COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of several agricultural events, including major livestock shows at Edmonton (FarmFair International) and Regina (Canadian Western Agribition)

After several months of discussions, the local organizing committee in Lloydminster has decided to proceed with the November 4-7 event. All Saskatchewan COVID-19 regulations will be followed and there will be a maximum of 450 head of cattle.

“We are fortunate to have lots of square footage so we are able to keep people a safe distance apart,” said Sydney Lake, agriculture manager with the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association. “We are able to provide a safe venue for people to conduct business. The stalling and the layout will look different than in other years, but we are confident we can pull it off and make it work.”

The organizing committee has been developing a plan since May—receiving plenty of support from sponsors and cattle exhibitors.

“That was really helpful because there was a lot of uncertainty and challenges during the planning process,” Lake said. “It was nice to have the phone calls and encouraging words that people will come if we are able to do it.”

Tiffany Peters is with Peters Simmentals, a family farm in the Perdue area about 45 minutes west of Saskatoon. She is looking forward to having one show to attend in what has been a difficult 2020.

“It would have been really weird if there had been nothing, but with Lloyd a go it gives some sort of normalcy to the fall,” Peters said. “You are excited to get the calves in and get them worked on and (then) see everybody. It gives a little bit of normalcy to a crazy year.”

Previous exhibitors are able to register now with general entries accepted starting September 16th. It’s expected the Stockade Round-Up will be able to attract additional exhibitors since it is the only cattle show being held.

(CJWW)