Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) signed an agreement with its event-counterpart in Argentina to collaborate in a variety of ways to make the two respective organizations better.
CWA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sociedad Rural Argentina (SRA) on July 20th, which according to a news release from CWA, "formalizes a cooperative relationship between two internationally recognized livestock organizations committed to advancing global agriculture through collaboration, innovation, and business development."
Furthermore, the MOU will strengthen connections between the Canadian and Argentine livestock sectors "through reciprocal promotion, business-to-business engagement, commercial delegations, and the exchange of industry best practices, both organizations aim to create new opportunities for producers, breeders, researchers, and agricultural businesses."
Agribition CEO Shaun Kindopp was there to sign the agreement and says they want it to be more than signing a piece of paper or a photo-op.
“We want to make sure that the documents are living throughout the year, so we're going to make sure that we continue to collaborate, same as we do with Australia, same as we do with Mexico, and continue to work with them and be a sounding board for them, but also welcome them back to Agribition as I think that we have a fantastic international program," said Kindopp, adding SRA could help them out on the programming side of CWA.
"So what we don't want to do at Agribition is become complacent, so to continue to collaborate with shows that are the same caliber as us and continue to learn is what's going to keep Agribition growing and evolving. "
Kindopp was in Argentina for two weeks and got to experience SRA's signature event, the Palermo International Livestock Exhibition in Buenos Aries. He described the event as being on the same level as the Calgary Stampede in terms of international recognition.
"I would say that it's one of the best in the world, so when you can measure yourself against shows like that and continue to collaborate with shows like that, it's good for the industry too. The livestock show industry is incredibly collaborative and everyone's cheering for each other. So I had heard it was fantastic, but it definitely blew my expectations out of the water as well."
The MOU was signed as Agribition is gearing up for this year's event, which will see some changes with Brandt soon to take ownership of some areas of REAL District in Regina. But Kindopp reassures everyone that preparations are going well and there will be a show this year.
"The structure that was in the back at the moment has been demolished, so I know the new structure is on its way and conversations of Brandt are continuing to evolve daily. Everyone that's been worried about Agribition 2026, it is happening and it will be to the level that has been there for the last 54 years. We're excited to celebrate 55 years with everybody. We're excited to open the doors and welcome the world to Regina.”
The MOU remains in effect through July 31st, 2028.
