Produced on the Prairies Market ‘a one-stop shop’

Manitoba Ag Days is gearing up to go Tuesday at the Keystone Centre in Brandon for its 49th year — and back again, and bigger than ever with 30 vendors, is the Produced on the Prairies Market.

Attendees will find the market in the FCC Pavilion at the top of the ramp in the Pioneer Lounge.

“The Produced on the Prairies Market allows us to focus on all of the amazing food and beverage products that are out there and bring them in front of the ag community,” says Kristen Phillips, Manitoba Ag Days general manager.

The “Produced on the Prairies” theme is a way to gather all facets of the agricultural industry together.

“We have manufacturers, we have distributors, we have salesmen, but we were missing that food-and-beverage component. And so by having the market, we’re kind of a one-stop shop, and doing a ‘field-to-fork’ perspective with something for everyone,” she says.

As a large, well-attended trade show, Manitoba Ag Days provides an opportunity for vendors to really show off their stuff. Vendor feedback from last year was positive, with many commenting on the exposure with 12,000 to 15,000 attendees per day compared to any other average market that might see only 300 to 500.

A big part of the experience for visitors is interacting with the vendors themselves.

“Every single one of the vendors last year I know was more than willing to share their story, explain where their product comes from and their passion behind the product. Every one of them is bringing samples, so you’ll be able to try and taste different products,” says Phillips.

Each day of the three-day market will feature 10 different scheduled vendors, and Phillips, who says she’ll be out shopping, is encouraging visitors to come out and buy local.

“There are so many amazing products, it will be hard to leave without buying something!” she says.

One of those vendors is Marilyn Simons out of Saskatchewan, who produces a wide range of canned and pickled comestibles under her label Auntie M’s Garden Market. She says the atmosphere and the people at the event keeps her coming back.

“It’s packed with fans of the agricultural sector and even some new engagers wanting to check it out,” says Simons.

The Produced on the Prairies Market helps customers to see the person behind the product.

“Many event attendees are delighted to see just how many of our everyday products are actually produced locally,” says Simons.

“Seeing the faces behind the labels gives that extra personalized perspective for anyone that might see these products in a retail store. This ultimately creates a lasting impression for both customers and producers and reinforces the thankfulness of supporting local.”

Brandon’s Shelby Howard, a purveyor of hand-built pottery, who runs Shelby Howard Pottery Company, is also back at the market this year.

“What brings me back is the people and the sense of community. The Produced on the Prairies Market isn’t just about selling — it’s about connecting. I enjoy talking with customers and other vendors who care about where their food and handmade pieces come from, sharing the stories behind both my pottery and baking, and seeing familiar faces return year after year,” Howard says.

Another aspect of that connection is being in the market with other producers.

“Markets like Produced on the Prairies also foster collaboration and encouragement among makers, which is huge in often-isolated work,” says Howard.

Howard says the showcase is an important platform for producers to forge real connections with customers and where visitors can see a variety of local work, including the “stories, values and labour behind each product.”

For attendees’ convenience, the organizers have set up a system where market shoppers can purchase items and leave them safely with the vendor for pickup at the end of the day.

Phillips says the Produced on the Prairies Market is a “don’t miss experience.”

“You’re going to see some fun things this year — a few surprises, and maybe a mascot!”

Find more information on Ag Days and the Produced on the Prairies Market at agdays.com.

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