“Agriculture and agri-business is one of the fastest growing industries and one of the biggest economic drivers in the country,” says CWA CEO, Chris Lane. “It is diverse, innovative, sustainable, and rooted in community. It only makes sense that we celebrate the people who are making it great.”

The search begins today with online nominations running until December 31, 2020. Nominees will be considered in each of the following categories:

• Upstarts: The bold, young leaders of agriculture who are willing to speak up and try something completely new.
• Mentors: They have made Canadian agriculture what it is today and continue to share knowledge, expertise, and pave the way for a new generation.
• Innovators: Those on the leading edge of agricultural science, research, invention, and technology.
• Deal Makers: The movers-and-shakers, business owners, and entrepreneurs behind Canada’s agri-business sectors that keep the industry growing.
• Designated Hitters: The people you see as keynote speakers, association leaders, or volunteers that are always the first to sign up and speak up in the name of Canadian agriculture.

A selection panel, made up of some the most recognizable and respected voices in Canadian agriculture, will have the difficult task of narrowing the field to the Top 50 finalists which will be unveiled to the country on “Canada’s Ag Day”, February 23rd, 2021.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the country’s leading agriculture lender, is the proud sponsor of the Top 50 in Canadian Agriculture program.

“This industry is loaded with bright, energetic, and innovative entrepreneurs who are following their dreams and blazing new trails in all aspects of agriculture,” says Todd Klink, FCC Chief Marketing Officer. “I am confident there will be many influential people nominated for each category and I think the judges will be challenged to determine the award winners.”

Nominations for the Top 50 in Canadian Agriculture are now open at agribition.com

The post Agribition begins search for the top 50 most influential people in Canadian agriculture appeared first on Canadian Cattlemen.

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Canada, the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program is delivered by CWA and accepts eight applicants into an 18-month mentorship experience. Mentees are paired with some of the brightest minds and strongest leaders in Canadian agriculture and are exposed to industry knowledge, board and governance training, business education, financial literacy and networking opportunities.

After a successful launch in 2019, the program now enters its third cycle with applications open until early January of 2021. Mentees are selected by an advisory committee based on industry involvement, existing skills, interests, abilities, desired outcomes and overall fit in the program.

“Canada’s young agricultural professionals and producers are key to the future success of our sector,” says federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. “Our Government is working hard to ensure our youth have access to the necessary training and opportunities that will allow them to develop their skills to become leaders in the agriculture industry. By ensuring they are equipped for the future, we can build a stronger, more prosperous agriculture industry in Saskatchewan and across the country.”

“Saskatchewan’s young leaders are a valuable source of knowledge, innovation, and expertise,” says Agriculture Minister David Marit. “By partnering them with experienced mentors, this program enhances their skills and prepares them to take on active roles within the industry.”

“It’s exciting to watch the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program grow as it has over the last two years,” says CWA President Chris Lees. “To see what the mentees are getting out of the program and the connections they’re making is something CWA is proud to be a part of.”

The post Applications open for Agribition’s mentorship program appeared first on Canadian Cattlemen.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but the health and safety of our exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and guests is priority,” says CWA President Chris Lees. “We owe it to everyone connected to Agribition to make the best decisions we can, even when they’re the hardest ones to make.”

CWA’s 50th show that was scheduled to take place on November 30 to December 5, 2020, will now take place November 22 to 27, 2021.

“Agribition has never missed show in 49 years so this is tough,” says CWA CEO Chris Lane. “But we have already started making sure that CWA’s year-round work continues and we showcase Canadian agriculture to the community and to the world.”

CWA will work to create new digital experiences for exhibitors, international buyers, and students. Work on mentorship, international market development, education, and scholarships will also continue through 2020.

“There’s so much about Agribition that supports the industry outside of the event itself. We have an opportunity to build on that and make sure it’s as strong as it can be,” says Lane.

Planning for Agribition’s 50th show in 2021 will continue with announcements on new programs, entertainment, and events to come.

“CWA’s board of directors and staff are committed to making the 50th show the absolute best it can be. That work hasn’t stopped yet and it won’t stop now,” says Lees.

CWA’s Annual General Meeting will take place via webcast and conference call on June 25, 2020. Details can be found online at www.agribition.com.

The post Canadian Western Agribition postpones 50th show until 2021 appeared first on Canadian Cattlemen.

“It’s important for Agribition to continue to operate responsibly, and to ensure the show and the organization is sustainable in the long term,” says CWA President Bruce Holmquist. “We’re proud of the fact that we continue to add programming and bring new visitors to Agribition while ensuring that we also grow and make improvements to the show.”

The 2018 show saw improved attendance over 2017 and a record-high value of purchases from international buyers at $881,000, a figure that’s nearly doubled since 2016. CWA also marked 2018 with a new mentorship program and welcomed more than 9000 students to its education program.

“Agribition’s strength continues to be its people,” says CWA CEO Chris Lane. “The exhibitors, volunteers, guests and sponsors that continue to help us build and maintain momentum is the key to staying relevant in agriculture.”

Agribition to host new pro rodeo finals

CWA also announced Agribition will be home to the Maple Leaf Finals, a new professional circuit finals rodeo in Canada. The event will feature 10 of the top contestants in each of the 7 major rodeo events competing over 4 nights for over $100,000 in prize money.

“Western culture has been a key piece of the foundation of Agribition for almost 50 years,” says Holmquist. “Rodeo has been a very important part of that and through the years have worked hard at growing the profile of the sport for both its fans and competitors.”

The two-year agreement with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association will ensure Canada’s newest rodeo finals will have a home at one of the most exciting rodeo atmospheres in the country.

“The Maple Leaf Finals are a good fit for Agribition,” says Lane. “We’ve got 20,000 fans that come to see one of the most high-energy rodeos in Canada, and these Finals are going to take that to the next level. This is exciting for rodeo and it’s exciting for Agribition.”

Ticket for the Maple leaf Finals, and all programming, will go on sale in September.

The post Agribition marks successful 2018, unveils new rodeo for 2019 appeared first on Canadian Cattlemen.

The RHA will invest $3 million from its Destination Marketing Program into the new multi-use facility.

“Our organization’s mandate is to strengthen Regina to be the best city in Canada to host national and international events and conventions. We believe the International Trade Centre will attract new event business to the city, ultimately benefiting all our business partners”, says Cari Lemieux, Board President of the RHA. “We are also delighted to support the sustainability and growth of Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show in Regina.”

CWA will contribute $1M.

“New facilities will provide stability for our livestock exhibitors and for our show.” says Stewart Stone, CWA President. “As a not-for-profit organization, it is quite an accomplishment to make a contribution like this. We are proud to be able to give back to the agricultural community and the City of Regina with this sizeable investment.”

In July, the federal and provincial governments, along with the City of Regina announced $33 million towards the project.

“I am pleased to see the remaining funding secured for the International Trade Centre,” Minister of Agriculture Lyle Stewart said. “The ITC will assist with increasing the profile of our premier agriculture shows like Canadian Western Agribition.”

Evraz Place will be the lead on the construction and design of the new facilities. “We are looking forward to the positive impact that this new building will have for Regina and our patrons, and are so appreciative of the support of all of our funding partners,” stated Mark Allan, President and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited who operates Evraz Place.

Construction is expected to begin immediately following Agribition in 2015. Official opening of the new building is scheduled for 2017.

The post Agribition and hotel association partner to construct International Trade Centre appeared first on Canadian Cattlemen.