There's lots happening down at the Stampede grounds this week.

Today on the grounds, as always the barns will be open to tour, and Ag-tivity in the City is open for visitors to participate in interactive activities.

Consumers today have so many questions about where their food comes from and how it was raised.

The Stampede is a great place to talk to producers, veterinarians, and environmental experts to get your questions answered.


Lori Wheeler, Program Coordinator of Agriculture Education at the Stampede, says they have farmers and ranchers from all sectors at the various exhibits during the ten days.

She adds, there are producers from all areas of agriculture guests can talk to, to learn about how producers are raising safe, nutritious food for Albertans and the world.

Twenty six participants competed in the vintage tractor pull last Sunday and Monday at the grounds. Darcy Elliot from Blackie, won class 2 twice with his 1952 co-op E5.

He says he first spotted the tractor in his neighbours field about 13 years ago, and it's the first tractor he ever restored.


Today in the Agrium Western Event Centre, the working cow horse competition will take place from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In the competition, riders will work a single cow in the arena performing specific manoeuvres. These things include circling the cow, and performing a specific pattern.

Many cattle producers who use horses to work cattle, use these skills on a daily basis.


The Stampede International Agriculture & Agri-Food Committee plays a crucial role in the Stampede, and is made up of 40 volunteers.

They serve as a connector between the Stampede, Southern Alberta agriculture, and international agriculture guests.

Their booth, called "Where in the World do you Farm?" , is set up in the Agrium throughout the whole ten days.

They welcome anyone involved in agriculture from another part of the world, or those looking to do business in agriculture internationally, to come chat with them.


Agriculture is a vital component of Alberta's economy.

The industry employs more than 89,000 Albertans, and there are over 43,000 farms in our province.

There are some aspects of agriculture you may have not even thought of before, like how Canada is the world's largest producer of blue berries.

That and more can be learned down at the Stampede grounds, so make you sure you take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new about agriculture.