Excitement is building for the 48th annual Manitoba Ag Days, and with the 2025 event just days away, Teresa Hildebrand, the event's media coordinator, says it promises to be similar to past years, with some fun new events.
“Everything is shaping up really well,” says Hildebrand, “We’re excited to invite everyone to the Keystone Centre in Brandon, where we’ve got over 550 exhibitors, 34 new innovations, and a great mix of returning favourites and new activities.”
Kicking off with breakfast
Hildebrand notes that if you’re planning to attend the event, you’re invited to start the week of with breakfast on Tuesday morning.
“Breakfast will be served in the dome building, located just across the parking lot from the Keystone Centre, with all proceeds going to 'Ag in the Classroom' Manitoba, so it's a great way to support a good cause while fueling up for the day ahead.”
Aside from the food, Hildebrand says it’s also a great chance to reconnect with fellow industry members.
“The best part of being at an in-person show is the networking. You’ll bump into old friends and meet new people, and there’s always time for those impromptu conversations that happen in the hallway.”
Exciting new features
Manitoba Ag Days is always full of innovation, and this year is no different. One of the big new attractions is the “Produced on the Prairies Market” which will be located right inside the main doors of the Keystone Centre. Hildebrand explains that it’s a food and beverage market featuring local entrepreneurs.
“We’re really proud of this new addition. It’s a great way to celebrate our theme ‘Produced on the Prairies’ and showcase products from local food and beverage companies.”
Expect to find everything from coffee and energy bars to chips and craft beers. Some familiar names include Cranked Energy Bars and Utoffeea, as well as some newcomers to the market.
“We’ll also have some of the beverages that you may have seen at last year’s tasting event, like Wooden Gate Cider and Farmery.”
Innovation Showcase: the biggest ever
Hildebrand says their “Innovation Showcase” is going to be their biggest to date.
“With a record 34 entries across seven categories, this year’s showcase promises something for everyone. We have everything from livestock innovations to drones and tools for seeding. It’ll also be your chance to see, touch, and talk to the innovators behind these products.”
Stellar speaker lineup
Hildebrand notes that your admission price will include all the speaker sessions.
“We have an incredible lineup this year. Our speakers will cover a variety of topics, including local entrepreneurs and innovators on Wednesday afternoon. They’ll share their stories and insights into how they’ve grown their businesses.”
On Thursday afternoon, there’s a special livestock session, including the Bull Congress.
Ticket info and planning ahead
Manitoba Ag Days 2025 will take place on January 21, 22, and 23 in Brandon, Manitoba. Tickets for the event are still available, and Hildebrand encourages everyone to purchase them early.
“Early bird tickets are $15 a day or $40 for a three-day pass. If you buy during the show, they’re $20 a day. So it’s a real deal to get them in advance.”
All the details, including the full speaker lineup and exhibitor directory, can be found at www.agdays.com, where you can also purchase your tickets.
A true producer-driven event
For Hildebrand, this event is more than just an agricultural show – it’s a chance for farmers to come together and share knowledge.
“Manitoba Ag Days is put on by producers, for producers. It’s a non-profit show, and everyone involved is really invested because this is what we do year-round. It’s important to get together and learn from each other.”
And it’s not just for Manitobans! Hildebrand says visitors come from outside the province, like North Dakota and Saskatchewan.
“We’ve also had international visitors in the past, and we’re excited to welcome everyone who wants to make the drive to Brandon.”
With so much to see and do, Manitoba Ag Days 2025 next week in Brandon, MB, is shaping up to be a great event for everyone in the agricultural industry.
*All photos in the gallery below are courtesy of Sandy Black Photography and were taken at the 2024 Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon, MB.