Cypress Farm & Ranch Show runs until June 14
For farmers and ranchers in the Medicine Hat region, accessing major agricultural trade shows has long meant traveling far from home. That changes today with the launch of the inaugural Cypress Farm & Ranch Show (CFRS), a new event designed to bring the latest in ag innovation, equipment, and services directly to Southern Alberta.
Running from June 12 to 14 at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede grounds, CFRS is the first event of its kind in the region—despite the area's impressive agricultural output. According to Statistics Canada, Cypress County alone generated more than $454 million in gross farm receipts, with total farm market value exceeding $3.1 billion as of the 2016 Census. Machinery investments accounted for over $323 million of that total.
The show is the vision of Dave Fiddler, a retired farmer and seasoned event organizer, who identified a significant gap in the region’s access to farm-focused events.
“We did a lot of research and determined the Medicine Hat region is underserved when it comes to agricultural shows,” Fiddler told Farms.com earlier this year. “The farms and ranches here are larger, and the investment in equipment is more significant than anywhere else in Canada.”
The region’s diversity—ranging from dryland farming and beef production to greenhouse operations and irrigation supported by the St. Mary River Irrigation District—makes it a natural fit for a comprehensive ag event.
CFRS is being held in conjunction with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association Races, creating a unique blend of business and entertainment. The show features over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in ag technology, equipment, and services. Attendees can also take in a Speaker Series offering expert insights and practical knowledge for producers.
Beyond the business, CFRS offers a lively atmosphere with live music, contests, and prize giveaways. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Farms.com booth (#237) for a chance to win a selection of sauces from Alberta-based Jordan Ridge.
Though it’s the first edition, organizers and attendees alike are optimistic that CFRS will become a staple in the region’s agricultural calendar—rooted in a community that leads the nation in several key sectors of farming and ranching.