Manitoba Ag Days, a Prairie tradition

Produced on the Prairies is the theme for this year’s Manitoba Ag Days which highlights the products and technology of the agriculture sector.

The 47th edition at the Brandon Keystone Centre kicks tomorrow and continues until Thursday.

Media Coordinator Teresa Hildebrand said they’re putting on the finishing touches.

“Preparations are well underway and moving along. We’re getting the big things in and now we’re just moving little things in, so we are right on track getting ready to roll and welcome everyone to the biggest indoor farm show tomorrow morning,”

The show officially begins with a craft beer show and tasting this evening. The traditional Tuesday breakfast is at a new location this year, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Building, well known as the dome building located across from Keystone Centre, from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Hildebrand said this year’s show will be huge with 550 exhibitors.

“They are filling 540,000 square feet of the Keystone Center. There is definitely something for everyone,” she said “We’ve got big iron all the way to cattle equipment and ag adjacent businesses like insurance. Anything that’s farm related, you will find it here.”

The Innovation Showcase is back for its fifth year, featuring 32 products and services vying for the top spot in each of the seven categories of Ag Technology, Agribusiness, Agricultural Equipment, Agronomics, Animal and Livestock, Farm Built Solutions and Farm Safety.

There are 63 speakers lined-up to discuss a range of topics from geopolitics to succession planning through to technology and agronomy.

Hildebrand said the show is proud of its community support. The annual Ag Days Gives Back grants will be awarded. Last year the money helped volunteer fire departments buy equipment or training. This year the grant is for community improvement. Post-secondary scholarships are presented to students in agricultural education.

Hildebrand said they are looking forward to welcoming everyone indoors.

“Don’t let the cold deter you. There’s a shuttle to take you right from your vehicle to the door and a complimentary coat check when you get inside the curling club entrance,” she said. “Come on out, we’re looking forward to welcoming you here.”