Drayton Farm Show draws 'next generation of farmers'

It all began with a group of 'ag-minded' Kinsmen hosting a 'farmer's night' in 1984.

This year, the Drayton Farm Show celebrates 40 years in the community, giving people an opportunity to see new technologies and learn about emerging job opportunities. 

The Drayton Kinsmen Club holds one of rural Ontario’s largest agricultural shows. And this year, from April 10 to 11th, the event showcased the latest farming equipment and technology at PMD Arena.

“This is for everyone. We see a lot of young students here, from toddlers, right up to teenagers. It’s huge for the Mennonite community too, who bring out the whole family,” said Ray Kuper from the Drayton Kinsmen Club and farm show chairman.

“It’s great to see because this is our next generation of farmers."

Kupor said the farm show, which attracts over 2,000 visitors, gets people out after a long winter.

"The show is usually held at the end of March or beginning of April. It gets all the farmers out together and talking again,” Kupor said. 

“This has always been a real social event. And a lot of these vendors say, that if they don’t come out to the show, they will be missed by their customers.”

Local vendors include those from different feed/mill companies, seed and farm management companies, banks and insurance providers, dealers such as John Deere and Kubota, and farm equipment businesses.

“So, there’s quite a wide variety. It's a popular family outing and it’s helpful for the whole community,” Kupor said.

For 52 years the Drayton Kinsmen Club has served the needs of the community through fundraising projects, community service, and continued support for the Drayton Farm Show.

The Canadian non-profit service organization promotes service, fellowship, positive values and national pride.

“I originally joined the club in 1993. It’s really become a part of me. I joined when I was 19 and now, I’m 50.  I’ve lived here my whole life. So, for me, it’s been a huge part of me and my community,” Kupor said.

Half of all admission fees to the farm show support Cystic Fibrosis.

"This is a cause we've always supported. We definitely get a lot of support from the community to raise the dollars that we put back into the community. We raise dollars for things like parks, minor hockey, and minor soccer,” Kupor said.

“It really is a community event. Drayton Minor Hockey is very helpful and they have the food booth here. And the last couple years, the Drayton Legion has helped us out at the door with admissions. We all pull together and we have a lot of fun.”

Founding member of the Drayton Kinsmen Club, Warren Jack, says the farm show is important to the rural community.

“Farmers can get out and look at new machinery, socialize, and it’s also a time to reminisce,” he said.

Show vendor, Laura Lennox, from Mapleview Agri Ltd., a company specializing in in milk replacers for cows, sheep and goats, said the event is about connecting with the local community and local farmers.

“A lot of the exhibitors are local, so we like talking with them and networking with them as well. It’s good to see everyone in the community,” Lennox said.

Gary Wideman from Triple G Livestock Ltd. said he’s happy to be at the show and to catch up with customers after a long winter.

“For me, it’s a great way to meet everyone, especially those that you don’t see through the winter. So, it’s a great way to catch up before the spring rush, before everything takes off,” he said.

There were tractors galore at the event, with lots of children waiting in line waiting to take a seat.

Ontario Federation of Agriculture president, Barclay Nap, said 'farming is family.'

"You can see there are families here with their children. And this is a great thing. You can’t do it without family. Those investments you make from your farm, your children will be the ones who will grow into it and will understand the new technologies," Nap said.

“You also have the community aspect here. There’s a lot of business here that make this community work. This is a one stop shop for farm businesses to see new technologies and talk to salespeople. It’s a spot where you can see and do a lot of things, all at once.”

Also being featured were 40th Anniversary 2024 Farm show collector John Deere 5125R toy tractors for sale, complete with custom decals and lighting, as well as raffles for a new ATV and an old 1961 classic John Deere tractor.

Mapleton Historical Society past president and founding member, Floyd Schieck said the Drayton Farm Show offers a great way to acknowledge the Kinsmen and all that they have done the community.

“It’s just the way this community is. Everyone comes together. They’ve done an amazing job, and every year, they have some kind of project to feature and put back into the community,” Schieck said.

“It’s a great event. Just look around. Every aspect of the community is covered here. It took off 40 years ago, and vendors just keep on coming back since it’s start. It’s really got something for everybody.”