The Calgary Stampede is officially underway, along with the rodeo, midway and live entertainment... the event also showcases agriculture and Alberta's ranching history
It's a chance to step back in time and experience life on the farm and ranch, with the Vintage Tractor Pull and Blacksmith showcase; to the Heavy Horse, Cutting Horse, and Team Cattle Penning competitions; Chuckwagon races, to the Junior Steer Classic, the International Youth Livestock Supreme Championship and Scholarships, the World Stock Dog Championships, and International Livestock Auctioneer Championships.
One of the thousands of people taking in the Stampede this week is Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald.
While in Alberta, he'll meet with stakeholders from the agriculture industry and visit farms, ranches, and agri-businesses where he'll talk with producers and processors about a variety of topics, from ways to ensure the sector remains strong and resilient to increasing access to global markets to reducing the regulatory burden and finding ways to put more money in producer pockets.
"Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, and food processors are the backbone of Canada’s economy, and the Calgary Stampede is a proud celebration of that heritage." MacDonald says, "I’m eager to get out in the field to hear from the folks who drive the sector forward and work alongside them to ensure it continues to thrive."
Minister MacDonald has been visiting the Maritimes, he visited Saskatchewan last month, and has plans to visit Manitoba as well.