticipate strong attendance.

“If it has anything to do with agriculture, you will find it at our show,” Phillips said. “It’s an awesome opportunity for you to come and explore, and also price shop and compare like items. It really is unlike any other opportunity out there.”

The show opens Tuesday, Jan. 20, with the kickoff breakfast at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building, supported by shuttle service and complimentary coat check.

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