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Canadian Western Agribition wraps up for 48th year

Nov 26, 2018 | 5:46 AM

While final numbers won’t be available for a few weeks, this year’s Agribition set at least one attendance record, with close to 10,000 school children pre-registered through its Education Program.

“Any industry wants to stay relevant as long as it can and do all the things it can to really build the next group of invested people in it,” said CEO Chris Lane on the livestock’s last day on Saturday.

“To see Agribition not just holding its own with the young people but actually growing it substantially year-over-year, I think that’s such a success story for us.”

This year’s show featured 150 events, more than 450 trade show booths and 2,500 animals.

Mental health was also a key focus, with therapy livestock on display and a free workshop presented by Farm Credit Canada delivered by Bridges Mental Health Services.

“We’re proud to be a venue for that. I think we can touch a lot of people so we’re happy to help that conversation along. By adding the therapy animal piece, it gave people something tactile and tangible to connect with the conversation around mental health,” Lane said.