Call it a party, an exhibition, a marketplace – even a celebration. For six days at the end of November, Western culture will be front and centre at the annual Canadian Western Agribition in Regina. Known as one of the best livestock show in North America – and the largest in Canada – the event will attract thousands of enthusiastic spectators, exhibitors and participants from dozens of countries to the Saskatchewan capital.
As an organization, Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) promotes interest in agriculture and stock production by hosting a world-class livestock showcase, held this year November 25-30. Practically speaking, that means attendees will be treated to cattle shows, rodeo and the crowning of Miss Rodeo Agribition, as well as many other livestock events, conferences and an extensive Agri-business trade show.
There’s also dedicated space for letting your hair down from under your hat and enjoying a beverage with friends and fellow ranchers. CWA has something for everyone, and one of the most anticipated items on the jam-packed schedule is Freestyle Bullfighting, presented by Brandt.
“It’s a growing event, a blend of adrenaline and artistry,” says Breanna Franklin, Marketing & Communications manager with CWA. “The athlete aims to stay as close to the bull as possible and will receive a score based on control, maneuvering and precision, making it a truly incredible viewing experience.”
After 70 seconds in the ring, the contestant is judged based on a point-scoring system. The Freestyle Bullfighting will take place Tuesday, November 26 from 7pm-9pm.
Anchoring CWA will be the Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo, presented by BHP – the Canadian circuit’s final event of the season. It’ll take place November 27-30, and winners claim Saskatchewan’s biggest purse and qualify for the National Finals Rodeo Open in Pines Peak, Colorado.
“The rodeo is free to attend on Wednesday,” says Franklin, who underlines the importance of the circuit’s final event of the year.
Wednesday’s rodeo performance will also bring the crowning of Miss Rodeo Agribition 2025. This competition combines the glam and grit required of a rodeo queen and also comes with the responsibility of giving back to the community as the official ambassador of CWA.
“We introduced this last year,” Franklin explains. “Our winner was Ari Dyck from White City, Saskatchewan. In taking on the role as our ambassador, she got to go to about 20 community events and local rodeos.”
Applications are currently open for Miss Rodeo Agribition, and will close October 15.
Livestock entries for competitions in cattle, equine, sheep, bison and alpaca are also open until October 1. Franklin says the CWA is already trending to have a record number of entries.
The 2024 Canadian Western Agribition will also feature the 25th Agribition Beef Supreme, presented by CN. This cattle show features more than 100 head of qualifying entries competing for the supreme champion title. This event is evaluated by a panel of respected producers that are kept a secret until the event begins.
“If you win at Agribition Beef Supreme, you are the best of the best,” Franklin says. “With it being an anniversary year, we’ve put a lot of extra time and effort into it. Agribition takes great pride in hitting 25 years of the Beef Supreme.
Canadian Western Agribition, taking place November 25-30, will be held at various locations but based at the Viterra International Trade Centre at the REAL District, 1700 Elphinstone St in Regina. A grounds map is available for attendees to download. Further information is available on the organization’s website, where tickets to the event can also be purchased.