By Sheldon Spackman

Agri-Trade Equipment Expo returning in November

Aug 26, 2020 | 3:12 PM

RED DEER, Alta. – One of the best agricultural equipment shows in Canada is set to return to Red Deer’s Westerner Park this fall.

Officials with Agri-Trade Equipment Expo have announced the show will go ahead from Nov. 11-13 under new guidelines from Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy.

Show Manager David Fiddler says they’re excited to make the announcement.

“We feel very strongly that it’s time to get back to doing business,” says Fiddler. “We developed a very comprehensive COVID operational plan that meets, and in some cases will exceed the requirements set out by Alberta Health Services. So we’re quite confident that we can go ahead and provide a safe environment for our attendees, our exhibitors, and our staff.”

Some key components of Agri-Trade’s COVID-19 operational plan are:

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• Presale of tickets to reduce line-ups upon arrival at the show
• Increased numbers of hand sanitizing stations
• Three main entrances which include one-way traffic for entrances and exits
• One-way traffic throughout the show floor
• Physical distancing requirements throughout all buildings
• Adjusted floor plans to provide more space and the elimination of adjacent 10 x 10 booths
• Additional food service outlets to ensure physical distancing for food and beverage consumption.

Fiddler notes that Agri-Trade is a major source of income for the exhibitors involved and a major tourism driver for the local economy as well.

“You’ve got exhibitors that have extended stays in the community and are dining out and utilizing hotel services,” he explains. “You’ve got a number of farmers and ranchers that travel from wherever they may reside to come to the show, and of course they’re buying gas and quite often doing their Christmas shopping when they’re in Red Deer for the event. So it’s a significant tourism generator in excess of $50 million normally, in terms of what would be spent.”

In addition, Fiddler reveals that a third party independent study done a couple of years ago indicated about $250 million was accredited to direct sales of equipment and services at Agri-Trade for the equipment sector.

With about 475 exhibits normally at Agri-Trade each year, Fiddler admits those numbers will be down in 2020.

“There’s some companies that have their corporate policy that doesn’t allow their staff to travel in 2020,” says Fiddler. “But we’re providing an opportunity for them to have interactive displays where they can communicate directly with the patrons that do attend the show. Sort of a Zoom Booth we’ll call it.”

“With every other industry struggling right now, ag exports are up across western Canada,” adds Fiddler. “It’s the only sector of the economy that is exporting still and doing well, and I think Agri-Trade is an important cog in that wheel of agriculture in the central Alberta region.”

Since 1984, farmers and ranchers have attended Agri-Trade to see the newest equipment, technologies and the latest information they can use to boost productivity and profit for their operations.