More than 30 thousand people and at least 570 exhibitors are expected at Ag in Motion this year.
This year is also the 10th edition of the annual out-door farm show, located on the Discovery Farm site near Langham, Saskatchewan. It gets underway Tuesday and runs until Thursday.
Show Director Rob O’Connor says to mark the anniversary, they’re going to “celebrate a little bit of our past past history in the equipment side of this industry” with an antique tractor pull competition each day from 3 to 5 p.m. across from the Peavy Mart Rural Pavilion. It’ll feature tractors manufactured before 1965, ranging in horsepower from 23 up to 100, pulling a weighted sled.
Over the course of ten years, the show has grown to the point where it’s reach has extended far beyond the Prairies and gained international attention. O’Connor says it has also had a positive impact on the local economy.
“Just hotels itself, we’ll sell out Saskatoon; we’ll sell out the small towns around Langham as well, but we’re also selling out hotel rooms now in North Battleford, so the reach of the show for our local economy is fantastic, I’m so proud of that.” he said.
Equipment demonstrations are a key feature of Ag in Motion and all the latest equipment will be not only on display but ready to test drive.
“This is where farmers can actually see the equipment being demonstrated or they can test ride something, whether its a sprayer or tractor, skid steer, they can try things out…and then when they’re ready, then they go back to those manufacturers or those dealers and they’ll make that decision.”
Attendees will be able to check out several themed areas; AgTech Alley will feature companies showing off the latest tech and ideas for the future of agriculture; Irrigation Alley is home to live demonstrations of irrigation, water management, and drainage products; Livestock Central will have close to 100 livestock related exhibitors featuring products of special interest to livestock producers; and the Tool Centre highlights a collection of tools, safety equipment, and daily live demonstrations.
Several new products and new crop varieties will be launched at the show, including a new combine from Claas.
“In the crop area alone, we have twenty-seven companies with plots at Ag in Motion, featuring a range of seed varieties, fertilizers and crop protection products,” says O’Connor. “It’s the place to see new developments in crop innovation and talk with industry leaders who are present to answer questions.”
More information on events, exhibitors, and a schedule can be found at AginMotion.ca.