Grain Millers Harvest Showdown will kick-off in Yorkton next Wednesday with many familiar events and a couple of exciting new features as well.
One of the highlights will be a thank-you award to Bob Bjornerud MLA from Melville-Saltcoats who acted as Saskatchewan’s Minister of Agriculture from 2007 into 2012.
“Regardless of your politics Bob worked hard for agriculture, and was always very supportive of Yorkton Exhibition Association events,” said YEA Manager Shaun Morin. “For example he was always interested in attending our 4-H and grain show awards, so we thought it fitting that we recognize his contribution and say thanks.”
So as part of the grain awards evening Thursday Bjornerud will receive a special presentation hosted by Dave Farrell.
“It’ll be a nice addition to our grain awards which has been part of Harvest Showdown right from the beginning,” said Morin. When the Exhibition Association first came up with the idea of hosting a fall show, they wanted it to focus and agriculture, and that has remained the primary focus for the event each year.”
The grain show again has had good response from farmers across the region who have submitted samples, said Morin. Over 100 hay and silage samples have been sent off for testing.
“It’s the last commercial grain show around and it remains popular here because area producers have always been willing to support the event,” he said.
The Saskatchewan Grains Expo is also part of the grain side of the Showdown, with a full day of presentations from industry personal on issues in the grains and oilseeds sector.
The other aspect of Harvest Showdown which has been around for all 27-years of the event is the commercial cattle show.
“Again it’s producers who have made it a long term success,” said Morin. “If producers weren’t entering cattle and other producers coming out to support the sale, it just wouldn’t work.
With continuing strong cattle prices this year entries are up considerably.
“And we are going to add a new feature; well actually bring back a feature from several years ago, a breeders alley,” said Morin.
A breeders alley is a place where seed stock producers can promote their breeds by putting on a display that includes live animals. It will be hosted by Farm Credit Corporation in the Agripavilion.
“We think the timing is right for this again,” said Morin. “With the recent good prices there is enthusiasm in the cattle industry, and with commercial producers attending the show and sale it’s a great opportunity for cattle breeders to connect with potential customers.”
Mix in annual events such as the ranch rodeo and stock dog competitions, trade show, fiddling and auctioneer competitions, exotic animal sale, New Holland Rodeo which runs Friday and Saturday evenings, and the popular wind-up rodeo dance, and there really is something for everyone.
“The focus might be agriculture, but Grain Millers Harvest Showdown really has become a place where country meets city, and vice versa,” said Morin. “We just want to invite everyone to go a little country this year and help us celebrate success in agriculture.”
Daily gate admission is only $5 for adults.
