Crop show offers more for visitors and vendors

The premier grain-industry event held each year in Saskatoon, Sask. will feature a new three-day format running Jan 9 to 11 at the World Trade Center at Prairieland Park.

The change from three and half days for the Western Canadian Crop Production Show came about at the request of the exhibitors.

Prairieland Park Agriculture Manager Leigh Ann Hurlburt said dropping the half day at the start makes a big difference for the businesses involved.

“What does that mean for them? It just means that a good chunk of them will be moving in on Monday instead of on the weekend. That’s less time for staffing on the weekends and obviously, there are some cost savings as well with a shorter show for the exhibitors,” Hurlburt said.

Many exhibitors come from Saskatoon and surrounding area but for those travelling a greater distance, Hurlburt said it was easier to get flights to Saskatoon on Monday.

Having exhibitors under one roof during their off-season is a good opportunity to network and discover the latest information in crop science, technology, and innovation. Hurlburt said vendors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest products and services that prairie farmers can use for the next growing season.

“We have 335 exhibitors, and they will be filling 1,000 exhibit spaces in the buildings which is great,” she said. “We are full with a waiting list.”

A new addition this year is the Innovation Award program designed to showcase the exhibitor’s inventions. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of farmers who will assess each submission.