Manitoba AgDays in Brandon is the province’s premier farm show.
Canada’s largest indoor farm show will kick off on Tuesday, January 17th. This year’s show will include over 550 exhibitors with both indoor and outdoor displays at the Keystone Centre, in Brandon.
The entire Keystone Centre is jammed packed with commercial displays.
Elgin area farmer Scott Perkin has been a part of the host committee since the early 2000s and he’s really excited about the return of AgDays. He’s a member of the sponsorship committee. “I mean the entire show is put on by our exhibitors and our sponsors who in most cases are an exhibitor at the show. This whole thing is about the exhibitors and the farms who come to it so without them there's no show.”
Organizers have been overwhelmed by responses from the agri-business community.
“Everybody wants to be in the show, and we have a huge waiting list of companies wanting into the show, but we only have so much room. Farmers and social media shows us everyone is really excited and other shows that have been taking place has had great crowds so we’re really excited,” said Scott Perkin.
This year’s theme is Farmer Health, Safety, and Wellness. The theme will be evident throughout the show as patrons can participate in interactive virtual reality experiences, take in various speakers and support the Manitoba Farm Wellness program through the purchase of Ag Days t-shirts.
Andrea Guthrie has been an AgDays board member for 11 years and she’s pleased to be back in the Keystone Centre this week.
“Things look fantastic because we’ve put the past two years behind us, and we’re excited to be back here in Brandon we’re excited to see everyone's face in person. People are ready to get back to an event in person and make those connections and build those relationships.
Manitoba AgDays has more than 70 speakers. Topic experts will speak to maximizing yields, new and used equipment, emerging technology, and cattle markets. The program also includes several panel discussions, and we are approved for 33 continuing education units for Certified Crop Agronomists.
“This show is about new and innovative things in the industry. I mean that’s the one exciting thing about agriculture there’s always change. When you come to this show you’re going to see the newest and most exciting stuff from the companies,” said Scott Perkin.
Manitoba AgDays runs three days and ends Thursday.