4H Sask. member disappointed, but understanding over Agribition cancellation

Kyle Kirzinger has attended Canadian Western Agribition for so long, he couldn’t tell you when he first started to visit the annual agricultural event in Regina.

“That was a thing that my dad and I did a lot growing up and then we really enjoyed it together, it gave us a few days to go and do some father-son bonding over an industry that we both enjoy being a part of,” Kirzinger said.

For almost as long as he’s been attending the event, Kirzinger has participated in Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) in a variety of capacities, from judging livestock competitions to presenting at the trade show.

“I’ve been around the barn helping fit and stuff like that since I was 15 years old,” Kirzinger said.

One could say Kirzinger has agriculture in his blood.

Having grown up on a farm with a father in the industry, Kirzinger has also been a member of 4H Saskatchewan for the past 10 years and is working towards a bachelor of science degree in Agribusiness at the University of Saskatchewan.

He said his involvement in 4H is what led him to Agribition.

“That’s truly where it started to grow,” Kirzinger said, referring to his 4H involvement. “That’s where I started showing cattle and that’s where I developed that interest in the livestock and agriculture industry.”

Kirzinger first heard CWA would be postponing the annual event to 2021 while with a friend and fellow Agribition participant.

“I saw the announcement right when they put it out,” he said. “It’s mixed emotions … It hit home for the both of us.”

Kirzinger said Agribition is a staple in his year.

“I look forward to it every November as do many other industry members, from exhibitors to participants to visitors. So, to hear it was cancelled especially on the 50th anniversary, it added a little extra sting to it,” Kirzinger said.

But the 4H member also understands why CWA made the call to postpone the event.

“Canadian Western Agribition has always put their visitors and exhibitors safety on a pedastal,” Kirzinger said.

“They’re just doing that again here. They want to make sure everyone has a positive experience and that that 50th anniversary can be the best possible.”

For Kirzinger, Agribition is a yearly event for networking and gathering to showcase Canada’s agricultural industry.

“I really love that it’s a place full of like-minded people bringing together the most innovative and the best parts of the industry,” he said.

“You’re seeing extremely high-quality in the show ring and all other flocks of livestock, you’re seeing the top end of those respective industries … it’s just incomparable to anything else.”

Each year, Kirzinger looks forward to hearing stories from people of various backgrounds in the industry as well as many of the yearly events, including the judging competition and the mutton-busting.

2020 would have marked Kirzinger’s third year of participating in the annual livestock judging competition. In the past, he’s placed as high as fourth.

“That top spot has definitely been a goal of mine since the competition has been on my radar,” Kirzinger said.

The 4H member said he plans to use the now-extra year ahead to practice for the event.

“Fingers crossed,” Kirzinger said.