The SARDA team went above and beyond again this year, hosting their Agricultural Trade Show. Pictured, left-right, are members of their team including Vance Yaremko, Shelleen Gerbig, Simon Lavoie, and Nolan Lavoie.Emily Plihal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Over 150 booths were displayed at the 2023 SARDA Agricultural Trade Show held at the Falher Regional Recreation Complex on the weekend of March 16-18.

Various equipment was on display from Foster’s, Rocky Mountain Equipment, and other local equipment dealers. The trade show provides farmers with the opportunity to check out the newest technology available to them.
Left-right, Rocky Mountain Equipment’s Ben Van Walleghem, Charlie Robert, Neil Cotton and Patrick Isert represented the company at this year’s SARDA Trade Show. RME is one of the agricultural dealerships located in Falher.

The event, which is much anticipated by both local farmers and residents of the community, saw hundreds of people go through its doors through the three-day event.

The Pioneer booth had a visit from M.D. of Smoky River Reeve Robert Brochu, left, pictured with Brianne Brault, centre, and Marc Brochu.

M.D. of Smoky River farmer and SARDA board member Luc Levesque says it was great to be able to get back to normal and be able to hold the first trade show since before the COVID pandemic.

“The trade show, is for me, a good reminder of how it takes a whole community to grow a crop,” says Levesque.

Centre Chevaliers Board secretary Denise Maisonneuve served up a bunch of delicious goodies for people at the Women’s Market.
Northern Rural Chicks, left-right, are Kristin Blanchette, Alex Brochu, Joelle Benoit and Louise Brochu. NRC organized a Women’s Market Friday.

“The exhibitors all play a vital part in the success of our farms and ultimately our MD. It’s good to see everyone take some time to connect again,” he adds.

The trade show featured a variety of exhibitors, with a little bit from various genres of businesses. Regardless of whether individuals were farmers or not, the show had a little bit for everyone. The span included financial institutions and insurance companies to custom builders and agricultural equipment dealers and everything in-between.

Local farmer Albert Laflamme, left, is pictured with Ritchie Bros. territory manager Paul Dixon, centre, and Mark Sandul. Ritchie Bros. provides auctioning services around the world for various industries.
Marianne Houle of Nord Ouest FM greeted visitors to the Centre Chevaliers at their booth. The group also held a Radiothon March 17-19 to raise funds to continue Francophone media to the public.

“Exhibitors were very happy to be back and were impressed with the turnout,” says trade show coordinator Nolan Lavoie.

“Attendees had a good time and said they missed the show and hope it continues to be a staple event in Falher.”

M.D. of Smoky River Councillor Alain Blanchette and Smoky River Emergency Service’s Lieut. Chris Gullet manned the municipality’s booth on Friday afternoon. The M.D. offers many agricultural services.
Left-right, M.D. of Smoky River farmer Luc Levesque visits with SeedMaster territory manager Duane Kent and Peace Country Equipment’s Richie Maisonneuve and Jahla Maisonneuve at their booth.

Exhibitors’ sentiment echoed the attendees’ opinion of how the show was executed and its level of success.

M.D. of Smoky River business Nutrien showcased its business at the SARDA Trade Show. Pictured are Ray Boivin, Curtis Fortin, and Amanda Hausler.
Foster’s Agri-World staff attended to provide information about the various equipment and services they provide. Left-right are Colton Lee, Daylon Dupuis, Rene Houle, Kenny Burt, Trevor Massier, and Larry Adams.

“I’ve been attending the show since the beginning, and I really liked this year’s energy,” says Goodon Industries’ Alain Turcotte. “It is always well-attended and provides serious leads for my business. I’ve worked many shows over 30 years and the SARDA show every two years is certainly a highlight and we look forward to it.”

Falher’s Farm Credit Canada employees Antoinette Kruger, left, and Karen Tytula were at the trade show to provide farmers with information.

Turcotte also wished to recognize long-time SARDA Agricultural Trade Show coordinator Roch Bremont who passed away suddenly last year. This was the first year in over two decades that Bremont didn’t organize the agricultural show, a void that was unexpected.

Falher Branch Credit Union’s manager Helen Chalifoux, left, and and Kailan Rowan promoted their financial services to farmers and visitors.

“Roch is a massive reason as to why this show is what it is and will continue to be,” says Turcotte. “He will certainly be missed.”

Pair-a-Dice Diversified LTD. owners Cody and Judy Tetachuk, left and centre, welcomed visitor Mike Hebert to their booth at the trade show.
Smoky Hemp will be opening their decortication plant in Donnelly later this year. Pictured, left-right, are board members Norm Boulet, Avis Gagne and Francois Cote.

Lavoie says the team is happy that everything went smoothly and are excited to start planning it again.

The next show is tentatively scheduled for mid-March in 2025.

By Emily Plihal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Original Published on Mar 29, 2023

This item reprinted with permission from   South Peace News   High Prairie, Alberta

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