Approximately $150 million is expected to be generated from this year’s Agri-Trade Equipment Expo at Westerner Park.
Dave Fiddler, show manager for the Agri-Trade Equipment Expo, said the event was a great way for people to compare equipment and prices. Some purchases were made during the show and other purchases will be made in the spring.
“When you’re looking at pieces of equipment that are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s not an impulse decision. So they’ll come in here and evaluate the different equipment and make comparisons because everybody is here,” said Fiddler.
Attendance was slightly down from previous years but the number of exhibitors was up to 470 from 425 this year.
“We’ve had a really good showing in terms of the amount of exhibitors, but farmers are still harvesting,” said Fiddler. “We’re glad they’re harvesting and the exhibitors are glad they’re harvesting and we sure hope they can finish the harvest.”
For those who were able to attend the event, Fiddler was happy with that he saw.
“The people that were here and are (finished with the) harvest were buying and exhibitors were mostly pleased with what’s happening with the business being done,” said Fiddler.
Valdene Callin, community and member relations coordinator for EQUS REA Ltd, an electric utility company in Innisfail,
said the trade show was a great chance to connect with current and potential clients.
“We’re member-owned so it’s important for them to see that we are out supporting the farming industry. With the crowds that have been out for the last four days it’s been a great opportunity to interact with the public,” said Callin.
This was the first year Fiddler managed the expo. He said there is no better location to host the event than at Westerner Park.
“Westerner Park is a great facility and we always say it’s the right show at the right time and the right location. Maybe the timing was a little off with the weather we’ve had, but this event is in the heart of agriculture production for western Canada,” said Fiddler.
The Agri-Trade Equipment Expo is set to return at the same time next year.
jonathan.guignard@www.reddeeradvocate.com