This week's Manitoba Ag Days set record highs for the number of exhibitors and attendees that celebrated together everything agriculture, filling the Keystone Centre in Brandon during the 3-day trade show.

President of the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Bill Campbell, says this year's Ag Days was a success on a number of levels.

"I think it's really an indication of everyone wanting to get back together," shares Campbell, "and we want to see, in person, the research, the innovation, the displays and the information that is being presented at Ag Days. 

"I would consider it a very healthy engagement with lots of people showing up.  The booths are right full! Participation has been great! So, I think it is a really good indication of the 2023 growing season!"

Campbell was pleased to see the number of government dignitaries in attendance at this year's Ag Days, "that they realize the importance agriculture is to the economy.  I find it very positive news of the $10 million announcement for ACC and their Prairie Innovation Centre and that will be extremely positive."

Premier Heather Stefanson made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon during the Dignitaries' Address in the FCC Theatre of the Province's investment of $10 million to support the development of the Prairie Innovation Centre at Assiniboine Community College (ACC) in Brandon.  ACC project the new centre would increase enrolment by approximately 600 students, from the current 300 to nearly 900, in such high-demand fields as agriculture, agriculture extension, environment and technology programs.

Throughout the 3 days at the Keystone Centre this past week, stakeholders in the Ag industry were also updated with modifications to crop insurance, and how rural crime issues are being addressed, "and I think the government of the day is keeping an eye on agriculture and ... we are here; agriculture. We contribute to the GDP," notes Campbell.

"I think as the conversations move forward, and as everybody is concerned about food security, food inflation, and growing our own food for the grocery stores, I think there's some positive outlooks," he adds.  "Yes, there are some concerns, and our risk is greater than ever, but moving forward I think we have to be positive."

KAP is Manitoba's general farm policy organization, providing a unified voice for farmers on issues that affect agriculture with a vision for a sustainable and profitable future for all Manitoba farmers. KAP works with governments, industry and stakeholders on overarching issues that affect all farmers.