Canadian Western Agribition – REAL Welcomes the World Each November

The show is anchored by beef cattle and features a large and diverse array of livestock. But visitors can see the latest in equipment, watch and participate in stock shows, discuss the latest in seeding and harvesting technology, and even enjoy a few nights of some of the best rodeo in the country. All eight major rodeo events are featured during each performance with the top ten contestants taking part in barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, and more. It’s the provinces highest paying rodeo with a total purse of $120,000.

Agribition is a world-class event that celebrates Indigenous culture, offers educational opportunities, shopping, and many immersive and hands-on experiences for those who may be unfamiliar with the ins and outs of a farm operation.

The show is celebrated worldwide and held in high regard within the industry. Enthusiastic attendees from across the globe eagerly mark their calendars to participate and showcase at CWA. Over 1,200 international visitors from more than 60 nations gather in Regina for an unforgettable six days of excitement, innovation, and connection.

Those visitors leave a lasting economic impact on our province and city. In 2023 $116.5 million was brought into the province. That same year, over $69 million was added to Saskatchewan’s GDP. Provincially 1081 jobs were added and over 200 jobs locally. Add in the $1.9 million in vendor sales at the trade show and you have one of the biggest economic events in the province.

CWA’s roots trace back to 1971, born from a desire to create something more impactful and accessible. Up until that year farmers and ranchers gathered in Ontario for Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. In true Saskatchewan style, a cattle farmer from Redvers felt it could be done better in Regina.

Chris Sutter, who built the Aqua Hollow Polled Hereford herd, described the Toronto event as “basically a horse show.” And that’s where the vision for CWA took shape. Sutter, now known as the Father of Agribition, created the groundbreaking event that now stands as a cornerstone of the industry, that many said wouldn’t succeed.

Undaunted, Sutter, along with Bill Small, Barry Andrew, Ken Halvorson, and Gordon Hollinger, focused a lot of their time and energy to develop CWA. Persistence paid off and the show has taken place every year since its inception, including through the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the show to go become online and virtual. CWA returned to an in-person event in 2021.

Sutter passed away in 2014, but his legacy lives on with The Chris Sutter Award presented to an individual or company that demonstrates exemplary contribution to the development of CWA.

The financial benefits of CWA can’t be ignored. Provincially, the impact Agribition has had on livestock sales is substantial. In 2023 alone livestock sales surpassed $2 million. Due in large part to Sutter’s persistence to create and persevere, sales have increased in the province and higher standards within the industry have been created.

The ability of CWA to navigate industry challenges, along with a global pandemic, is indicative of their awareness to move and change with the times. The show continues to grow, explore, and innovate.

Over the 53 years of Agribition, they’ve encouraged everyone to see what life in the world of agriculture is like. One of the main objectives of CWA is to promote the expansion, development, and interest in agriculture, competition, and to foster improved urban-rural relations within the agricultural industry.

No matter your background or level of interest, Canadian Western Agribition offers a unique experience for anyone eager to explore the world of agriculture.

This show is an integral part of our 140-year history, and we look forward to welcoming everyone each November at the REAL District.