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A new report shows the significant economic impact generated by the Western Canadian Crop Production Show in Saskatoon.
The January event at Prairieland Park has a reputation for being a must-attend for grain, oilseed and pulse crop producers. The numbers contained in the economic impact report come from a survey of 352 people attending this year’s show, which was held Jan. 13-15. The interviews were conducted by students from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.
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The survey determined that 30 per cent of the 16,114 attendees came from a 50-kilometre radius of Saskatoon, 63 per cent from the rest of Saskatchewan and nine per cent from other provinces or countries.
Prairieland agriculture manager Leigh Ann Hurlburt said 89 per cent stated the show directly influenced their purchase decisions.
“They were asked what kind of active purchases are going to be making this year, where they were staying, how long they were staying, all those types of questions,” Hurlbert said.
The report said direct on-site transactions made during the show added up to $182.9 million. Another $30.2 million in total grain volume was traded directly on the show floor.
The biggest number comes from planned capital expenditures for the upcoming growing season, including equipment, inputs and services, which were valued at $895.8 million.
Hurlburt said when you add it all up, the total is $1.1 billion. She was especially pleased with the 99.5 per cent of those surveyed who said attending the show was essential, describing it as a proven return-on-investment destination.
“The conversations that are had during this show are very important to what’s going to happen in the current year for production,” she said. “Producers make decisions on what they’re going to seed, how they’re going to seed it, and new technology. They’re always looking to make it more efficient. Those conversations being one-on-one are so important, and it’s at a time when they have time to come and spend and do some socializing as well.”
Hotels and restaurants also benefit from the show, with the estimated economic impact adding up to more than $3.5 million in a single week.
The next Crop Production Show will run from Jan. 12-14, 2027.
