Canadian Western Agribition posts $321K loss in 2021

Despite generating more than $4 million in revenue in 2021, Canadian Western Agribition has reported an operating loss of $321,000 for the fiscal year.

Agribition had a profit of more than $325,000 in 2019, but suffered a net loss of over $774,000 in 2020 after having to cancel the show due to COVID-19. The 2021 show was held despite the pandemic.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy return to business, but in spite of the challenges, our exhibitors, partners and fans showed up in a big way,” CWA CEO Chris Lane said in a media release. “It was important to be here for the agriculture and western entertainment industries and we’re already planning the next show.”

The 2022 show is set for Nov. 28 to Dec. 3 at the REAL District in Regina.

The financial results were announced Wednesday. Agribition also confirmed Lane’s departure — he’s to become the president and CEO of Economic Development Regina — and the expiration of the term of president Chris Lees.

“Agribition’s key to success is its ability to change while also holding onto tradition,” Lees said in the release. “I couldn’t be prouder of what CWA has become in the past 50 years and it’s been an honour of a lifetime to play a part in it. The future of Agribition is as bright as it’s ever been.”