‘Nobody does it better than us:’ Regina to once again host Canada’s Farm Show

REAL District will once again be filled with people interested in agriculture and its technology.

Canada’s Farm Show will be returning to Regina from June 20 to June 22.

The event will feature the return of Cultivator’s 24-hour start-up in ag tech. It brings together the best in agriculture, technology and business to pitch ideas, form teams and build a minimum viable product.

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said since the city is considered a global hub for agriculture, it’s important that Regina hosts the event.

“I think activating this space and partnering with both private and public partners is massive again for reputation and for those connections that we’re able to deliver in terms of making deals happen here,” she said. “It’s pretty incredible. As for a hospitality perspective, no one does it better than us.”

According to Masters, the whole idea of Canada’s Farm Show is connecting.

She said the beauty of Regina is that if someone needs access to something, the city has created partners to find access and make deals happen.

“There’s synergy’s here that’s pretty incredible from an international future perspective in terms of business,” Masters said.

She called it incredible that Regina is a connector in a global way and that it makes sense for the show to be held in the Queen City.

“You have access to all of the major corporations from both a grain (perspective and) from an input perspective. Manufacturing, equipment, technology — we really are the full-meal deal here,” Masters said.

REAL president and CEO Tim Reid said this year’s show feels like a comeback.

“This feels like we’re back to normal and we’re feeling good about it. Exhibits are up (and) sponsorships are up, so it feels like we’re getting back to normal times,” he said.

Reid said last year, representatives of 50 countries attended the event.

“It’s an extraordinary message of the resiliency of agriculture. If you think of those 50 flags that are hanging (in the Viterra International Trade Centre), those 50 people had to work really hard to get to Regina,” he said.

Reid added that normally the Queen City sees 75 to 80 delegations.

“I’d be real disappointed if we didn’t put an additional 25 flags this year. Our goal is to have 75 international nations represented,” Reid said.

He added one part REAL is proud of is its Launch Pad, which is the stage where technology and support are provided for innovators.

“It’s an investment that we’re making in agriculture that allows everybody, no matter your corporate size, to have a global impact,” Reid said.

Reid explained why Regina hosting this event is important.

“This continues to be us waving the flag that we’re the leaders in agriculture in a world that needs leading agriculture,” he said.

It was also announced that Premier Scott Moe will be delivering his State of Agriculture in Saskatchewan address during the event’s first day.

Tickets are to go on sale on Friday.