Agricultural societies in Saskatchewan continue to be important to the economy, says Glen Duck, manager of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions.
Speaking to the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company annual meeting, Duck pointed out agricultural societies helped open the province to farming over 135 years ago.
“Many were founded before Saskatchewan became a province to give a gathering place and showcase and to learn technologies.
Some of the oldest agricultural societies in the province go back to the 1880s including Moosomin, Whitewood, Grenfell, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Regina.
Over the years they have carried on with programs from beef shows, horse shows, other events to the annual fair.
While larger agricultural societies operate some of the largest facilities in the province, he said some of the smaller societies play a role in bringing the community together and showcasing livestock.
Economic impact of the province’s 57 agricultural societies amounts to over $400 million annually with 2,000 employees and over 28,000 annual volunteer days.
“Last year we had over six million guests,’’ said Duck, a former manager of the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company.
Events produced by the agricultural societies support over 30,000 businesses.
Some major events produced by the societies include the Crop Production Show, Beef Expo, junior livestock shows, Agribition, Farm Progress Show as well as home and garden shows, trade fairs, international shows and cultural events.
Most events this year have been cancelled or put over to 2021 due to the pandemic but resilient societies have hosted events this year under the rules of Re-open Saskatchewan.
Events ranged from virtual and drive-through shows to barrel racing, jackpots and a Lloydminster talent show.
Federal assistance programs have been accessed to keep operations going.
One major event postponed to 2021 was the joint November convention of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions and SAASE planned for Regina.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
