Ag Expo kicks off this week

© Lethbridge Herald photo by Tijana Martin Rick Erickon, cleans the Honey Bee AirFLEX header on Tuesday morning in preparation for 2017 AG Expo and North American Seed Fair at Exhibition Park. @TMartinHerald

J.W. Schnarr
Westwind Weekly News

The latest and greatest in the agriculture sector will be on display at the annual Ag Expo at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge this week.

The 2017 Ag Expo and North American Seed Fair Show starts Wthis morning and runs through to Friday. More than 350 indoor exhibitors from across North America will attend this annual event.

Ag Expo averages over 20,000 consumers over the three-day show, and features more than 40 new exhibitors this year.

“It’s turned into a real seller and buyer event,” said event manager Doug Kryzanowski. “We’re one of the last shows at the end of the season.”

The event provides an opportunity for farmers to meet with their sales representatives and other business connections.

There is also a safety component added this year. Ag for Life Farm Safety sessions daily at 10 a.m. in Heritage Hall.

“I know the provincial government has had a big push on farm safety,” Kryzanowski said. “Over that time, there’s been a few accidents. People should be more aware of how they need to be safe when handling machinery, being around dugouts, or walking on ice.”

Another big draw every year is Machinery Row, which offers a chance to see the newest farm equipment available on the market. Machinery Row can be found in the South Pavilion parking lot, where the outside display will utilize over 150,000 square feet of space.

Kryzanowski said for many growers, the event marks the start of the growing season, and is an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to farming efficiencies.

“For your crops, you need bushels, and the big thing is efficiency,” he said. “The more efficient you are, the more money you put into the bin.”

Ag Expo runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Admission is $7 per person, with children under 10 years free. Parking is $5 per vehicle.