Agribition kicks off in Regina with full barns, free admission and new features

The nation’s largest livestock show opened its doors on Monday.

Canadian Western Agribition runs until Saturday at Regina’s REAL District, featuring a show floor packed with animals, trade exhibits and a fan-favourite rodeo.

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Organizers said opening day features free admission, with thousands of visitors expected to move through the halls.

A dairy display inside Agribition’s education area features a life-sized cow model covered in milk cartons. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

Agribition CEO Shaun Kindopp said nearly every major attraction is back for 2025, including the four-night professional rodeo, the livestock shows and a bustling trade floor featuring more than 400 exhibitors. He said the show features something for everybody, including live music and great shopping.

“You don’t need to come from ag,” Kindopp said. “There’s a lot of entertainment.”

Behind the scenes, Kindopp said preparations for the show span the entire year, with 11 full-time staff members and a large team of volunteers working hard to put all the pieces together.

“There’s a lot of planning, but we’re definitely ready to get going,” he said.

Kindopp said a new sensory hour on Saturday morning is designed to make the event more inclusive for people who prefer a quieter space to explore the show.

Exhibitors and staff set up inside the barns on Monday morning ahead of Agribition. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

Agribition president Michael Latimer said the annual kickoff, known as the Burning of the Brand, officially marks the start of Agribition at 9 a.m.

“Cattle barns are full, trade shows are full, rodeos are nearly sold out… it looks like it’s gonna be a great week,” Latimer said.

While the gates opened on Monday, many producers have been preparing for the expo for months.

Lloydminster producer Jackie Payne said for her, the work begins in the late summer.

Producers groom their cattle ahead of showing as preparations continue for Agribition. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

“Most people in the barns would actually start working on cattle in August,” she said.

“There’s a lot of time and commitment to come to the show, for sure.”

Payne said her family has been attending Agribition for decades. She said it offers a great chance to connect with other producers, see new genetics and showcase her animals.

Beyond cattle, other livestock are already drawing attention, including alpacas.

Carol Poole, of Tiger Lily Ranch near Pilot Butte, said the alpaca program runs on Monday and Tuesday, featuring fleece judging and a halter show with an international judge in attendance.

“When everybody comes to see the alpacas, their reaction is ‘Oh my God, they are so cute,’” Poole said. “And they want to know what makes them so cool.”

Carol Poole of Tiger Lily Ranch poses with one of her alpacas inside the barns on opening day at Agribition. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

Poole said alpacas are raised for wool that is five times warmer than sheep’s wool. Their fleece is free of lanolin, making it soft and non-itchy.

For organizers, Agribition’s draw goes beyond animals and shopping. Kindopp said the event’s most significant impact may be the energy it brings to the community.

“Just watching people walk through the halls with a smile on their face,” he said. “That’s my favourite part.”

Agribition runs until Saturday, with sellouts expected for rodeo events later in the week. The full schedule can be found on the event’s website.