Another edition of Grain Millers Harvest Showdown – the 31st rendition – is just around the corner.
Monday the Yorkton Exhibition Association held a press conference at the Gallagher Centre to announce some of the highlights of the upcoming show scheduled for Nov. 6-9 at the Yorkton Exhibition grounds.
Penny Sandercock, YEA President noted an even such as Harvest Showdown is only possible through the support of many sponsors, starting with the naming sponsor.
“Grain Millers is proud to support the Yorkton Exhibition in hosting the four-day long event we all know and love as Harvest Showdown,” she said. “This event showcases all our local producers in one way or another; there is surely something for everyone.”
A highlight of the 2019 event will be the return of Professional Bull Riding (PBR).
“Yorkton New Holland is excited to bring back the second PBR performance to the Farrell Agencies Arena,” said Sandercock. “You don’t want to miss out as the 2018 shows sold out in the blink of an eye, and tickets for this year’s performances are selling out fast.”
Educating area students has always been a focus at Harvest Showdown, and it will continue to be in 2019.
“We are proud to be bringing Agriculture back to the classroom by welcoming 1000 students from around the Parkland Area for our Mosaic Ag-Education School Tours,” said Sandercock.
For those liking the big horses; the Farrell Agencies Arena will host Newton’s Landscaping & Hydro Vac Services Chore Team Competition, as well as the stock dog competition, Heartland Livestock Services Ranch Rodeo, the Saskatchewan Clydesdale Association with their Parade of Champions leading into our SaskTel Horse-Power Showcase featuring the Heavy Horse Pulls with an exciting half time show of Mutton Bustin, Wild Pony Competition, Mini Chuckwagon Races, and The Fury & The Fleece.
Once again, the Agri Pavilion will host FCC Breeders’ Alley, the Heartland Livestock Services Futurity Heifer Show and the Cornerstone Credit Union Commercial Cattle Show which features a variety of cattle breeds and top breeders from the local area.
“Don’t forget the Commercial Cattle Sale in the GX 94 sale ring beginning at 4:00 PM on Friday,” said Sandercock.
“Haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, well we have the perfect place for you to finish your shopping. Visit the Yorkton Hyundai’s Country Craft & Tradeshow located in the Flexihall,” she continued adding vendors are open from 12:00 noon to 7:00PM; Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Farm producers can also pick up some education at Harvest Showdown.
“Don’t miss the F4 Forum where we will discuss Farm, Fitness & Finances: Finding a Balance on Thursday November 7th in the National Bank Convention Place,” said Sandercock.
The forum will include guest speakers Craig Klemmer, Principal of Agricultural Economist, FCC who will be speaking on Financial Fitness; Dr. Fran Walley, Associate Dean Academics, College of Agriculture & Bio Resource, University of Saskatchewan will talk about Soil Health and how to achieve it; and our Farm Family Fitness segment focuses on Farm/Ranch Succession with Shawn Patenaude, Shawn Patenaude Law: Jason Heinmiller, Baker Tilly; and local families the Helgasson’s, Ostafie’s and Bilokreli’s.
The grain show is another returning highlight.
“With the craziness of Harvest and mother nature’s mood swings we are crossing our fingers for all the grain producers in the province to have nice weather and can get their crops off and in the bins,” said Sandercock. “ Stop by to see the Farrell Agencies Commercial Grain Show, the Farmers Business Network Pedigreed Seed Show and the Yorkton Exhibition Forage Show where the top producers of each class are on display in the main lobby.:
The Grain, Forage, and Pedigreed Seed Award Reception will be at 7:00PM in the National Bank Financial Place.
And cattleman have a destination too.
“Join us down in FCC Breeders Alley for the Sweet Pro Cattlemen’s Reception for Beef on a Bun and get to know our local cattle breeders,” said Sandercock. “A long-time favourite spot here on the grounds is the Farmers Business Network Prairie Oyster Bar & Grill, which will be our meeting spot for the sponsor reception featuring Comedian Myles Morrison.”
People were also invited to skip breakfast to attend the Grain Millers Oatmeal Eating Contest on Friday Nov, 8.
Following the Commercial Cattle sale; steaks will be cooking down in the Farmers Business Network Prairie Oyster Bar & Grill for the Heartland Livestock Cattlemen’s Supper; tickets are available for purchase in advance at the Yorkton Exhibition Office.
The first performance of the Yorkton New Holland PBR hits the Farrell Agencies Arena at 7:00PM with doors opening at 6:00PM. Get there early to avoid the rush and grab a refreshment in the Farmers Business Network Corral or the Painted Hand Casino Mezzanine.
Immediately following PBR head on over to the Farmers Business Network Prairie Oyster Bar & Grill to dance the night away with Lenny & the Gypsies presented by GX94.
“The last day of Grain Millers Harvest Showdown we’re out in the barns for the 4-H Judging Clinic featuring three categories – Beef, Horses, and Forage,” said Sandercock.
“If you don’t have enough crazy in your life, come on down to the Custom Printers Exotic Animal Sale at 2:00 PM in the AgriPavilion.”
Sandercock said the event will be a busy one that should please everyone.
“Whether you’re young or old, from the country or the city, Harvest Showdown has something for everyone,” she said.
“This year we are waving the gate fees, offering you free admission onto the grounds.”
For further details regarding the Grain Millers Harvest Showdown, visit our website www.yorktonexhibition.com; follow us on our Facebook page, Yorkton Exhibition Association; or call the office at 306-783-4800.
