The 50th anniversary of Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) kicked off on Monday morning in Regina with the ceremonial Burning of the Brand and a funding announcement from the Saskatchewan government.
During the morning event, Agriculture Minister David Marit announced a renewed five-year sponsorship agreement of $250,000 with CWA.
The partnership sees Agribition provided with $50,000 in sponsorship annually over the next five years starting in 2022.
“The government of Saskatchewan is proud to continue our support of Canadian Western Agribition and to make this announcement on their 50th anniversary,” Marit said.
“This show puts Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry on the world stage, enhancing our international reputation and providing producers with the information, technology and connections needed to reach our growth plan goals for 2030.”
The current four-year, $200,000 agreement between the government and Agribition ends at the end of 2021.
During the Burning of the Brand, organizers honoured both the event’s founding members and members of the Sutter family. Chris Sutter, the father of the family, was the first CWA president in 1971.
“For those of us who remember the early days of Agribition, it’s incredible to see what it has become. Those were humble beginnings led by Saskatchewan cattlemen who knew they were starting something special,” said CWA President Chris Lees on Monday.
“Having the Sutter family here to connect the past with the present is a fitting way to open our 50th show.”
Agribition begins with free gate admission on Monday only. The rest of the week will feature 12 national cattle breed shows, bison, sheep, alpacas and a number of horse competitions, along with other events and activities.
Tickets and more information about the schedule are available at the Agribition website.
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