The latest in ag innovations, products and services for farmers is once again on display at Westerner Park as the doors to the 33rd Agri-Trade Equipment Expo open this morning (Nov 9th).

The 4 day show runs 9-5 today through Friday and 9-3 on Saturday.

Show Manager David Fiddler says this year they have 3 Ag Innovation Winners "any of those cattle people out there, we have a power stapler that's going to revolutionize cattle fencing, we also have a bobcat tire handler from Raczynski Sales and Michelin has a new flotation tire which they may be needing for this harvest".

Fiddler says choosing the winner's is always tough as all of their exhibitors bring innovation to the show " all of our exhibitors bring innovation to the show, and this is where a lot of product is introduced, the major manufacturers of farm equipment this is a national stand for them, so you can come out and see everything new in equipment.  As well he have the ride and drives, Kubota and Toyota both have ride and drive events so farmers can actually get on and try the eqipment and try the trucks".

You can expect about 470 exhibitors, more outdoor exhibits this year and Fiddler says they have made some changes to the show lay-out.

There is also a focus on Ag Careers this year "we're working with youth in agriculture, we have high school students coming from Red Deer and surrounding areas to learn about opportunities to be employed in Agricluture.  We also have a number of the Colleges, Red Deer College, Olds College and Lakeland College out in Vermillion all sending bus loads of students to the show to take the opportunity to learn about the business of agriculture".

Fiddler says in additon to their draw of farmers here at home and from throughout Western Canada, they'll also be welcoming delegations from Australia and Mexico.

Last year around 28,000 people attended Agri-Trade.