Crop show maintains industry leadership

The recently concluded Western Canadian Crop Production Show, presented by Farm Credit Canada, showcased its unwavering leadership in the industry during its new 3-day format from January 9 to 11, 2024, at Prairieland in Saskatoon. In true Saskatchewan fashion, the prairies witnessed heavy snowfalls and frigid temperatures. However, efficient snow clearance by the City of Saskatoon and Prairieland equipment operators ensured seamless access for patrons attending the show.

The decision to transition to a 3-day format for the 2024 show stemmed from valuable feedback from past exhibitors. Prairieland Ag Manager Leigh Ann Hurlburt noted, “Dropping the half day at the start makes a big difference for many businesses involved. A number of them will be moving on Monday instead of the weekend.” This adjustment is expected to result in cost savings for businesses, with less staffing required over the weekend and throughout the week. Positive feedback received from exhibitors prompted the organizers to proceed with the new 3-day format.

The success of the event hinges on the meticulous curation of the trade show, boasting over 1,000 booth spaces across 250,000 square feet of sold-out trade show space. This year, 338 exhibitors, a slight increase from the previous year, engaged in numerous face-to-face interactions with current and potential clients, facilitating key buying decisions for the upcoming growing season.

The show recorded an impressive turnout of 15,500 patrons, offering the opportunity to delve into various topics at the Nufarm Information Theatre. This year saw an increased number of sessions, with industry-experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nufarm, the University of Saskatchewan, Corteva Agriscience, and the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, covering subjects such as remotely sense imagery, grasshoppers, weed management, and sustainability advances.

We also welcomed back the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame as they announced the six inductees for 2024. A formal induction ceremony will take place at Prairieland on Saturday, April 13, 2024. For more information regarding the inductees, visit https://www.sahf.ca/inductees

New this year, show organizers introduced a competition to reward exhibitors who bring their creativity and ingenuity to the marketplace. A panel of real farmers evaluated nearly 20 applications, with the top three finalists presenting their innovations at the Nufarm Information Theatre Thursday morning. Results, announced Tuesday evening at the Barley Bash Exhibitor Mixer, can be seen here: cropproductionshow.com/innovation-award/

The winning didn’t stop there. A progressive 50/50 lottery was held during the show by members of 4-H Saskatchewan. The draw, held on Thursday at 3:30PM, saw a lucky winner claiming over $11,000 in winnings. The remainder of the proceeds will benefit Saskatchewan 4-H and Prairieland Agriculture youth-in-ag programs.

For over 40 years, the show has solidified its status as the must-attend event for prairie grain producers, showcasing leadership in crop science and cutting-edge technology. As farmers seek the latest information and products to help enhance yields and crop value, exhibitors from Western Canada and the United States provide solutions, enabling producers to make informed decisions for the upcoming growing season.

Prairieland’s commitment to agriculture and the grain sector remains steadfast. Organizers extend heartfelt thanks to sponsors, presenters, exhibitors, attendees, volunteers, and dedicated staff, all of whom contributed to the success of the 41st annual show. Anticipation is high for next year’s event, scheduled for January 14-16, 2025, as we look forward to a promising future in crop production.