The importance of agriculture in Calgary & southern Alberta

Agriculture has always played an integral role in the economy and identity of Calgary and southern Alberta, with deep roots dating back to the late 19th century, when settlers migrated to the area, introducing farming and ranching practices.

Tied to this history is the Calgary Stampede, with roots all the way back to 1886, when the first Calgary Exhibition took place, inviting the community and industry experts to gather and share leading agriculture practices, ideas and technologies. Today, agriculture remains at the heart of the Calgary Stampede, inviting the community to gather and explore Calgary’s Western heritage, as well modern agriculture practices through conversation amongst both urban and rural audiences. It also remains at the heart of southern Alberta, which continues to be one of Canada’s most productive agricultural regions, known for cattle ranching, farming and innovative agriculture technology.

We caught up with Cherie Copithorne-Barnes, Second Vice-Chair of the Board at the Calgary Stampede and fourth generation Rancher, to learn more about the importance of agriculture in southern Alberta and around the world, as well as where the industry is headed next.

Over the last ten years, agriculture has undergone a transformation. “We’re producing so much more with so much less,” Copithorne-Barnes notes. “Technology, genetics and improved practices have created efficiencies we never knew were possible.” These advancements have made farms more productive, while minimizing environmental impact, from the way crops are planted, to how food makes its way to the dinner table.

Agriculture also plays an important role in both the local and global economies. “The incredible diversity in what makes up agriculture, makes it a large player in both the local and global scale,” shares Copithorne-Barnes. “It is an industry that has been in place since the dawn of humanity and unless we all can figure out a new way of feeding ourselves, it will be tough to replace it going forward at scale."

But what about Calgary and southern Alberta? How do these regions fit into the larger global agricultural landscape?

“Calgary sits on the western edge of some of the most productive land in the world,” Copithorne-Barnes explains. “The modernization of this city helps the local agricultural community stay better connected to global customers and their expectations for good, clean and sustainably produced agricultural products.”

Modernization, advancement and the importance of agriculture doesn’t just have an impact on a global scale, but a direct impact locally as well. “We all eat,” quips Copithorne-Barnes, while noting that the cost of food is tied directly to the distance it travels from farm to table. The closer it is grown to home, the more affordable it is for consumers. “We grow some of the best beef, potatoes, canola, wheat, oats, lentils (and the list goes on!), in the world. If we lose our local farmers, we’ll lose both the quality and value of our food.”

Just as important as growing our own food and supplying consumers from around the world, is international collaboration and conversation with other industry experts. Copithorne-Barnes details that very few countries are facing food production issues in isolation. While each producer has their own knowledge and practices, there are certain issues where everyone mutually benefits in solving together.

“To collaborate on things like common disease mitigation and food safety practices benefit all of us,” she explains. Different countries have different regulations, and technology moves at different paces. “It is important to get in front of issues as quickly as possible, and this only happens when international collaborations are established. Collaboration builds trust, productivity and efficiency on a global scale.”

This is why the Calgary Stampede actively works to create experiences that connect the Agri-Food & Beverage industry to Calgarians and southern Albertans through signature programs that build understanding between local producers and the community. “We celebrate hard-working producers through various awards programming, bring together important networking opportunities through our International Agriculture & Agri-Food Reception, and showcase some of the incredible products that we produce here in southern Alberta.”

Through youth programs like Aggie Days, Stampede School, and Journey 2050, the Stampede also introduces youth to the world of agriculture. “Urban kids get to see that there are truly exciting opportunities in how they can become a part of the agriculture world – and they don’t even have to get their hands dirty doing it!”

Teaching young people about the industry ensures that the next generation is prepared to tackle challenges, innovate, and lead the charge in sustainable food production. “Youth are the future of agriculture,” Copithorne-Barnes emphasizes. “We need to work hard to remind them not just where their food comes from, but how many amazing opportunities exist in agriculture.”

Looking to the future, Copithorne-Barnes is excited about the boundless potential agriculture holds. “Agriculture blends old traditions with new technologies, and it’s never the same two days in a row. There’s always something new to experience,” she shares. The sky’s the limit, but the challenge remains in empowering farmers and ranchers to meet that potential. With innovation, education and collaboration, the future of agriculture is bright, and southern Alberta is poised to continue to play a crucial role in food production locally, and around the world.