Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
SARDA Ag Research is excited to announce the return of its Agricultural Trade Show from March 27-29 at the Falher Regional Recreation Complex.
Executive director Vance Yaremko says the event is already sold out and they’re hoping that people from throughout northern Alberta will attend the show to see all the great exhibitors.
“We have 154 booths sold, making it a sold-out show,” says Yaremko.
“We have a variety of exhibitors from seed companies to chemical companies, construction businesses, lawyers, financial institutes and everything in-between,” he adds.
The SARDA Ag Research Trade Show is held every other year and is used as a major fundraiser for agricultural research in the region that will benefit not only local agriculture businesses in the Smoky River Region, but province and nationwide.
“Money raised through the show is applied to variety trials, inclusive of wheat, barley, oats, flax, peas and faba beans,” explains Yaremko.
“We are also planting new crops to develop strategies to help agricultural producers. These include Industrial Hemp and Lupins.”
Yaremko says money is also applied to product testing. Some products they test include micronutrients, growth regulators, herbicides, and others.
“The money also allows SARDA to complete vital research that money cannot be attained for through grant funding,” he notes.
“SARDA also holds multiple information sessions for agricultural producers, we formulate an information newsletter, update our website with important information and research findings, have field days and provide other extension activities.”
Sponsorship opportunities are still open with SARDA looking for someone to sponsor a pancake breakfast during the show, the Exhibitor Wine and Cheese, and many other items. A full sponsorship package can be requested by emailing smokyriveragtradeshow@gmail.com.
“The kitchen at the Recreation Complex will be open during the show and we are also welcoming Kat’s Concession back this year in the curling rink as an extra concession opportunity,” Yaremko says.
“Folks can come check out the booths and then stay all day to explore all the opportunities.”
Also happening through the weekend is a Farm-her Market hosted by the Northern Rural Chicks on Saturday, March 29 at the Smoky River Community Hall (formerly known as Centre Chevaliers or affectionately known as Pink Elephant) on Main Street in Falher. This event will have dozens of homemade, homegrown and home-crafted products for purchase through the vendors.
Friday will boast a fundraiser for the Smoky River Outdoor Community Multisport Court called the Trade Show Hoedown. This will be a dinner with entertainment, auctions and prizes will be included.
“We’re happy to have other non-profit organizations join in through the weekend,” Yaremko says.
“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products to producers and to get their name out for future endeavours.”
Yaremko says if people would like more information on the sponsorship opportunities, or about the event itself, to contact the Trade Show Organizer at smokyriveragtradeshow@gmail.com or by phone at (780) 837-0563.